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Tim, thanks for that information. I'm really not sure what to do with the helm pump but I'm leaning towards sending it back as well for at least an analysis.

I noticed that the fluid that drained out was white-ish red so I bet it had water in the fluid for who knows how long.

I noticed when I turned the wheel, the steering system turned the engine OK (on land) but I would occasionally feel a "slip" in the wheel where there was a momentary lapse of resistance. I assumed it was air in the system from the slightly leaky seals at the steering assembly and it might have been but I am not familiar enough with hydraulic systems to know for sure at this point.

Thanks again

John