Ultraflex UP Hydraulic Steering Expells Fluid from Filler Cap

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  Ultraflex UP Hydraulic Steering Expells Fluid from Filler Cap

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Author Topic:   Ultraflex UP Hydraulic Steering Expells Fluid from Filler Cap

Feejer posted 04-18-2009 03:42 PM ET (US)
On [some Boston Whaler boat using] Ultraflex UP hydraulic steering there is a [screw-on cap] to fill the [helm pump reservoir] on the top of the console. The screw-on cap seems to have a small bleed hole in it. Sometimes when I turn the wheel a little fluid comes out. Is there something wrong? Too much fluid?
jimh posted 04-18-2009 10:22 PM ET (US)
I've seen excess fluid come out of the filler cap on the helm pump on my Boston Whaler boat. If you fill the system on a cold day, you may have too much fluid for that hot day the boat sits in the sun.
Feejer posted 04-19-2009 07:06 AM ET (US)
That what is turned out to be, too much fluid put in by the dealer.
jimh posted 04-20-2009 01:48 PM ET (US)
What type of hydraulic cylinder actuator does your boat have? Is it a side mount cylinder? Or a center mount cylinder?
Do you have the rear mounting helm pump with remote fill?
Feejer posted 04-20-2009 02:25 PM ET (US)
Jim
Attached are 2 photos. I guess I have a center mount? I really should know but I don't
http://s268.photobucket.com/albums/jj32/LPBagi/Steering%20Fill/
jimh posted 04-20-2009 04:46 PM ET (US)
Yes, that is a center-mount hydraulic steering actuator.
The reason I asked is this: with side mount hydraulic steering actuators the volume of fluid in the actuator changes slightly depending on which way the ram is positioned. You must allow some extra room in the reservoir for this, else you will be certain to over-fill.
From SeaStar instructions:
"Side mount and splashwell mount cylinders are unbalanced. The oil level in the helm must be set with the cylinder rod fully retracted. Failing to observe this caution will result in an oil spill at the helm. Turning the wheel to port (left) will retract the cylinder rod."
On your helm installation there are other considerations that apply. You have the remote fill option. You should have plenty of margin for extra fluid, as you will be able to fill the helm above the full mark.
On non-tilted installations without the remote fill option, the fill level is:
"Helm mounted with the wheel shaft completely horizontal must be filled to bottom of filler hole at all times. Do not allow oil level to drop more than 1/4-inch.
On tilted helms without remote fill:
"Helmsmounted on a 20° angle or with wheel shaft vertical, oil level should be within 1/2-inch of hole. Check oil periodically."
Again, these instructions are from SeaStar but they're generic, I think.
Did you get an instruction manual with your Boston Whaler owner's information packet for the UFlex components?
Feejer posted 04-20-2009 05:18 PM ET (US)
Thanks for the information
I need to go thru the paperwork again. I do not think I have the manual from the manufacture. I do have a mercury manual that has information about installing the engine and the power steering. This is separate from the engine owners manual.

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Author	Topic: Ultraflex UP Hydraulic Steering Expells Fluid from Filler Cap
Feejer	posted 04-18-2009 03:42 PM ET (US) On [some Boston Whaler boat using] Ultraflex UP hydraulic steering there is a [screw-on cap] to fill the [helm pump reservoir] on the top of the console. The screw-on cap seems to have a small bleed hole in it. Sometimes when I turn the wheel a little fluid comes out. Is there something wrong? Too much fluid?
jimh	posted 04-18-2009 10:22 PM ET (US) I've seen excess fluid come out of the filler cap on the helm pump on my Boston Whaler boat. If you fill the system on a cold day, you may have too much fluid for that hot day the boat sits in the sun.
Feejer	posted 04-19-2009 07:06 AM ET (US) That what is turned out to be, too much fluid put in by the dealer.
jimh	posted 04-20-2009 01:48 PM ET (US) What type of hydraulic cylinder actuator does your boat have? Is it a side mount cylinder? Or a center mount cylinder? Do you have the rear mounting helm pump with remote fill?
Feejer	posted 04-20-2009 02:25 PM ET (US) Jim Attached are 2 photos. I guess I have a center mount? I really should know but I don't http://s268.photobucket.com/albums/jj32/LPBagi/Steering%20Fill/
jimh	posted 04-20-2009 04:46 PM ET (US) Yes, that is a center-mount hydraulic steering actuator. The reason I asked is this: with side mount hydraulic steering actuators the volume of fluid in the actuator changes slightly depending on which way the ram is positioned. You must allow some extra room in the reservoir for this, else you will be certain to over-fill. From SeaStar instructions: "Side mount and splashwell mount cylinders are unbalanced. The oil level in the helm must be set with the cylinder rod fully retracted. Failing to observe this caution will result in an oil spill at the helm. Turning the wheel to port (left) will retract the cylinder rod." On your helm installation there are other considerations that apply. You have the remote fill option. You should have plenty of margin for extra fluid, as you will be able to fill the helm above the full mark. On non-tilted installations without the remote fill option, the fill level is: "Helm mounted with the wheel shaft completely horizontal must be filled to bottom of filler hole at all times. Do not allow oil level to drop more than 1/4-inch. On tilted helms without remote fill: "Helmsmounted on a 20° angle or with wheel shaft vertical, oil level should be within 1/2-inch of hole. Check oil periodically." Again, these instructions are from SeaStar but they're generic, I think. Did you get an instruction manual with your Boston Whaler owner's information packet for the UFlex components?
Feejer	posted 04-20-2009 05:18 PM ET (US) Thanks for the information I need to go thru the paperwork again. I do not think I have the manual from the manufacture. I do have a mercury manual that has information about installing the engine and the power steering. This is separate from the engine owners manual.