Hi all, I have a Instatrim boat leveler trim system from 2008 (red top, oil reservoir underneath). Just recently I saw two small lines of oil coming down on the aft wall behind the trim motor unit.

I have opened up the casing and find two solenoids, the pump and pump housing. I am not able to identify any leaks from just looking at it. But the leak only occurs when the system is pressurised. So when the tabs are fully extended and I continiue to press down I get a pulsating "stream" of oil from the backside of the trim motor unit. Also when left in extended position I can see a small leak from the same place.

I have read other places that on old pumps the shaft seal can leak, but top of pump housing is completely dry. Starboard solenoid is covered with oil. So I suspect the leak to be linked to that solenoid. Can the solenoid unit leak in any way by itself or is it only from the two couplings going into it?

Anyone with some experience on this issue?

My old boat had the Instatrim system on it. All the 20 yr old hoses had started seeping fluid and one tab had stopped working. I called Instatrim and the head guy answered the phone (didn't expect that). He did some trouble shooting over the phone asked me some questions and then told me to send the pump and tank in and they would fix it. They refurbed the pump, put a new tank on and made it like new. Only charged me for the replacement parts, no labor. It's been a while, but I think it was like $130 total plus shipping. Gave me a nice discount on new hydraulic hose. They even tossed in a new bottle of their fluid. They were great to work with and did a super fast turn around. Give them a call.

Thanks for your feedback. Unfortunately I live in Norway, so not so easy to just send it in for refurbishment Was hoping to be able to fix it myself.

I have opened the unit now and removed the tank. The little o-ring sealing the pickup tube to the tank is totally cracked and almost dissolved. I dont think there is any pressure here so I am not sure if this is the root cause. But will replace the o-ring and re-seal all nipples. Hope that will do it...

Did you have ant success fixing the leak? I have the same problem. Very annoying. I have cut off the bottom part of a 4l can, and placed it under the pump. Tied it up with a thread. Every 5-6 week I pour the leak content back in the intagram pump.
It saves me for oil spill, but I wonder if I have to buy a new pump. Seems difficult to fix for a non-mechanic.

Try reaching out to them via phone - I had an old system and several parts were brittle, they were able to ship everything I needed for a very fair price - received by the end of that week!

Buy a entire new pump assembly and be done with it!