Sydwayz

iTrader: (1)

Hey Tom, did not realize that was you. (I should have paid more attention.)
As always, great to see you on here!

Bondo

Ayuh,.... Hi Tom,... Glad to see ya up, 'n 'round,....

smiklos@sunprint

iTrader: (1)

I usually use K-Planes but my rib has Bennett's and their customer service is great.
Steve

Priobe

I have not had a chance to look at the actuator leak, but have a question. Initially, when troubleshooting the issue, the port sileniod did not make any noise. I figured I needed a sileniod for the port side. After I added fluid and discovered that there was a leak the sileniod started making noise. Is this sileniod bad too, or is this normal.

Reason why I ask is because looking at the diagram, at least 1 tab should move. The fluid lines are separated from each other so the leak would not effect the other side. Unless I had a leaky hinge or fitting on 1 side, and a bad sileniod on the other.

Your thoughts?

I'll try to get a call into Bennett

Tabman

Here is a link to a video that covers the basic system and general troubleshooting http://www.bennetttrimtabs.com/videoplayer.php?vID=10

Here is a link to a video that covers troubleshooting the pump if it runs and a Trim Tab does not move http://www.bennetttrimtabs.com/videoplayer.php?vID=22

Take a look at step 3 below, it will walk you through the test I think will isolate your problem. Make sure that ALL the screws are tight on the back of the switch even if they don't have a wire attached, this could be your problem.

Also it's always a good idea to check and clean all the electrical connections and both ends of the black ground wire at the pump.

Let me know what you find and I will walk you through fixing it.

Tom McGow
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.

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.(Note: the interrupter relay is no longer used in current Bennett Trim Tab systems and has been replaced with a Switches that "lock out" preventing a blown fuse).

Priobe

ok I pull the actuator and found what seems to be the problem. # 17 npt pipple extension had a corroded hole. Funny thing is it is made out of aluminum with a brass 90 degree. I try replacing and see what happens. Also should the solenoid work everytime? It seems as if the starboard green solenoid pops sometimes.

Thanks

Tabman

Use a brass pipe nipple, if you need a new one let me know how long it is and I will send you one no charge.

The port and starboard solenoid valves work when each side is activated. See step three in the troubleshooting above to test them.

Tom
Bennett Marine

Too Stroked

Now that is "over the top" customer service! I wish some other manufacturers would learn from you folks. Keep up the good work!

Priobe

Agreed!!!!!! - regarding customer Service.

Thanks for the offer TabMan. I picked one up already at my local hardware store.

I tested step 3 but seems like starboard side is stronger and reacts better than port side.

I will put it back together and see what happens. It just sucks that fluid got between the transom, hopefully it all leak it out. I will try to put a hose where I can to see if I can suck up the fluid (if any). There is now a nice size puddle on the cardboard under the boat

Tabman

Priobe,

Out of curiosity how old do you think the system is?

Tom
Bennett Marine