Seacraft 23Wa with Hynautic powersteering question

[gss036]

My 1989 Seacraft came with above system and has been trouble free since new. I looked at the reservoir today which is in the rear starboard storage hole beside one of the batteries. The pressure guage has rusted to the point that the needle has fallen off. How would one go about repairing this. There is a standard air fitting on it also, so I would think you would have to release the pressure 1st.
The steering still works ok, but I wonder how long before I get a leak? I think it used to read about 25 #'s.
I know that Seastar now owns and replaces parts for the system. Looking for advice before I try to dig into something I know absoultely nothing about. [img]/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img] [img]/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]

[meads910]

Gary,
my 20' also has a hynautic steering system, and I am having to replace the entire system. I found a site that can replace the parts for hynautic systems. It is web page they can also get you a seal kit for the helm, resevoir and the piston.

[gss036]

Actually all I need is a new pressure gage. I checked with the 2 local shops and neither one has in stock. I wonder if one can use a standerd 0-50 type gage, I don't think the threads would be different, anyone have a suggestion?
I looked at the charman site earlier, they refer you to a local dealer.
Meads, why are you having to replace your system?

[meads910]

Gary,
Im not having to replace the entire system just all the parts that go on the cylinder. Like the plate, the bar that goes through the tilt tube and all the washers and nuts.
Did you call the number at the top of the web page, when I called I had them ship me some bolts that go to my cylander

[gss036]

No, I did not try the number since they had listed 2 local dealers. I will go back and try the number and see if they will se d me the gage. Sounds like you have a little different cylinder than I do. Mine just attaches from the side with one end bolted onto the transon. Similar to the system I have for my kicker motor.

[meads910]

yeah my cylinder is a K-10. There is a tab under the site where you can look at the other models of cylinders and resovoirs.
Most of the marinas and marine parts dealers around here couldn't help me either. They all told me that I might have to switch over to seastar. And the parts that they did carry and could order didnt help me at all.

[Bigshrimpin]

gary,
I have the same Hynautic system on my boat. If the dial has rusted off on your gauge you can just take the pressure reading off the valve with a regular tire guage. I imagine that you could replace you're broken gauge with one from an auto parts store, but I haven't had a reason to try that yet. 25 - 30 lbs is the recommended pressure (at least thats what the sticker says on the side of my canister).

Here's some more information about bleeding the system:

http://www.seastarsteering.com/PDFs/182000-A.pdf

[gss036]

I ordered a gage, it was spendy, $26+change, then when I looked at the billing on my credit card, they had charged about $8 shipping and handling. Haven't got it yet but should get here this week, since they have already billed it out. The Seastar site has parts listing for just about any of thier or Hynautic systems. I think they are one and the same company now. Spendy, but at least I will get the right gage.
I don't think I have to worry about purging the system. The guy at the local hydralic shop, said to bleed off the air, open the fill spot and just check the oil level,( he will give a small amount if needed) reinstall the new gage and put air back into the system

[gss036]

Just to correct my previous post a little, recieved the gage today, FedEX ground shipment,(1 week) but was shocked at $9.15 for shipping a 4 oz gage by ground. They didn't mention the price, just asked if ground was ok. They did tell me $25.18 for the gage, which is ok I guess. Easy installation, the old one came right off and new on, fluid level was ok and I put 28# pressure in the resevoir and the steering works great.