[Long Beach Bob]

I have a 1979 Teleflex steering system, one on the flying bridge and one in the cabin..have to pour trans fluid in at top and turn steering wheel many times to bleed out air as I fill it a little at a time..what I am not sure of, is how full to fill it...to overflowing or other? the tube going into the bottom unit is clear, so, I can see when the level is almost up to the unit..but, not sure when to stop pouring....Thanks for any help..

 

[ExpertMarine]

Are you sure you don't have a pressurised system with a canister?

Fill it till its full. Using the fill adaptor is way easier!
I would recomend having someone steer the helms in opposite dirrections at the same time. Then excersize the lower helm hard over to each side a few times.

 

[ReelDreamer]

If you have the standard Uniflite system, it is not a canister type system. Do not over fill or it will constantly weep out the vent hole for months. Fill just enough to cover the linkage inside the helm pump, slightly more.
You are aware there are bleed valves on a manifold in the stern of the boat, right? Open those and have someone turn the wheel until you get oil squirting out the bleeds. You will need to turn many many times to bleed, much easier for 2 people. Without using those bleeds, it may or may not get all the air out by just turning lock to lock. That was the system on my '79 38'Uni Convertible. I assume yours is the same.

 

[Long Beach Bob]

hmmm, didn't know about the bleed system at the stern (no manuals with 79' Uniflite boat purchase) it takes me two or 3 hours to fill it, just turning the flybridge wheel...got the 2 missing seals replaced in the helm steering damper (someone fixed it with pipetape......now, if I can get if filled properly, catalina is waiting.... Thanks for the advice...

 

[ReelDreamer]

Bob,
Let me know if you need help finding the bleed manifold. I'm in long beach also.