Can't keep it up.

[whisper]

Can\'t keep it up.

A few days ago, en-route from Plymouth to Salcombe, I was going with a bit of a chop and had the trim set at +3. After about 10 mins I noticed that it was then set at +1. I assumed that in my dotage I had either nudged the trim control or else more likely had forgotten what I had set it at. I therefore put it up to +4 and sure enough, after some more crashing and banging off Bolt Tail, the reading was again back at +1. Having "parked up for the night" ( used to be a knight of the road in an earlier incarnation), with the trim tilted right up as we've got a drying berth, I noticed when next afloat the drive had dropped by about 2 inches. We had also noticed that for the previous week or so, the tilt pump had sounded rather wheezy on initial start up, as if air was in the system.
Any thoughts from the experts ?

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[ccscott49]

Re: Can\'t keep it up.

As opposed to air in the system, I think you may have a leaking valve. It certainly sounds like it from your description. Trim it right up, then observe the oil level in your pump tank, if the drive drops and the level in your tank rises, you've got a leaky valve. Now your into a new pump or somebody who knows how to repair such things, but most will just replace the pump. IMHO

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[BarryH]

Re: Can\'t keep it up.

Oil level? Weeping seals? Crap in the valving? Could be a multitude of things. Used to have an engine moons ago that needed regular top ups every couple of months. Never did find out where the oil was going. Out of interest what grade of oil does yours use.

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[hlb]

Re: Can\'t keep it up.

Maybe even. More oil required??

<hr width=100% size=1> <font color=blue>No one can force me to come here.<font color=red> I'm a volunteer!!.<font color=blue>

Haydn

 

[whisper]

Re: Can\'t keep it up.

Sorry Barry, I've no idea and the handbook is in Devon and I'm not. Anyway, far too technical for me.
Thanks for the replies, oil level seems ok. I've given the problem to SMS in Salcombe as the set up is still under warranty (just). There may be something unusual happening, as SMS have now contacted Volvo about it, for their advice apparently. If it is of any interest I will report on their "findings".

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