Hydraulic Steering Fluid

[westernman]

I need to top up the reservoir for the hydraulic steering on my boat.
What is in there looks kind of reddish - a cross between rust and red diesel fuel!

What would be suitable?

 

[claudio]

It could be automatic transmission fluid as used for cars Dexron II. This is the recommended oil for Teleflex helm pumps 1250V and 1275V

from the teleflex manual ...
1250V, 1275V systems are designed to operate with ATF, automatic
transmission fluid type A or Dextron ll or III as used in automobiles.
1350 systems are designed to operate with SAE 10 turbine oil.

 

[westernman]

I think it is a teleflex system - at least this is what it said in the broker's information when I bought the boat. I can't see any obvious references anywhere though.

Which of those fluids you mentioned would be the right colour?

 

[Rivers & creeks]

Every car I've topped up the ATF has been red. My boat's hydraulic steering uses ATF.

 

[claudio]

I think it is a teleflex system - at least this is what it said in the broker's information when I bought the boat. I can't see any obvious references anywhere though.

Which of those fluids you mentioned would be the right colour?

Normal ATF fluid is usually manufactured to Dexron II Spec. Either Dexron II or III should be OK. they are both coloured red. I have used both in mine, the helm pump is Capilano, which is now Teleflex

 

[penfold]

Assuming you're using it in a manual system and not a powered one, it doesn't really matter what grade of ATF. The different grades have different quantities of friction modifiers which is of no consequence here as a manual system is simply using it as hydraulic fluid; any grade will do as long as it's clean.