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I posted in the spring about the noise I am having with my helm unit.
I have just gotten around to looking at it. I have a clicking noise when I turn the wheel. I have no steering isues at all(other than the noise) I bled it this past weekend and it seemed to be a little bit better.
From what I have read is the valve in the back of the helm could be sticking,it seems to be they are having other problems also.
Is this the pistons in the pump the are making the noise?
Should I try cleaning the valves or replace the helm unit?
Thanks for any help
__________________ 2002 Pursuit 3070 Offshore CC
Twin Yamaha 250 OX66
I have a clicking noise when I turn the wheel also. Only the lower helm. The wheel is hollow stainless steel and I believe there is a loose piece of metal inside the hollow rim.
If its really bothering you take it apart. There are some springs that are inside that can get stuff stuck in them. You have one for each side. sometimes they dont close all the way and the engines can fall to one side or another slowly when trimmed up or when they have any pressure on them. Make sure to put a towel down when taking them out. oh yeah pay attention to how you did it.
__________________ 2008 2530 Parker w/twin 225 Yamis - Sold
2006 38 TE Fountain Triple 275 Verados - Sold
2004 32 Sea Vee Twin 250xs
Like any part of a steering system, the helms are designed to keep functioning in spite of lots of little problems. They'll get loose and sloppy, leak fluid and make noise, but they'll keep steering the boat. I've had them do all sorts of strange things, but never had one with enough fluid in it quit. I have found that parts can be tough to get because they would prefer that you replace the helm rather than rebuilding it, because if you get it wrong, it could fail.
As such, I'd live with the noise and then replace it when you are comfortable doing so.
let me know what you guys think, my seastar system is leaking from one of the endcaps through the o-ring. I took out the cap today and the o-ring looks to be in good shape, the weird thing is that the cylinder only leaks when the engines are trimmed up all the way, if i lower the outboard about a foot or so, the leak stops. it doesnt leak continuously, but its a slow drip. anybody have any ideas how to fix this ( besides leaving the engine trimmed down a bit) ??
[quote=martian171;2709858]let me know what you guys think, my seastar system is leaking from one of the endcaps through the o-ring. I took out the cap today and the o-ring looks to be in good shape, the weird thing is that the cylinder only leaks when the engines are trimmed up all the way, if i lower the outboard about a foot or so, the leak stops. it doesnt leak continuously, but its a slow drip. anybody have any ideas how to fix this ( besides leaving the engine trimmed down a bit) ??[/quote
Check your shafts for any wear. If none,seals need to be replaced.
Yeah good luck with that. I had similar problems with my helm within the first year. I contacted them and was given all kinds of promises but no resolution.
I cut my losses and threw the helm in the trash where it belongs and got U-Flex helm.
The Seastar helm on my boats was making noise, leaking fluid and the engine was falling to one side. Was going to send it out for a rebuild but decided to replace it all together. Found one on line for $365.00 that will give me peace of mind and should last at least another 13 years.
hey, was that $365 price like a 1 in a million deal or were there more for the same price. the boat is 10 years old so I imagine that the cylinder is as well. don't wanna be doing things half ass, so if i can find a good deal on a new one i'll go for it. like you say, it's piece of mind, at least until something else breaks.
Seastar helm 
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