power steering fluid question

[Fish&Fowl]

Just wondering the usual recommendations and methods for steering fluid and maintenance. There are the zerks back by the motor itself, should those be topped off?

Then there is a fill/vent cap up by my steering wheel, should that be topped off? Will I be using a different fluid for each one? My set-up is an Alumacraft Tournament Sport with a 150 Yammy 4-stroke.

Thanks for any info!

[boatfixer]

Your grease zerks should be greased anually with marine anti-corrosion grease, whether it be Yamalube, Quicksilver, BRP.

The power steering fluid should only be topped off if needed. Assuming that it is original Yamaha fluid in your situation, I would recomend that brand. Most power steering fluids will mix well but if at all possible, stick with the same brand.

[Fish&Fowl]

boatfixer,

Thanks for the info! The tag by my steering wheel says to use only Seastar fluid, and after doing some research it sounds like I should stick with that. How do I know if the system is topped off? Just fill it right to the top of the vent/fill cap?

[boatfixer]

Ya Seastar is the one. Brain fart on the name, sorry. Do you have the owners manual? It should go through the filling procedure in there.

[boatfixer]

oops, I got bumped off....

Anyway, I think the procedure depends on how the helm is mounted, horizontal or 45 degrees.