Leaky End Caps on Uflex UC128-OBF1
Posted: Thu Feb 07, 2019 10:42 pm
Hello everyone.
Our 2008 Boston Whaler Outrage with Mercury 135 Verado has a small problem with steering. The starboard end cap on the steering cylinder is dripping just a little bit of fluid. I'm not the handiest guy, but I want to learn to fix these kinds of problems the best that I can to avoid the ludicrous labor fees from the local dealer.
This is where I could use some help.
I've inquired, and it seems the part is a Uflex UC128 cylinder. I've had a look at the steering rod, and it is nice and smooth: no abrasions, gashes, pitting, etc that I can see. I'm hoping that replacing the end caps is all that is needed.
Are these cylinders difficult to remove? It appears I need a spanner wrench, but I can't find the one that fits online. Can someone point me to where I can purchase such a wrench?
To replace the end caps, will I need to completely remove the whole unit from the motor, or can I take off the end caps while it's still connected?
Finally, is replacing the seals and o-rings within the cylinder something I can do without special equipment? I imagine that replacing the seals would require complete removal of the cylinder.
So, the products I'm looking at are:
Please help me with this process. I'm trying to become more adept at this type of stuff. Thank you.
Our 2008 Boston Whaler Outrage with Mercury 135 Verado has a small problem with steering. The starboard end cap on the steering cylinder is dripping just a little bit of fluid. I'm not the handiest guy, but I want to learn to fix these kinds of problems the best that I can to avoid the ludicrous labor fees from the local dealer.
This is where I could use some help.
I've inquired, and it seems the part is a Uflex UC128 cylinder. I've had a look at the steering rod, and it is nice and smooth: no abrasions, gashes, pitting, etc that I can see. I'm hoping that replacing the end caps is all that is needed.
Are these cylinders difficult to remove? It appears I need a spanner wrench, but I can't find the one that fits online. Can someone point me to where I can purchase such a wrench?
To replace the end caps, will I need to completely remove the whole unit from the motor, or can I take off the end caps while it's still connected?
Finally, is replacing the seals and o-rings within the cylinder something I can do without special equipment? I imagine that replacing the seals would require complete removal of the cylinder.
So, the products I'm looking at are:
- https://www.amazon.com/Uflex-End-Cap-and-Seal/dp/B074KKHC57
- https://www.jpwmarine.com.au/ultraflex-uc128-obf-cylinder-seal-kit-skae2069
- a spanner wrench (which I cannot find)
Please help me with this process. I'm trying to become more adept at this type of stuff. Thank you.