Trim tab

[Hayward_2300SC]

Hello All,

I just recently purchased my boat and I'm trying to change all the fluids. I did changed the oil but I haven't change or add any on the trim tabs and the power steering pump. I'm just wondering if there's a specific type of fluids that I need for the trim tabs and the pump.

Thanks,
Freddie

[seapuppy]

welcome to the zoo....if you run to your local marine store...ask for trim tab oil for the tabs....it's a lightweight oil that the pump can easily use to pwr the trim tabs...
for the pwr steering fluid..it's the same pwr steering fluid that you get for your car.....
but ...here's a kicker...you can use pwr steering fluid in the trim tab pump.....either will work effectively in the trim tabs but you can't put the trim tab oil in the pwr steering reservoir.....

SP

[Hayward_2300SC]

thank you, have a nice weekend!

[Fly Boy]

Originally Posted by seapuppy

welcome to the zoo....if you run to your local marine store...ask for trim tab oil for the tabs....it's a lightweight oil that the pump can easily use to pwr the trim tabs...
for the pwr steering fluid..it's the same pwr steering fluid that you get for your car.....
but ...here's a kicker...you can use pwr steering fluid in the trim tab pump.....either will work effectively in the trim tabs but you can't put the trim tab oil in the pwr steering reservoir.....

SP

What?? I understand what you're saying... but why is that?

[seapuppy]

it's roughly the same weight and is recommended by merc. for either the pwr steering fluid or trim tab use...when mixed...it makes a pretty pink color in your trim tab reservoir.....plus it will show where your leaking out if your loosing it thru the pistons or pump.....



SP

[Fly Boy]

Ah ha, makes more sense now. It looked like one of those "A is to B, as C is to A, but not B" deals. I di actually notice I was losing steering fluid, and could not trace the leak. Actually I noticed I was losing a little gear oil every outing, but never had any puddles or rainbows in the water... Still not sure of the leak area, but new seals and all the goodies wont hurt anyway.