Trim Tab Leak

[jdupree]

I have discovered a leak in my port tab.  It won't retract and makes a "clicking" noise.  I have noticed fluid around the area I have highlighted in red.  It appears that is where my leak is at.  I would assume that I can just remove the actuator from the tab to access that o-ring?  Thanks.

[Capt. Bob]

Yes JD,
Removing the two screws will allow the tab to drop out of your way. I'm not sure that you can service the ram but then, I never tried so.....

I called Bennett and their tech seems to think that the clicking noise is caused by a fault in the rocker switch. He asked the following:

Does the starboard tab function?
Is the port tab extended and will not retract?

If so, he believes the switch is compromised either internally or possibly at the wiring connections on back.
The leak would be an o ring like you suspect. There is a schematic on their site and it lists but it didn't show the ring itself.

http://bennetttrimtabs.com/pdf/schemIcon/Actuator_breakdown_and_options.pdf
 
The tech suggested troubleshooting the switch first.

Good luck.

[jdupree]

Thanks Bob.  I don't think this is a switch issue.  The "clicking" I am hearing is coming from the tab where it sounds like it tries to come up but just clicks.  Based on the fluid I see on the tab I would guess it is not getting enough fluid to come up.

The starboard tab works fine, but the port one is down and won't retract.  I will zero in on the actuator when I can get back to the boat.  I had to move the 222 to the coast to make room for the 246 CCP I just picked up

Thanks again for the help Bob.  I will let you know what I find.

[RickK]

Congrats on the new "biggun"  Only one size left to get and I think it's the same size in reality  :rolleyes:

[GoneFission]

What you need to do is send a spotlight up into the sky that says "Tabman" 

[seabob4]

JD, if you don't mind a little mess, pull down the tab away from the transom (remove the 3 mounting screws and gently pry it away), disconnect the hose (simple compression nut on the end), then see what you have when you press "Bow Up" and "Bow Down".  "Bow Down", the fluid should shoot right out of the hose.  "Bow Up", the reversing pump is trying to suck the fluid back in.  If you feel decent suction when pressing "Bow Up", then the issue is in the actuator.  If you don't, then it could be the switch or the pump.

[jdupree]

JD, if you don't mind a little mess, pull down the tab away from the transom (remove the 3 mounting screws and gently pry it away), disconnect the hose (simple compression nut on the end), then see what you have when you press "Bow Up" and "Bow Down".  "Bow Down", the fluid should shoot right out of the hose.  "Bow Up", the reversing pump is trying to suck the fluid back in.  If you feel decent suction when pressing "Bow Up", then the issue is in the actuator.  If you don't, then it could be the switch or the pump.

Thanks Bob.  I don't mind a mess, that is part of boat ownership.  What you are saying makes perfect sense and I should be able to narrow the problem down by your method.  Until it warms up here, I won't be messing with it now.  I just needed a game plan so when the weather breaks I can tackle it.

Rick - thanks for the congrats.  I just could not resist picking up the 246.  I will start a thread over in the CCP'S.

[Aaron43]

Just take it off and unscrew the cover/cap, take out the spring and replace the oring...check it for cracks....

[jdupree]

Just take it off and unscrew the cover/cap, take out the spring and replace the oring...check it for cracks....

Thanks as well Aaron.  I thought that did unscrew.  I will check that out.

[Aaron43]

Let me know if u need anything I have some of those Bennetts kicking around..

[wingtime]

Keep in mind the cylinder is spring loaded to retract.  Cracking the line with the tab extended will allow hydraulic fluid to squirt all over the place.  Don't ask me how I know this!

[Aaron43]

Well thats no fun....the best way to learn is to let him do it...

Keep in mind the cylinder is spring loaded to retract.  Cracking the line with the tab extended will allow hydraulic fluid to squirt all over the place.  Don't ask me how I know this!

[jdupree]

Well thats no fun....the best way to learn is to let him do it...

Keep in mind the cylinder is spring loaded to retract.  Cracking the line with the tab extended will allow hydraulic fluid to squirt all over the place.  Don't ask me how I know this!

Thanks for the heads up Bruce  

[Tabman]

Sorry I am late to the party!

The O-rings can be replaced, send me your name and address and we will send you new ones along with instructions how to change them, no charge.

The other guys are correct about the actuator retracting when you remove the line, and yes it will squirt fluid!  But we have a clip we send with the O-ring replacements that locks the piston in place and prevents that.

When you take the actuator apart to replace the O-rings we can see why it isn't retracting.

Tom
Bennett Marine

[jdupree]

Thanks so much Tom!  I will PM you my information.