450: Auto pilot fluid

[Puffy]

our 450, 2016 model has a S.A.S LECOMBLE & Schmitt auto pilot
I’m not sur what kind of fluid to buy in case it needs topping up. The fluid in there now is red.
Can anyone help out?
Getting ready for the Caribbean for winter and then on to the Pacific.
Thanks pals

[tuskie]

Automatic transmission fluid ; Dextron 11.

Make sure you don't overfill the reservoir.

[Oceansailor]

This is the answer I got from L&S when the cylinder came apart last year:

Type of hydraulic oil: ATF DII or DEXRON II (oil for automatic gear boxes in cars). If you cannot find this type of oil, any mineral oil with ISO 22 viscosity grade is also suitable.

[antoha]

If you are in the US, call PYI in Seattle, they are a distributor and will sell you what you need (I had trouble sourcing dextron 2 here)

[tuskie]

Originally Posted by antoha

If you are in the US, call PYI in Seattle, they are a distributor and will sell you what you need (I had trouble sourcing dextron 2 here)

Isn't Dextron II the automatic fluid formulation for General Motors? I would have thought it would be easily available in the USA.

[captd44]

Correct spelling is DEXRON. The number 2 has been upgraded to number 3 and now number 4. Usually backward compatible, new label, higher price? Easily available at any auto parts store.

[antoha]

Right. But when I talked to the folks at LS, they said Dexron 2 and not higher. I happened to have an unopened quart of 2 on the boat from the PO (not sure what for, engine and transmission were replaced since that jug had been purchased). And I called PYI when searching for that, they suggested I send the unit to them and they’d bleed it and refill, which sounded silly to me. Since then, PYI started carrying the fluid they recommend for the LS pumps, I checked their web site.

[DavefromNZ]

Our unit sometimes has loud clunky sound. Told probably air in system. I easily got replacement seals that I need fitted. 5 years old.