hydraulic steering

g36 · Post by **g36** » Tue Mar 02, 2010 6:37 am

thanks gardnersf maybe that might be a shot .

does nobody else with a 78-79 trojan have this steering system?
sure not looking to spend $2000 on replacing this stuff

ScurvyDog · Post by **ScurvyDog** » Tue Mar 02, 2010 7:28 am

I have a 78 Trojan F32 also with the Syten steering system. I have been nursing it for about 4 seasons now hoping it won't quit or a seal breaks. I have done a pretty hard look for parts and have also come up with nothing. I'd be interested in options other than spending a few grand!

TADTOOMUCH · Post by **TADTOOMUCH** » Tue Mar 02, 2010 8:45 am

I too have a 1978 F-32 that I have owned for four years and I haven't had any steering issues. I think the Syten System is a Teleflex product but I am not sure. What are the symptoms of a leak in the system?

g36 · Post by **g36** » Tue Mar 02, 2010 11:36 am

tadtoomuch my leak is very obvious it is leaking at the lower helm seal where the steering wheel comes out of the unit. right down on the carpet. i have placed a catch pan and try to keep the unit topped of but it has now increased its drip rate and of course is big pain. i wondered about just disassably of the hydraulic lines and capping them off but if the fittings are something strange it may not be that easy.
i would like to know the size so as to be prepared does anybody know the correct size?
i just dont have the $$$'s to spend on this at the moment. a seal would correct this but looks like this is not going to happen.

gardnersf · Post by **gardnersf** » Tue Mar 02, 2010 9:55 pm

In the articles I rad, the fitting sizes were 5/16". I wasn't sure if the 5/16 adapters I posted the link for could be used to retrofit a newer model pump.

Or you take the route fo the other article and find a seal. If you are leaking around the steering shaft, you may be able to get away with just the shaft seal.

captainmaniac · Post by **captainmaniac** » Tue Mar 02, 2010 10:24 pm

I also have the Syten system. My leak (very slow and minor) is where the hoses connect to the ram near the tiller arm. Every spring I check fluid level and top it up a bit. The check valves are also going / gone as my steering is a bit 'sloppy' .... If I have a strong beam wind I have to keep turning the wheel into the breeze to keep her going straight. In a 30 mile straight line run, I may put 2 or 3 revolutions on the wheel.

One of these days I will replace the whole system with a new one. I am not a huge fan of swapping out parts and farting around with a 30 year old hydraulic system... especially for something as critical as steering. If I touch it, I want to make sure its 100% from end to end.

Rodman · Post by **Rodman** » Wed Mar 03, 2010 11:41 am

My steering system consist of a chain. and long rod that runs to a steering box. Then a arm they runs to the rudder. I removed the rudder cause it was very stiff when I got the F26 and now you can turn it with one finger. I hope then system last a while. Now on my F25 I sold my brother in law, It has a cable the runs to the back and hooks to the rudder.

g36 · Post by **g36** » Thu Mar 04, 2010 6:51 am

thanks gardernsf. i am going to get some fittings probably a couple of sizes and cap these lines off to the helm and see what i can do with the info you sent. if i can get a seal like the guy in the link did then who knows but sure is worth a shot. i usually use the upper station anyway (although the lower does come in handy sometimes) but the leak has gotten to be a pia.

sobus66 · Post by **sobus66** » Fri Mar 12, 2010 9:58 pm

Thanks to everyone. The snow just melted so I can to the boat now. I should have no problem with all the info.

Trojan Boat Forum

hydraulic steering

Syten System

Thanks to all.