3258 Steering fluid leak-gctid407115

[Guest]

Hi All,

i noticed we had a small trail of red ATF fluid under our starboard motor. Its dripping a couple of inches in front on the transom and seems to be come from low down on the engine. I noticed our power steering fluid was a little low so i am assuming it is that. Any idea what could be leaking in that area? i couldnt find the source, it definitely wasn't obvious.

Thanks

[iceclimber]

http://boaterstore.com/troubleshoot.html

This site will help you. Not familiar with the 3258 system - do you have a pressure pot looking thing between the engines with a gauge on the top? This is the "reservevalve" and where you fill the system, pressure with air etc. If you don't have that and a more modern teleflex system then the steering stations are where you fill. I would start back at the stern where the steering ram is and try to trace out the leak moving forward. The fittings leak, maybe a slowly cracking hose.

Anyway, figuring out what steering system you have is step one. Also, I don't think that's ATF - s/b hydraulic fluid.

[Guest]

Thanks. i'll check the site out.

I don't we have the pot you were talking about. I think ours is simply the reservoir that runs off a pulley on the serpentine belt, the reservoir has two oil lines that run to the hydraulic steering arm setup thats mounted behind the motor.

[iceclimber]

Yeah, don't know much about the more modern systems but the ram should have a plate on it with the model etc. This stuff is generally in a spot where you need to stuff a small child to even look at it. The reason I mention the fluid is the older systems take a lighter hydraulic fluid like SeaStar or crafty fellows can substitute light hydraulic fluid. ATF supposedly does not like to mix and is heavier.

Good luck !