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Old 06-28-2006, 12:35 PM
  #1    
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Location: Ft. Lauderdale, FL
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Default trim tabs not working

Tom,

First let me say thanks for taking care of me with the new switch. It looks great and appears to be working fine.

The boat is a 1998 Sea Vee with single actuator tabs. When I first bought the boat a few months ago the switch wasnt workign properly, causing the pump to constantly run. I replaced the old switch with the new switch. Now with the new switch the pump sounds like it is working fine. It makes the normal whine when the tabs should go down and changes pitch when the tabs should go up.

The only problem is that the tabs dont move. Yesterday, I added new ATF to the resovior. It did seem that it was rather empty. But that didnt solve my problem. The pump still makes the same noises and the tabs still dont move.

So I was wondering if you had any suggestions of things I should try next.

I really apprecaite all of the help, Tom. You are definately the model in customer service

Thanks,

Fred
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Old 06-28-2006, 07:33 PM
  #2    
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Location: Deland, FL
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Default Re: trim tabs not working

Fred,

Take a look at step 3 below, try those tests both at the switch and at the pump and let me know what you find.

Tom
Bennett Marine

Fluid: Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) any type. Hydraulic Power Unit is self bleeding, running the Trim Tabs up and down 3-4 times will purge air from the system.

Fuse: 12 volt system use 20 amp in-line fuse on positive. (24v & 32v use proportionately smaller)

Red= Port Valve
Green= Starboard Valve
Blue=Motor Forward (pump pressure)
Yellow= Motor Reverse (pump retract)
Black on HPU=Ground
Orange on Helm=Control Positive

Troubleshooting
1.If one side is not operating reverse hydraulic lines on the front of the Hydraulic Power Unit to determine if the malfunction is in HPU or actuator / hydraulic lines. If after reversing the lines symptom shifts to the other side the malfunction may exist in HPU. If the symptom remains on the same side, malfunction may exist with the actuator / hydraulic lines

2. Is the unit receiving a solid 12 volts? Low voltage will some times cause the solenoids to not open preventing the tabs from moving even though the pump motor is running.

3. Conduct the following test:
Remove the wires from the helm control and touch together as follows:
Operation=Reaction
Orange (+), blue, red= Port trim tab down
Orange (+), blue, green=Starboard trim tab down
Orange (+), blue, red, green= Both trim tabs down
Orange (+), yellow, red= Port trim tab up
Orange (+), yellow, green=Starboard trim tab up
Orange (+), yellow, red, green= Both trim tabs up
If the trim tabs function correctly for each wire grouping then the switch is at fault. Also note that any loose or missing screws on the back of the switch (whether a wire is connected there or not) can cause the pump to malfunction.
This test may also be done right at the pump by substituting a "hot lead" for orange. There is usually a connector to the wire harness within a foot or so of the pump. You want to check this connection for corrosion. You may wish to cut the connector off on the pump side and try the test on bare wires.

4. If you suspect corrosion on the wire connector near the pump, cut it out, test as above and reconnect using butt splices.

5. If you conclude the problem is in the pump, contact me. Bennett Trim Tab Systems carry a five year warranty. We also offer a trade in program for units out of warranty. Contact us for further details after you troubleshoot the system.

6. Check to see if there is a relay in line on the wiring harness near the hydraulic power unit. If there is it is an Interrupter Relay (IR1000). It prevents the system fuse from blowing if you try to actuate one trim tab up and the other down at the same time. After you test as outlined above, try removing the relay from the wiring harness and retest the unit. If it works the IR1000 will need to be replaced.

If you can disconnect the tubing from where it is attched at the transom you can put it in a jar of ATF and run the tabs in reverse (tabs up, once we get it fixed) and it will suck the fluid into the reservoir.
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Old 06-30-2006, 03:10 PM
  #3    
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Default RE: trim tabs not working

Tom,

Once again you are right on the ball. I was missing one of the screws on the back of the switch. I put in a new one and everything is working.

Thanks again

Fred
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Old 06-30-2006, 03:56 PM
  #4    
MC
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Default Re: trim tabs not working

Tom's the best. I think I left his trouble shooting instructions on every boat I've been on. He is always right on.

GOTTA LOVE BENNETS
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Old 06-30-2006, 05:22 PM
  #5    
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Default Re: trim tabs not working

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