Was Lenco, Now Bennett Trim Tabs

[Thunderyacht]

I did a search, but nothing really relevant came back. I have an 01 Osprey 250 Tournament with Lenco trim tabs. When I press either button in either direction nothing happens. Is there a troubleshooting procedure the way there is for Bennett?  I looked at every document on Lenco's site, but there really wasn't a troubleshooting document. Any suggestions?  I looked back in the transom, where the batteries, etc. are but couldn't really see the trim tab locations. I'm assuming these are electric tabs. Thanks for any info. I've attached a pic of the back of the switch.

[Capt. Bob]

TY,
Yes they are electric.

Can you post a pic of the front of the switch?

It appears to resemble an old Bennett switch if you look at this drawing. 



I don't see a ground wire.

Also, look for an inline fuse that may have blown and of course clean and tighten all the connections.

Thanks.

[Thunderyacht]

I can today post a pic. The trim ring around the switches had Lemco stamped on it. It's two plain rocker switches and I couldn't find a ground either. I couldn't get voltage readings at the switch and don't know if it was because I couldn't find a good ground or there was no power there. I don't know what has to be "on" to get power to switch. Ignition turned on or just always "hot?"

[Capt. Bob]

I installed my tabs. They (I have Bennett) are powered through the ignition switch. You must have the engine key switch in the "run" position for them to function. I would think yours would be the same but...

I wired mine that way so that when power is cut, the tabs automatically retract to their "full up" position. Many users do not like this function and wire differently. That larger gauge red wire may come from your positive buss under the helm.

Pics underneath would also help.

Here are some different year manuals for Lenco tabs. There is a trouble shooting (single 1/2 page) in most. Note that they reference checking the fuse/breaker if installed. Also the need for the ground wire.

http://classicaquasport.com/smf/index.php?topic=9053.msg76604#msg76604

Taken from the TS section of the "prior to 2007 manual".

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
FOR TRIM TABS
Trim tabs do not work together,
independently, or intermittently.
Solution Sequence:
• I nspect fuse (optional) at fuse panel.
Replace if necessary.
• Verify that all connections at tactile
switch control box or double rocker
switch assembly are tight and in place.
• Make sure that switch assembly has a
solid ground.
• If the actuator cables were spliced
inside the transom, inspect joint for
positive connection.
• After following steps stated above
and the actuators still do not operate
properly — STOP and call the factory
for further assistance at:
(772)288-2662.


Good luck.

[Thunderyacht]

Thanks for the info, it will be very helpful. I also noticed, don't know how I missed it, but there is no fuse in the power bus for tabs. I'm hoping it just failed and was going to be replaced and not pulled because they were creating issues. I guess we'll find out. I just took possession of this boat and I have so many things to learn and figure out what they are!  I appreciate your responses and info.

[Thunderyacht]

Trim tab (port side)

[Capt. Bob]

Alright then, what do we think we know.

It would appear that you have Bennett hydraulic trim tabs.
The actuators are Bennett.

You state you have a "tank" in the starboard stern battery locker that you/I/Rick have identified as a Bennett hydraulic pump.

You have posted a rocker switch assembly that appears to me to be a Bennett product from the rear though it says Lenco on the trim ring so....

We do know this. The switch itself is (at least to my tired eyes) a double pole/double throw (DP/DT) device.
Looking close you can see how this device works. Putting the existing wiring aside for now, the purpose of the switch is to direct the current to the pump and its solenoid activated valves.

This is from a standard Bennett rocker switch.
http://www.bennetttrimtabs.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/ES2000_install_instructions.pdf

You can see that the switch pictured (rear view) looks much like yours. Note, the switch does not require a ground because it operates strictly on the "hot" side of the circuit. The heavier gauge red wire supplies power to the switch itself, blue and yellow supply the pump and the red (port) and green (starboard) the solenoids.

First, clean all those connections and tighten. Replace the missing fuse. Turn your battery switch to an "on" position and give it a try. Listen for the pump (a second hand will help here) to run. If nothing, turn the ignition switch (key) to the "on" position and repeat.

That's a start for troubleshooting. Let's see what happens.

Good luck.  

[Thunderyacht]

Thanks again for all the help!  I'll have to try it this weekend when I get back up to the boat!

[Thunderyacht]

When there isn't a fuse in the power block inside the console the trim tabs won't work. Sheesh, didn't even notice that last time. Everything works fine now!

[Capt. Bob]

Everybody loves a happy ending.