Sea Star hydraulics leaking

So it looks like my Sea Star hydraulic steering is leaking from the port side seal. Based off some research it doesn’t seem like a big job to replace it. but I have a trip coming up here and I don’t want a diy project to turn into my boat in the shop, so I would just like to ‘top off’ the fluid until I get back.

Can I do that without purging the lines?

What about fluid? The manual gives a several alternative to the ultra-expensive Sea Star fluid. I also says you can use Dexron in an emergency, but while researching it seems a lot of people call that BS and just use Dexron? I’ve also read it is ok to use these alternatives but don’t mix with the current fluid already being used??

Just seeing what others have done.

PM me when you are done , I will rent the toll from you to fix mine. I have always used the 14.00 a quart in my boats?

I would not mix them as a long term solution, the rest of your seals can be shot by this. But for the short term it will get you by.

If your planning on bleeding the system you might as well just replace the seal at the same time.

I agree the seastar hydraulic fluid is ultra expensive, the only property I see listed on the milspec for this fluid that makes it different than other is the fact that is rated for cold weather. If cold weather is not a concern for you I do not see any reason why you could not get away from using a less expensive hydraulic fluid. All of there hydraulic fluids they suggest are aviation milspec’s for the same reason.

I think the fluid you are looking for is the same stuff used in snow plow hydraulics. fleet farm carries it and should be cheaper than sea star fluid.

I decided to go for it. I got the kit and Sea Star fluid and replaced the seal. All went well.

Thanks!