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Boat Leveler - Insta trim tabs seal replacement

Posted: Thu May 19, 2011 8:34 am
by BobCT
If you Insta trim tabs and the cylinders are leaking, Boat Leveler sells a replacement seal kit for about $15. The bottom of the cylinder unscrews and then the piston comes out with a big spring.

There are 3 seals all the way at the top which get replaced. It's about 20 mins per side and easy to do.

It comes with instructions which don't say:

1) do it with the tabs up on the UP position
2) disconnect the hoses on the pump motor (one side if only doing one)
3) punch out the retaining pin (tab end) with a punch and hammer
4) unscrew the end of the cylinder with BIG Channel Locks. I used an adjustable oil filter wrench. There's a flat spot on each side which might not be easy to see if it has years of bottom paint.
5) The piston is under pressure from the spring so keep your hand over it as you get to the last threads.
6) expect a gush of oil when you remove the piston

Bleed the system by removing the fill plug and running the tabs up/down 3-4 times. They won't do anything at first until the lines fill up and you'll see the level drop. You'll definately need to top off the fluid.

Replace the seals and reverse. The pins are designed to shear if you hit something which I didn't know. The old ones were fine but new ones are only a $1.50.


Bob

Posted: Sat May 21, 2011 4:40 pm
by larryeddington
working on my boat leveler trim system now. Have to replace one of the solenoid valves. How are the hoses affixed to the cylinders? Looks like they are crimped on but there website shows some kind of a collar part but nowhere how to do it.

boat leveler

Posted: Sat May 21, 2011 5:50 pm
by larryeddington
Bob, do you have the kit number, I am going to call Boat Leveler on Monday and order the parts I need, however their website does not show the kit.

And yes it was very easy to get apart. I am replacing my hoses too as one has a splice in it and the other some cracks, don't trust them.

Strange way the hose is affixed to the cylinder with a plastic farrell that slides over the hose once on the barb, but at the pump they use clamps.

Posted: Sat May 21, 2011 9:56 pm
by Big D
Had this discusion with the manufacturer. Don't bother getting the plastic sleve that fits over the hose at the cylinder, chances are you won't get it on all the way (unless someone has a trick up thier sleeve, I've tried). They get pressed on at the factory and even they suggest it's easier and acceptable to use good quality hose clamps. This is not a high pressure system thus clamps will do just fine, and is quite common on these.

Posted: Sun May 22, 2011 5:50 pm
by BobCT
Larry,

The seal kit I got was only says "seal kit" under the part #. I called them directly at 314-385-7470. Those press on collars really are one time use. When I changed the hose last year, I used hose clamps as well. You could probably get away with nothing on the barbed ends on the cylinders but the pump end isn't barbed and will leak under pressure if the clamps aren't tight.


Bob