Hydraulic Steering Fluid souce

[ericjp]

I had to remove my console for some deck repairs and since I had my steering lines detached I figured I'd flush the entire system. I didn't want to pay the 20$ a quart for seastar fluid I searched for some of the mil spec fluid they say is ok to use. Did a little searching and found ACI Lubes, The Grease People! Specializing in Solutions for Consumable Materials! (http://www.acilube.com/) had the best prices I could find. I ordered 4 quarts that came to 30$ with shipping. 5.50 a quart plus shipping and handling. The only thing I didn't specify is that I wanted 4 individual quarts, so I have a gallon can of it. It only took 3 days from when I ordered it until it was on my doorstep. I'll use what I need to on the flush and rebottle the rest. Hope this helps if anyone is flushing their system. I guess I'll put in the usual disclaimer. ** I have no affiliation with acilube other than being a customer **

[racn35]

belive it or not i have used nothing but Dextron II/III in both boats all my whole life.... $1.29 a QT at Pep Boys

[DWinter]

Dexron III in my seastar after failure with the expensive stuff. Only way to go.

[rgminer]

Yep, automatic transmission fluid is essentially hydraulic fluid. I use to work on equipment with hydraulic door lifters. The manufacturer sold their fluid for $60 a gallon, (it took 2 gallons per lifter). We bought automatic tranny fluid for $16 a gallon and it worked just fine. In fact we only had to change the fluid every year instead of every 6 months or so...

[racn35]

airframes & hydraulics on jets (F-14) for 22 years pushed me in that direction and boats dont drop from the sky