VP power steering fluid

[Lochlomond]

Just removed power steering cooler for repair, twin kad44's with out drives, ready to replace today and looking for a little advice, thanks.

What fluid do I need to top up reservoir as some lost during removal.

Do I need to bleed system, if so how is this done?

 

[superheat6k]

Is is red ? If so I would expect it is Dexron II or III ATF.

To bleed set your auto helm to Auto then - 10 twice to port then wheel slowly to stbd for a couple of minutes, then repeat for the opposite way + 10 to stbd, wheel to port, each time allowing the ram to reach the stop. Keep an eye on the fluid level in the upper helm pump (if you have two) as you do this.

 

[Lochlomond]

Is is red ? If so I would expect it is Dexron II or III ATF.

To bleed set your auto helm to Auto then - 10 twice to port then wheel slowly to stbd for a couple of minutes, then repeat for the opposite way + 10 to stbd, wheel to port, each time allowing the ram to reach the stop. Keep an eye on the fluid level in the upper helm pump (if you have two) as you do this.

Thanks superheat, it is actually a dark brown colour which has thrown me as from all my googling it appears it may be Dexron II now superseded with Dexron III ATF.

Not sure if I'm getting confused but you mention upper helm pump? Is this the power steering pump as obviously there is auto pilot a separate system and the power steering.

The power steering has a small reservoir on the engine bay bulkhead which is the one i need to top up.

More confusion for me anyway below is a pic from manual mentions power steering (oil grade same as engine 15W/40) but also hydraulic steering, is there a difference?

 

[superheat6k]

Thanks superheat, it is actually a dark brown colour which has thrown me as from all my googling it appears it may be Dexron II now superseded with Dexron III ATF.

Not sure if I'm getting confused but you mention upper helm pump? Is this the power steering pump as obviously there is auto pilot a separate system and the power steering.

The power steering has a small reservoir on the engine bay bulkhead which is the one i need to top up.

More confusion for me anyway below is a pic from manual mentions power steering (oil grade same as engine 15W/40) but also hydraulic steering, is there a difference?

View attachment 58183

I was referring to a boat with a fly - I see yours is a sports cruiser so only one helm.

It looks like your power steering system is separate to your auto helm system, as the manual mentions two oil grades. The brown suggests engine oil in the power steering system.

Perhaps someone with more direct knowledge can clarify this one.

 

[Lochlomond]

Perhaps someone with more direct knowledge can clarify this one.

I hope so, as don't want to put the wrong stuff in, thanks for your help.

 

[[2068]]

Assuming you have the regular mechanical steering with the power steering pump and cooler (i.e. no hydraulic steering which is installed when you have an autopilot), then Emmanuelle says it should be "engine oil" in there, 15/40W.

Of course, the previous owner might have refilled with ATF Dextron II, which is the other possibility. I can't see that it matters much which you use, as it's the exactly the same system fitted to a bunch of other engines as well.

But ... not a good idea to mix ATF and engine oil, so unless you can positively ID which one it is, I would drain it down and refill.