Transmission dip stick and helm oil check

[mjohnh]

Embarrassed to ask 2 newbie questions.....I have searched high and low and cannot find out how to:

Check the oil in the transmission and the helm.

I have the engine box model...

thanks.

[Tree]

The dipstick for the transmission is on the starboard side. If you've got the Yanmar engine, it's situated just about under the cooler.

[mjohnh]

o.k....yes, I thought that was the engine dip stick...so, where is the engine dip stick??.........do you check the helm oil?

Thanks, again

[Tree]

Engine dipstick is on the port side of the engine - some yanmars have two and the second is down by the starter motor.

[mjohnh]

Thanks again......hope that the Brexit experience works out for you folks.......big decision.....

[Russell]

There is no dip stick on the helm but occasionally the fluid should be topped up. Have the SeaStar hydraulic fluid on hand and a small funnel of some kind to fill with. I use a 10 cc syringe with a stopcock and short length of silicone tubing that fits into the hole. Keep everything scrupulously clean. Behind the steering wheel is a knob to unscrew to open the fill hole. Unless your system is leaking it should only take a few ounces to top off. Add fluid until you can see it in the hole. Turn the wheel a few turns and it will pump the fluid down. Add more and repeat until the level stays at the top.
Ordinarily this has to be done only every few years. If the hydraulic cylinder starts to leak you will notice play in the wheel before it starts to turn and eventually it will spin without turning the rudder at all. I had this happen on my previous boat and had to replace the hydraulic cylinder. I carry the SeaStar fluid and syringe on the boat because you can top it off and get home before it all leaks out again.

[mjohnh]

Great information, Russell...thank you