Hydraulic fluid

[William Thomas]

I Have used my 2017 CW 28 for about a year now and feel that it might be prudent to carry a quart of hydraulic fluid for the trim tabs and engine hatch.
Can I use the same approved fluid as the Garmin steering system/auto pilot?

If not what brand and type should be used?

Thanks,
Bill T.

 

[NorCal]

Hi Bill, On my boat which is a 31 the fluids are different. The steering system uses a special hydraulic fluid while the trimtabs / engine hatch use automatic transmission fluid. If I remember correctly it is just Dexron III fluid for trim tabs.

I am sure others will comment as well.

John

 

[Osprey]

The UFEX manual cautions that one should NOT use ATF in the steering system. I use SEASTAR ISO 15. Several other brands are also acceptable such as Quicksilver and UFLEX. Look for the ISO 15 specification (or sometimes OSO 15), depending on brand. Do a GOOGLE search "hydraulic steering fluid" for alternate brands.

 

[Andrew Custis]

Hello Bill,

The trim tab pump uses the ATF where the steering system uses specific hydraulic fluid such as the Seastar mentioned above. We use all Uflex branded hydraulic oil in our steering systems.