Another stupid newbie question - what fluid?

brentm77 · **Posted:** Wed Jul 01, 2015 9:53 am

Another stupid question that will be obvious to all of you:

What fluid goes in this reservoir?

It was very low when I looked at it, so I couldn't see what color it was on the dipstick. Is this power steering fluid?

Mercruiser, Chevy 350, 1987 Horizon 170

afw200 · **Posted:** Wed Jul 01, 2015 10:11 am

Is this power steering fluid? YES.......

rpengr · **Posted:** Wed Jul 01, 2015 10:11 am

Standard Automotive Power Steering Fluid:
(It's an AC/Delco power steering pump)

DougT01 · **Joined:** Wed May 20, 2015 6:44 pm **Posts:** 121

You definitely need to get a factory manual for you engine and an owners manual off the website.
Just saying..

Doug

brentm77 · **Posted:** Wed Jul 01, 2015 12:10 pm

The owners manual sucks. I have read it cover-to-cover twice. Anything of importance refers to the owners manual for the engine, which I haven't yet located.

I knew it was a stupid question, but I figured it was better to injure my pride than my engine. I don't know how else to learn about this stuff than to ask questions when I can't find it through Google. I was never taught this stuff by a parent or in school, so I am not sure how else to learn it. I will be getting the engine manual and drive manual as soon as I can locate them.

Thanks for replies.

DougT01 · **Joined:** Wed May 20, 2015 6:44 pm **Posts:** 121

Sorry if I made you feel like any question on here is not appropriate.
These guys are good and when you need an answer, this is the place to come.

You'll have to buy an engine manual. Maybe $65

I found mine here. They are very helpful. If you don't see it listed at the bottom your engines parts page, give them a call on their 800 number.

http://www.marineengine.com/manuals/index.html

Best regards,
Doug

brentm77 · **Posted:** Wed Jul 01, 2015 1:02 pm

Not at all. Just getting a bit defensive from one of the above comments.

Thanks for the website. When I purchased the boat, I was told it was a Chevy 350 engine. The boat is 1987. I know now it is mercruiser drive. If I purchase the online version that is described below, does itsound like it will cover my engine and drive?

Online Access Manual - Order Below

Online Repair Manual - Mercruiser Sterndrives all engine and drives. Gas engines only. 1964-2008
Now available... accessed via the Internet.
Purchase access to the Online Repair and Maintenance Manual for your specific Mercruiser model for three years. You will choose your year and model during registration and will have access to that one model for the subscription period.

GottWhat · **Posted:** Wed Jul 01, 2015 1:27 pm

.......

GottWhat · **Posted:** Wed Jul 01, 2015 1:31 pm

Having a service manual is a must. They are even available on Amazon: http://smile.amazon.com/Mercruiser-Ster ... er+service

97_245_sd · **Posted:** Wed Jul 01, 2015 1:37 pm

Brent,
I'm not sure if it has been mentioned yet, and it is way too early to talk about cold weather, but one other thing you need to know is that boat engine/sterndrives must be winterized before any freezing temperatures or the water will freeze inside and ruin the engine. It's done at the end of year, before putting it away during winter. It's not like a car that has antifreeze in the cooling system.

The service manual will cover the procedure and there is much discussion on here about good/bad ways to do the winterization.

I just wanted to make a quick mention since you are new and learning. Don't worry about it now but I wanted to mention it now in case you aren't around in the fall and didn't know about it yet.

LVChris · **Posted:** Wed Jul 01, 2015 1:47 pm

Just want to add that yes it is the power steering pump...but NO it is not always filled with power steering fluid. Mine apparently uses Automatic Transmission Fluid.

http://www.smwebhead.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=13093

from one of my posts...

Quote:

LVChris wrote:

Ok finally got to the boat...the power steering pump is low. Odd I never noticed anything in the bilge...but I have had her about two and a half years and honestly probably never looked at it. My mistake. Question though I asked the local dealer and he said to look at what color is in there now and refill with that (meaning if it's clear use ps fluid, red use ATF etc.) well I looked and it's red, so I bought the Lucas oil synthetic blend ATF fluid and want to make sure from the forum here that that sounds right? Sorry I am not confident in adding automatic transmission fluid to my power steering pump, but everyone I have asked so far says it's fine...just wanted 1 more yes vote.

Thanks,

Yep I used ATF when I replaced a previous power steering pump an a Sea Ray.

Also note that if you are loosing power steering fluid and you cant see any oil in the boat you may have a leak in your power steering cooler which will leak fluid into the cooling water and out the exhaust.

brentm77 · **Posted:** Wed Jul 01, 2015 2:09 pm

Great information from everyone. Thanks for the information on the manuals. Thanks for the information on winterizing. As for the type of fluid, I will try and get a bit of fluid out to see what color it is. Thanks!

I have a lot of reading to do in the manuals now...

Paul I. · **Posted:** Wed Jul 01, 2015 2:48 pm

DougT01 wrote:

Sorry if I made you feel like any question on here is not appropriate.
These guys are good and when you need an answer, this is the place to come.

You'll have to buy an engine manual. Maybe $65

I found mine here. They are very helpful. If you don't see it listed at the bottom your engines parts page, give them a call on their 800 number.

http://www.marineengine.com/manuals/index.html

Best regards,
Doug

I think Seloc is one of the better ones.

brentm77 · **Posted:** Wed Jul 01, 2015 3:19 pm

Quote:

Just want to add that yes it is the power steering pump...but NO it is not always filled with power steering fluid. Mine apparently uses Automatic Transmission Fluid.

The service manual says:
POWER STEERING FLUID
IMPORTANT: Use only automatic transmission fluid (ATF), Dexron or Dexron II in Power Steering System

Is Dexron II standard power steering fluid, or should I just use ATF?

97_245_sd · **Posted:** Wed Jul 01, 2015 3:33 pm

Dexron is GM Trans fluid.

www.iFourWinns.com

Another stupid newbie question - what fluid?

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