Bennett trim tab question

[Mr Googler]

So I have 1989 vintage trim tabs.

They don't appear to be working but I can hear the pump running.

I'm trying to check the fluid level but can't figure it out. I can see the reservoir at the bottom but not a sight glass and there is a large cylinder to one side. Looks like a plunger but it has a round knob on top that's turns. What's that for?

I can't find anything similar online as its mainly the newer pumps detailed.

I am also considering doing a bolt conversion. Fit and forget so I'm told and it looks quite straight forward. Does anyone have the electric Bennett system? Good, bad etc...

Thanks very much in advance.

 

[gjgm]

Try calling PHMarine. the Bennett dealer. They are very helpful.
The system is actually very simple, so I am sure he can tell you what checks to make to identify where the problem lies, or start here
http://www.bennetttrimtabs.com/tech-help/faq/

 

[AllanG]

I can recommend contacting Tom at Bennett USA, who has helped me several times.....excellent service.

tabmanhelp@gmail.com

 

[mersey]

So I have 1989 vintage trim tabs.

They don't appear to be working but I can hear the pump running.

I'm trying to check the fluid level but can't figure it out. I can see the reservoir at the bottom but not a sight glass and there is a large cylinder to one side. Looks like a plunger but it has a round knob on top that's turns. What's that for?

I can't find anything similar online as its mainly the newer pumps detailed.

I am also considering doing a bolt conversion. Fit and forget so I'm told and it looks quite straight forward. Does anyone have the electric Bennett system? Good, bad etc...

Thanks very much in advance.

The level is marked on the side of the housing, shine a torch all on it all the way round till you see it.

Plunger is to top up.

Diagram is here: http://www.bennetttrimtabs.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/HPU_breakdown.pdf

 

[[164147]]

I am also considering doing a bolt conversion. Fit and forget so I'm told and it looks quite straight forward. Does anyone have the electric Bennett system? Good, bad etc...

What do you mean by bolt conversion?

Bennett tabs are hydraulic not electric. Lenco make electronic tabs but avoid the ones with plastic gears.

 

[mersey]

What do you mean by bolt conversion?

Bennett tabs are hydraulic not electric. Lenco make electronic tabs but avoid the ones with plastic gears.

Bolt is Bennett's electric tabs. wouldn't touch em personally, and only recommended for the following:

Electric Trims tabs are best suited for boats that are kept out of the water when not in use. A good rule of thumb is if your boat requires antifouling paint you should install a hydraulic system.

They are ideally suited to small craft such as flats boats, bass boats and bay boats. Open skiffs and other small boats are perfect candidates since there is no hydraulic pump to locate in the boat.

More here: http://www.bennetttrimtabs.com/clas...electric-trim-tabs-which-is-best-for-my-boat/

 

[Mr Googler]

Thanks for the replies.

I will make some calls.

The pump looks as per the diagram link but there is a large cylinder to the side of the pump. I will have to take a picture.

drSpock, Bennett do an electric option now

http://www.bennetttrimtabs.com/product/bennett-hydraulic-to-bolt-electric-conversion-kit/

 

[[164147]]

Thanks - I didn't know that.

Bennet have good customer service and most parts are available readily from www.marinecomponents.co.uk.

 

[Mr Googler]

I spoke to ph marine.........he thinks from my description it's not a Bennett pump!

I will send a picture to him and take it from there. Bennett where oem at the time of manufacture but I guess anything can happen in 27 years

 

[Mr Googler]

It is a bennett pump. The cylinder was a red herring. Its the bloody rudder stock greaser. Just so hapoens to be mounted right next to the pump so it looked like part of it. What a plum! Thanks for the info above, i will go through some checks and stay with hydraulic.

 

[lancingmike]

As far as I remenber, the side bit of the reservoir doae have a level gauge and you just twist and pull the cap to read dipstick and replenish.

Mike Bellamy