seastar helm
 

Anyone know of a replacement hydraulic fluid I can add to my helm rather than spend $25 on a quart of the seastar brand. Thanks

West Marine has a Pure Oceans "Hydraulic fluid that meets or exceeds manufacturer's specs." I've used it in a pinch. Do not remember the price. When I get it in a pinch I do not care about the price, just that job is done. Says it will mix with whatever else you have in the system. Does not say it meets the MIL SPec that Sea Star does though.

There has gotta be and better price on the Sea Star fluid out there.
Marine Parts source online as it for $15.79 per qt. I googled Sea Star Hydraulic fluid to find it.

Go to a small airport for mil spec

A lot of people use ATF II or ATF III trans fluid. Some say it will hurt the seals but those who really seem to know what they are talking about say it is the right mil spec for the job and will not damage seals. That being said, I've always bought the Seastar stuff even before I fixed my leak. A quart goes a long way.

Although ATF is used in many power steering systems, it's a very aggressive fluid that will attack many rubber compounds. If it causes your seals to leak, you will wish you'd spend the extra $ for the Seastar hydraulic fluid!

Mar-Pac pro, half the price

http://www.foreandaftmarine.com/7-1087.htm

FYI

West Marine will price match any internet price.

Just zap it with your phone using the app "quick scan" for huge savings.

The app searches the internet for lowest price, done.