Porta bracket troubleshooting

[melba toast]

Porta folks are closed to Oct 22, or I would have asked them.

I have a 2-3 old portabracket that is not working at all.

(I assume its the trim switch located on the steering wheel)

Its a pretty typical set up with the hydraulic unit and solenoids inside a closed transom, then the hydraulic lines run out the transom to the actuator.

To test the unit, Can I jump the switch by connecting the blue wire (up) or the green wire (down) to the positive battery post ?

If this doesn't work, then I am thinking its likely corrosion on the solenoids located next to the hydraulic unit.

[seabob4]

Absolutely.  That's how I test the pumps to make sure they're still good.  The Porta-Bracket uses the same pump as a Bob's Jack Plate, the variation of the old tried and true Mercruiser TNT pump.  Just make sure your ground to the pump is good...

[melba toast]

It was corrosion on the relays. Jumping it at the solenoid had the bracket working just fine. I may clean them up and try to use them or buy some new ones depending on price. I am going to be installing this unit on my boat eventually so I may start with fresh components.

The unit is only 2-3 years old, but the solenoids are inside an enclosed transom cap, with moisture from the bilge and gulf coast humidity working on them. I would recommend corrosion block, ect on all connections for anybody who has a bob's or a porta with this type of set-up.

[seabob4]

Contact Porta.  Betcha they'll send you a couple new ones...maybe even free...

Another thing I would do before installation is drain and clean the pump reservoir.  I have done a TON of Bob's pumps (same pump) where the oil is just gross, almost to the point where you think...how does this jack plate still work?