Tabman- you out there??????

[Miles Offshore]

If you are , check your e-mail, have a starbd tab stuck down- heeeeelp please!!!!! [img]/images/graemlins/crazy.gif[/img]

[Trayder]

I think Tab-man is out for another week or so do to wilma

[Tabman]

Miles,

Sorry for the delay in responding. We were indeed punched around a bit by Wilma, the factory is fine, but I was without power at home for about two weeks and still don't have my cable internet restored (I do most of my posts from home at night). Let get you fixed:

Take a look at step 3 below, pay atention to the green wire since it opens the valve for the starboard side, try those tests and let me know what you find.

Tom
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. We also offer a trade in program for units out of warranty. Contact us for further details after you troubleshoot the system.

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. If it works the IR1000 will need to be replaced

[TUGBOAT]

As always , A great HELP !! This post is printed & will be kept for further diagnostics If Needed! No problems & don't eXpect any ,But great to keep aboard !
Thanks TABMAN !
Scream'n reels'
[img]/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]Tug

[Miles Offshore]

Your right Tug- They are the best!!! Glad to here everything is settling back down now Tom. Well , not sure what happened but I loosened the fitting for the starboard tab. let the fluid drain and then put it back together and it worked fine. Since the transom is on an angle i think maybe I might have overfilled it earlier this past fall.Anyways- all is well now- thanx for the help (again),lol. Craig

[Miles Offshore]

Hey Tom- sorry dude, i just realized that I forgot to follow up on this post and tell you what happened- I broke the joint at the pump for the startboard tab (to come up) and after allowing some fluid to come out of the black tube (a few oz's) I replaced the fitting . Tried the switch, ran them up and down a few times to bleed and now it works fine. I guess electrically it was fine. Thanx again for your help and best wishes to you and your family for the holidays!!!! craig