Trim tab actuators

[mersey]

I have a failed actuator on one of my trim tabs (Bennett).

Its stuck with the trim tab down, have tried to get it to go up while moving along, hoping the force of the water would help it, but nothing.

Anyone know how to free the actuator, if not is it possible to replace in the water, or do I have to get her lifted?

 

[chrisalcock]

...are you sure its not just a blown fuse?

 

[omega2]

are we talking hydraulics here??

 

[mersey]

[ QUOTE ]
...are you sure its not just a blown fuse?

[/ QUOTE ]

I can hear the motor going, and I pulled out the pipe the supplies the gearbox oil into it, from the inside, and it came out when activated, so I think it is the actuator that's stuck.

 

[mersey]

[ QUOTE ]
are we talking hydraulics here??

[/ QUOTE ]

Yes the actuator is moved by 'gearbox oil' that is pumped into them from the reservoir inside the boat, as the switch is activated.

 

[Kawasaki]

There is an 'Up' and a 'down' solenoid.
Whizz em off.
Stick 12 volts to em and see that they both work.
This happened on hlb's boat

Twas a poor connection in the end.
Hidden away at the inner transom, prior to the tab motor if yer gets me drift.

 

[omega2]

If you can reach it clean the ram it may be fouled by growth, especially if left down for any lenght of time. There is little else to go wrong.

 

[omega2]

http://www.bennetttrimtabs.com/hydraulicvselectric.php

 

[Nigelhg]

Check the solenoids first....swap them over and see if the problem moves to the other trim tab before thinking about changing the actuator. Be very careful when doing this as it's very easy to lose the piston and the spring as these just sit loose in each solenoid. I've had this problem myself and have also seen it in other boats.

Nigel

 

[Pendana]

I had a similar problem, could hear the motor working, but actuator would not retract. Turned out to be the wire from the up solenoid had pulled out of the multi-pin connector. Worth checking the connectors.

Eddie