Steering hoses

[Deleted]

I just bought my first boat - a 1996 SeaPro 190CC
I need to replace the hoses for the hydraulic steering but I don't know where to purchase them.  I also need instructions on how to bleed the lines  and also what length to buy.

Can anyone help?
Thanks
Wes

[Juan]

WELCOME ABOARD..
Like SC already said, you more than likely have a Sea Star or Bay Star hydraulic system. (Sea Star is rated for motors over 150 hp. and Bay Star 150 and under). Bleeding isn't difficult..
There should be a fill cap between the steering wheel and console... remove that and fill with hydraulic fluid. Any 20 weight fluid will work just fine, you don't have to use Teleflex brand. replace the cap and loosen the bleed valve closest to the steering wheel first (located next to the actuator) (under the motor).. turn the steering wheel until hydraulic fluid (or air) squirts out and then tighten the bleed valve back,, repeat the process until a good steam of hydraulic fluid squirts from the bleed valve every time you turn the steering wheel.. do the bleed valve on the other side of the actuator the same way.
Again like SC said, it could get messy if you don't put something under the bleed valves to catch the hydraulic fluid.

[985crabs]

Issue #1): What makes you believe you must replace lines?

Issue#2): If you do have to having a mechanic is easiest choice.

Issue#3): If you want to go it alone, Juan's instructions are solid. I've bled and filled my system recently so I know. I put a basting pan under both bleeder valves in my splash well. Then I opened the right valve and cranked the helm back and forth to pump the oil and air out. Then I closed the right valve and opened the left and did the same. This will empty the lines as much as possible. If you are replacing, at this point you'll have to put a bowl under your helm-pump, disconnect the lines and drain them, etc. I'd blow on the lines (mechanically of course) to force the remaining fluid to the other end so it can be collected in the basting pan.

Then, of course, you'll have to pull the line through. Certainly you'll tie a string at the far end and drag it through so you can tie same to new line and drag it the other way. The length of the new line will be exactly (or as close as possible) the length of the old one.

Issue#4): Once you pull the new lines and connect them to the helm-pump you'll need to refill the system. That fluid is expensive so I saved all I had collected in my basting pan and bucket. I filtered it and set it aside. I bought one quart of new fluid and a filler hose. The filler hose had a connector that screwed onto the fluid bottle and another that screwed into the fill-port on the helm pump. Connect everything and open a bleeder valve. Crank helm around and back until just oil comes out. Switch sides and repeat. Do this back and forth while replenishing your fluid supply from that witch you've collected until you feel comfortable that all air is gone and lines and steering is tight . Then close everything up.

Issue#5): Did I mention that your local mechanic has a machine that makes this a lot easier? Let him do it.

Issue#6): I don't follow my own advice. I did it with a friend. We spent an hour studying a YouTube video off how to do this and about 15 minutes actually doing it. Figure out if you have Seastar or Baystar and do a YouTube search. It will provide all answers.

Good luck,

Crabs

[Simple Man]

Crabs advice is spot on. You can and should bleed that entire system out of the helm pump reservoir filler. No need to bleed system at the piston end.