What is the new(er) hydraulic fluid Sea Star is packaging in a rust colored container? The stuff I have used in the past was in a clear bottle. My hydraulic fluid is not that new eco-friendly stuff. I've got that in my Power Pole reservoir. Can you use any name brand power steering & trim fluid?

Thanks!

I'm not aware of any fluid spec change, but I haven't installed one in about 4 years. I poked around on the web, and found SeaStar advertisements touting that their bottle received a facelift. (I'm sure the opaque bottle is cheaper to make.) They say something along the line of "new look, same great quality". This tells me that the spec info I had is not outdated.

Check your manual, or download info from teleflex or elsewhere if you wish. I would say the key would be to look for the MIL spec called out by Teleflex. If you fluid you have meets that spec, you've got what you need. I saw the Shell Aero #41 Fluid on Amazon for $14.99 that included shipping. I think Teleflex is $10+ more.

Here's the info I had on hand from a Teleflex document:

4. What kind of oil should I use in my SeaStar system?

Recommended oils for your steering system are:

SeaStar Fluid, P/N HA5430 (1 quart), HA5440 (1 gallon).

The following brands are acceptable:
Chevron® Aviation Hydraulic Fluid A, Esso® Univis N15 or J13, Mobil® Aero HFA, Petro Canada
Harmony HV115 (in Canada only), Shell® Aero Fluid #41, Texaco® HO15 and other fluids meeting
MIL SPEC H-5606-G.

Automatic transmission fluid (Dexron II®) may be used in an emergency. Never use brake fluid. Any
non-approved fluid may cause irreparable damage, loss of steering, and cancellation of warranty.
In cases of extreme emergency any non toxic, nonflammable fluid may provide temporary steering.

Generally, 2 quarts are required for single station, single cylinder filling. Add one quart per additional
station or cylinder.

Please note that SeaStar Capilano systems use Dexron II ATF, not SeaStar steering fluid.

This also meets spec as I still have a quart left. But if your loosing fluid best is to find out where and get it fixed.

https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/lgpages/phillips66XC5606H.php?clickkey=96374

Aircraft Spruce has good prices on the Shell and Phillips fluids for sure - way better than Amazon - I just haven't checked the shipping cost yet.

https://www.amazon.com/Octopus-Auto...mp;psc=1&refRID=FSZ9KJ04HPHCGQ07SEG5

I saw a boat dealer suggest this on another forum.

Thank you all!

WOW, is this only a 20W? That's light. Is all helm oil that thin?

It's a hydraulic "fluid" and I gather not untypical.

Aviation Spec Hydraulic Fluid.