Trim fluid, quicksilver vs 10w-30

[Rat407]

I was just wondering. Everything I have read on the fluid in the trim on my 95 20' Bayliner said to use QuickSilver Powersteering Trim fluid or SAE 10w30 or 10w-40. I'm not located to any store that has QuickSilver products and was wondering if I just used a good quality 10w30 or 40 oil would that be good enough? The fluid in my pump resivor now is milky looking. Don't know what from but was going to trouble shoot it and then flush the system and refill. I just wanted to know if SAE oil would be fine or do I really need to order QuickSliver from the Net? Thanks for any advise.

 

[Steve S]

Don't know about the marine stuff but milky oil is oil with water in it, I have seen hydraulic pumps and cylinders wear out and the hydraulic cylinder barrel rusted and having to be replaced . If the mfg recommends or allows the fluids then use them. The hydraulic oil gets hot in use and that causes condensation in the oil.

[ May 20, 2003, 09:05 PM: Message edited by: Steve S ]

 

[1 FMF]

as far as I know, all the quicksilver trim oil is, is a 30wt oil. I've always used straight 30 but I don't see why 10w30 or 10w40 would be any different. I've also asked about quicksilver trim fluid at boat stores/dealers and they all tell me to just use 30wt motor oil. Can't remember if they said straight 30 or a 10w30, but I doubt it would make any difference, all you're using it for is to hydraulicly operate the trim cylinders, probably the 10w30 would be easiest for the pump in cold weather.