Bennett ATC installation on 280 question

Danny Troy

Member
Oct 8, 2009
861
Candlewood Lake, CT
Boat Info
2003 280 Sundancer
Engines
496MAG w/genset
I posted this in another forum, but was advised I'd be better off here, so here's my post:

I will be installing the Bennett ATC system in my 280, but I'm stumped as to where I access the four wires that come from the manual switch. On my last boat, a 220, it was an easy matter of splicing into the wires at the helm mounted manual switch. On the 280, the manual control has no access to those 4 wires.

I've heard you can access them in the ER, but where are they located? I called Bennett, but the person I had on the phone wasn't knowledgeable with the 280 installation.

BTW, I heard there is an optional harness needed for the 280. I have the proper wire and will make the harness myself, if the only reason is to lengthen the wiring.

Thanks for any help!
 
Last edited:
Danny,

The four color harness connects back at the pump for the Trim Tabs. Is it possible to identify them back there and see what harness they connect to to run forward?

Also have you tried contacting SeaRay to see if they can identify the harness for you?

Tom McGow
Bennett Marine
 
Tom,
I don't know if you got my PM, but I was asking if the #6 harness in the photo on page 12 of the installation manual can be spliced into the four color cable at the pump. Is the signal carried in those four wires coming directly from the manual control at the helm, or is there some electronic processing going on in the EIM between the helm control and the pump? It was an easy matter of tapping into the control at the helm on my last boat, a 220, but on the 280 there's no access to the manual control at the helm

I'm putting the boat in today and I'll investigate the routing of that 4-color harness this week, but for now, any input will be helpful. Thanks....
 
I did not get your PM.

You can attach #6 to the "existing wire harness" anywhere before the relay module (#7).

That will likely be the best way to install it with your setup.

Tom
 
Thanks Tom. It sounds like an easy installation after all. Looking forward to another season of carefree tabbing with my new Bennett system!
 
Tom,

Installation is almost done. I only have to find 12+ power for both power leads and it's all done. I couldn't locate the harness closer to the helm, so I connected the 4 leads from the helm at the pump and ran all the way back to the control unit near the helm, and back again from there for the other harness. I used quite a bit of 16ga wire, as you can imagine.

One question. In doing this installation I may have found a leak in the pump. While I was testing it, before the installation, I heard a leaking type sound while actuating one tab. I also noticed that my fluid level is pretty low and there was oil coating the bottom of the pump. Are there any seals or other likely leak points at the pump? I'm thinking it might be time for a new pump. If I need one, are there any precautions to know about, like when disconnecting the hydraulic lines? Also, does it need to be bled or purged or can I just refill the new pump? Thanks for you help.
 
Danny,

Make sure that both the connections for the hydraulic tubing are nice and tight. There is a shaft seal on the back of the pump body that cannot be repaired in the field. You would see fluid "pooling" on the top of the reservoir if it fails. If the leak is from only one Tab, then check the connections for the tubing, plus make sure the solenoid valves on top of the pump body are snug, but don't over tighten as that can cause them not to work.

The pump is self bleeding, running the trim tabs up and down 3 - 5 times will purge any air.

If you need to replace the unit the part number is V351HPU1

Tom
Bennett Marine
 
Thanks Tom. I'll check it more thoroughly tomorrow. If I do need one, it looks like the replacement won't be hard to find. Doing a quick search I even found several new units on eBay, at a good price. Good to know it's self-purging.
 
Tom,

I was able to take a closer look at the pump today, but since haven't connected the 12v line at the relay I can't test exactly where it's leaking. I did see quite a bit of fluid around both hydraulic tubing fittings. I checked and they were both tight. I was afraid of over-tightening, so I left them as is. Can the fitting be restored, if that is the only place it's leaking, or do I replace the entire line. Since it's already in the water, that would be a major PITA. Is this a compression type fitting?
 
Danny,

Sorry for the delay, I have been on a trip.

The Nut and Ferrule compression fittings can be cut off the tubing and new ones installed. If you send your name and address to me in a private message I will be delighted to send you a couple at no charge.

Tom
Bennett Marine
 
Thanks Tom, but I wound up getting a couple from HD and installed them today. Guess what, I found another leak. This one is coming from the port solenoid. I took your advice and tightened just a bit, careful not to overtighten, but it was still leaking. I called tech support and spoke to Oliver, who will be sending me an o-ring for the leaking solenoid. Hopefully that's the last of the leaks!
 

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