How do I check the Sea Star fluid?

[Cape Codder]

I removed the vent cap on my Sea Star Tilt steering right at the helm.
No fluid visible? (there is a metal plate and just a tiny hole)
Yet, I understand that the fluid should be with in a half inch of the cap.

Hmmmm, could sure use some advice.

Thanks.

[Cape Codder]

Nevermind.........
Got it......was about a 1/3 cup low.........
Now nice and tight.

[RobS]

Where did the 1/3rd cup go?

[Cape Codder]

Rob,
I added the 1/3 cup to the helm pump. Obviously there must me a small leak somewhere, yet undetectable so far.
So over 7 years, there was just that little loss, and it seemed the steering had too much play, and now seems fine,

[DougSea]

Where did the 1/3rd cup go?

I had a Seastar helm in my Aquasport 215 that must have eaten it or something. Every few weeks I had to add some fluid but there was never any sign of a leak. I know there had to be one, but I'll be damned if I could find it.

[RobS]

Understood. Keep in mind that when checking the cylinder be sure to check the seal at the mounting foot. It's common to only check the seal at the rod-end and ignore the opposite end. The mounting foot end is where both of my prior cylinders leaked and was a common problem. The new updated cylinder contains an updated seal design. See attached..

[Cape Codder]

Thanks Rob.