Trim tabs

Big D · Post by **Big D** » Fri Dec 21, 2012 10:00 pm

Did Insta-Trim give you new seals for the cylinders? What did the fluid look like when you opened the cylinders up? Any water in the fluid? If so, did you purge all the old fluid and replace with new? Was it a nice red colour? Number one cause for hydraulic component failure is contamination.

Tabman · Post by **Tabman** » Sat Dec 22, 2012 7:53 am

Yup,

The pump runs in reverse to "get the fluid out of the way" and allow the spring to force the Tab up. And the system is self bleeding after 3 - 4 cycles any air will be purged from the system.

Also, it is important that only Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) be used in the system. Using another type of fluid can damage the rubber tips on the valve plungers and cause them to leak.

Tom
Bennett Marine

Bob Giaier · Post by **Bob Giaier** » Fri Dec 28, 2012 9:16 am

Sorry for the late reply, I didn't notice the second page of this post till just know. There was no fluid in the cylinders before the rebuild (water or trans fluid). I recall I was given o rings for the pistons and sleeves to go over the hose connections at the cylinders. I did fill the reservoir with trans fluid.

it might be a few weeks before I get back to working on her (too cold right now), but I will extend the tabs and leave it that way and watch to see if they return on their own. I'll post my findings then.

Thx

Big D · Post by **Big D** » Fri Dec 28, 2012 9:19 pm

Bob, I'm curious, by "sleeves" I trust you're talking about the ones that go over the line at the cylinder's connection point. Did you manage to get the sleeves on all the way down?

alexander38 · Post by **alexander38** » Sat Dec 29, 2012 1:53 am

I just finished installing new lines on a Viking today with this system, talked the owner in to changing over to Bennett tabs in the spring when he comes back out for a bottom job. Those lines and hold sleeves have been a p.i.t.a. to him for yrs.

Bob Giaier · Post by **Bob Giaier** » Sun Dec 30, 2012 8:30 am

Maybe you have something here. I couldn't figure out how these sleeves could do anything to keep the lines on. They fit very looely over the hose. I remember calling the Leveler guy and discussing the uselessness of them with him, but I also recall that he convinced me that's all I needed (i did the rebuild 2 winters ago)

Your thinking fluid is leaking out of the hoses at the attachment of the hose the the cylinder aren't you?

prowlersfish · Post by **prowlersfish** » Sun Dec 30, 2012 8:53 am

Never had a problem with them ( lines ) Both Bennett and Insta trim ( boat leveler ) Make a great tab system . I don't think one is any better then the other . However the support from Bennett is great so if starting from scratch I would lean to Bennett , Tom McGow from Bennett Marine ( Tabman ) is on many fourms help out on tab issues , Even is its another brand like insta-trim .

Big D · Post by **Big D** » Sun Dec 30, 2012 4:11 pm

Bob Giaier wrote:....I couldn't figure out how these sleeves could do anything to keep the lines on. They fit very looely over the hose....

That was my point earlier Bob. The sleeves fit loosely until you try to get them over the hose at the connection point. If they are loose, then they are not in the correct position, or there is something wrong. They are extremely difficult to get on and when they are in the right spot, they are NOT loose, they are what keep the line from sliding off the nipple when under pressure. They get mechanically pressed on at factory but doing it in the field is not that easy. Comparatively speaking, this is a low pressure hydraulic system, as such, it is perfectly acceptable to use good quality SS hose clamps to secure the lines. I have personally confirmed this with the techs at Boat Leveler, and is also evidenced by the fact that clamps are used on the lines at the pump end. Again, if the sleeves are loose, they are not on right, and the system will leak/fail.

Bob Giaier · Post by **Bob Giaier** » Mon Dec 31, 2012 8:15 am

I'm pretty sure you found my issue cause I know they are loose, so under pressure they most likely leak. I should see that my reservoir probably needs fluid too.

Hose clamps should be simple And I'll do the check like Tabman recommends to ensure the solenoids aren't leaking Either.

Thanks Big D

aweimer · Post by **aweimer** » Mon Dec 31, 2012 8:27 am

Big D wrote:I have personally confirmed this with the techs at Boat Leveler, and is also evidenced by the fact that clamps are used on the lines at the pump end. Again, if the sleeves are loose, they are not on right, and the system will leak/fail.

Replaced my lines 3 years ago, installed SS hose clamps on all 4 connections. ZERO Issues, no leaks, tossed those factory sleves after fighting with them for an hour.