Blown Fuses

Mullet

New Member
Mar 29, 2012
24
Australia
Boat Info
2006 Amberjack 250. Towed with Jeep 3.0L CRD
Engines
5.0L MPI, bravo 3
Hi I have a set of Bennett trim tabs on my 250 Amberjack. I am having trouble where the Starboard side will go up and down find but the Port side will just blow a fuse as soon as I press the button in either direction. I have previously had an issue with a “dry” electrical joint in the switch which resulted in the tab running down but not up and so the first thing that I did was to check all of the connections in the switch. I followed this up by unbolting the actuator from the tab just in case a stiff tabs was causing extra load on the motor. No luck here as the tabs moved freely but the fuse still blew on actuation.

I then pulled the solenoids out to see if there was any debris blocking the needle or seat but they were clean. The insulation had split on the Starboard side solenoid wiring but this is obviously not causing me any trouble as my problem is on the port side.

Finally, since I had the solenoids out I thought that I would reverse their installation (i.e. green back to the Port side and red to the Starboard) to see if the problem changed side. Unfortunately now the motor runs in both directions but nothing at all happens at the tabs. :huh:

Could you please suggest a possible cause and/or what the next point of trouble shooting I should apply is.
:smt100

Much Appreciated
Toby
 
Hi Toby,

I think the starboard side solenoid may indeed be the problem, keep in mind that the left hand (port) operates the starboard Trim Tab. The split insulation indicates that the solenoid may have a dead short an gets hot.

As far as them not operating now I suspect you may have screwed them too tightly into the pump body. They need to be finger tight only, if they are too tight they will not be able to open.

The best way to test the valves is to energize the green wire and then the red wire right at the pump. You should be able to hear / feel them click as the open. (Make sure they are not too tight).

Let me know what you find!

Tom
Bennett Marine
 
Tom,

I did screw the solenoids in reasonable tight so that may be the problem. Should I use thread tape or the like when reinstalling only finger tight?

I will try to energise the solenoids separately and listen for a click tonight to determine if they are both opening. I will let you know how I go.

Cheers
Toby

P.S. Sorry about the late response I have been flat out lately.
 
Tom,

I forgot to ask in my last post but why would the solenoid be shorting and how can I prevent it in the future? I don't want to go and buy new parts (most things are about twice the price over here than the states) only to have the same problem.

Cheers
Toby
 
Toby,

There is no need to use thread tape or any other sealant on the valves. Just seat them finger tight, just enough so that they are not leaking, the O-ring needs to be compressed just enough to make the seal.

The solenoid valve may have simply failed, or the switch may have stuck in a position that kept current flowing to it and caused it to overheat. Check the switch to see if it shows any tendency to stick by gently pushing it in all directions. Also you can use a meter to see if current is present on any of the wires when the switch is not being operated.

Tom
Bennett Marine
 
I have spent some more time trouble shooting and it looks like the Port (Red Wire) solenoid is not working. This is odd because the Starboard (Green wire) is the one with the split insulation. Furthermore the Port side is only approx. 6 months old (replaced due to incorrect diagnosis of a previous problem). I have checked the switch and it does seem a little sticky but there no current when not activated. Do you have any other suggestions about why the solenoids may be burning out?

Cheers
 
I really can't think of any thing other than a sticky switch that will cause a solenoid to fail like that. Of course anything can fail, but they are quite robust.

Tom
Bennett Marine
 
Hi,

Just a follow up on my post above. I purchases a new switch and solenoid and replaced them on the weekend. It appears to have fixed the problem but I have taken it for a water test yet so fingers crossed.

Finally, while both of my trim tabs move now one is very slow I suspect it might be some slight damage to the valve seat but I couldn’t be bothered crawling back to the pump. I will post another update when I finally do.

Cheers
 
Make sure that the solenoid is not screwed too tightly into the pump body as that could cause that side to be slow.

Tom
Bennett Marine
 

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