Yellow Fluid leaking under helm

[UVAfisherman]

We were out yesterday in our 2021 R27 and noticed a not insignificant amount of oily yellow fluid leaking under the helm. We had the autopilot on, and from what I gathered from other posts that fluid is related to the Garmin autopilot. We shut it down and the drip stopped. Upon further examination, it seems like this had happened in the past based on the residue along the padded seam under the helm. I will obviously add this to the growing and surprisingly long list of punch list items we will hope to get resolved at the 20 hour service, but in the interim - what is going on here?

As to the punch list items, I am sure the dealer will address, and certainly expect there to be some, but how many should one expect on a brand new boat? Some seem like QC issues that the factory should have addressed before sending the boat out.

Thanks in advance.

 

[jagizzi]

The fluid is hydraulic steering fluid and it is likely coming from the cap on the top of the steering column. You will want to check the level every once in a while and have some of the fluid on board the boat. I cant remember the brand right now but they will know when you get your punchlist done. It is normal for the steering to burp a bit in the beginning and it does that through the cap on the steering column. You could check and make sure it is hand tight though.

Punchlist items are normal and the number can seem pretty high but most are easily resolved. Even the ones that you think are tough. Its part of the process unfortunately.

 

[UVAfisherman]

Thanks - that was my first thought, but I checked the cap and it was tight. Plus, that’s not where leak is coming from - it is where the faux wood meets the gel coat under the steering wheel.

 

[Osprey]

The fluid is most likely to be steering oil. If not escaping from the fill cap vent, then try checking the back of the pump. There you will find 3 hose connections.
I would also remove the fill plug to check the fluid level. The level should be up to the bottom end of the threads.

 

[dclagett]

I would first wipe down the front and back of the steering pump removing all residual oil from the leak. Then exercise the steering and then re-examine the pump and connections for oil leakage. If it is a high pressure leak you may need to take the boat out, make sure the pump is full before operating the boat, and do some tight turns at speed. Hopefully this should show where it is leaking.

On my RT25 I believe I had a leak in the Uflex steering pump since the boat was new. It did not show up until sufficient oil was in the the wood and padded instrument panel. I then noticed a very small amount coming from where the pump was mounted to the panel. Turns out the leak was between to two halves of the pump housing.

Hope this helps.

 

[Cutwater28GG]

I have a slight leak from the outside steering fluid cap. Didn’t do it for the first 7 years of life. Likely just the gasket failing in the cap or a sign of something more systemic?

 

[Ralf H]

Hi UVAfisherman,

If you are sure it is not the typical overflow from the venting cap on the top of the helm pump, check in the cabinet behind the head mirror to see if there is any fluid coming from any fittings on the pump. If so, it may simply be a fitting that may need tightening. If not, please reach out to your dealer so they can help diagnose and get this resolved for you.

Thank you,

Ralf

 

[CruisingElvinRay]

My question was about the common of paralleling the house and the starter batteries while underway. I haven’t done it, but it is even endorsed on the “as the prop turns” power management webinar (unless I misunderstood).

Using a starter battery and deep cycle batteries in parallel in that scenario would cause what problem?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[KKRCRACE]

I also have a steering fluid leak that drips on my right foot at times. All fittings are tight and dry and I think that it is a faulty crimp. I’m going to check it better this week. My boat is a 2018 and it’s been leaking for two years and now seems to be leaking more.
KKRCRACE