Hi All,
Well, the dreaded helm pump shaft seal leak has reared it's ugly
head! The leak is beyond just filling the reservoir occasionally. I
have searched for a used/salvaged helm pump locally and on the
internet to no avail. After contacting Teleflex and am informed that
the Syten system (upper & lower helm) used on my 1982 MT 34 was
obsolete in 1984... no parts available and not repairable (sealed
unit)... 2 years after the boat was built!!

I was told that their Seastar HH5271 pump with backer plate HA5418,
with cylinder HC5314 and mounting block HA5425, is what will replace
my old system. I must replace ALL components and tubing due to the
old Syten being 800 psi and the Seastar being 1000 psi.

The problems with the above goes beyond financial. The shaft on the
Seastars is standard 3/4" tapered and both my beautiful mahogany
wheels are 1"  to 5/8" tapered! I can't find any "shaft adapters" on
the internet, and don't really want to replace them for another $800
or so.

So, here are my questions for the list.

1. Has anyone had a similar situation and how did you solve it?
2. Are there any better/more compatible systems I should investigate?
3. Know anywhere I might be able to find a working (no leak) Syten pump?

I have the time over the winter to do the work, but want to see if
there is an easier, less costly solution to be gleaned from all the
experience from you all on our list.

Regards to all, Keith Myers
MT 34' Knot So Fast
Bohemia River, MD

K. Myers
captkim@rcn.com

Hi All,
Well, the dreaded helm pump shaft seal leak has reared it's ugly
head! The leak is beyond just filling the reservoir occasionally. I

The problems with the above goes beyond financial. The shaft on the
Seastars is standard 3/4" tapered and both my beautiful mahogany
wheels are 1"  to 5/8" tapered! I can't find any "shaft adapters" on
the internet, and don't really want to replace them for another $800
or so.

So, here are my questions for the list.

1. Has anyone had a similar situation and how did you solve it?
2. Are there any better/more compatible systems I should investigate?
3. Know anywhere I might be able to find a working (no leak) Syten pump?

I have the time over the winter to do the work, but want to see if
there is an easier, less costly solution to be gleaned from all the
experience from you all on our list.

Regards to all, Keith Myers
MT 34' Knot So Fast
Bohemia River, MD

The quality of materials and longevity of components used in the various
steering systems appears to vary all over the place. The Capilano
uniflow valve has been apparently built in plastic, aluminum, brass. In
that order of durability, I would think. I did my own search on the
Syten system name; the results were very discouraging. You have to
assume that the entire system is pretty low quality and nearing it's end
of life.

You might be able to find a machinist who can machine a replacement seal
gizmo. This might be the quickest solution. Another option would be to
find a set of components salvaged off some boat. There are occasional
offerings like this on the internet or in the classifieds of boating rags.

Regards,
Mike

Capt. Mike Maurice
Beaverton Oregon(Near Portland)

I've got chain drive on my MT-44 and I love it--K.I.S.S.!  Shafts, cogs and
pillow block bearings are all you need, but try Don Miller in NJ. First...

                                      Regards....

Phil Rosch
Old Harbor Consulting
M/V "Curmudgeon" MT44 TC
Currently lying Bond Creek, NC