engine hatch hydraulic ram

[mquiet]

I have noticed that my engine hatch ram will "pop" my sub-panel breaker. I have removed any excess weight from the hatch (i.e. rear seat) but it will still pop. Is this a sign of a worn pump? Is there any way to check to see if I can repair. I would hate to lose the pump as the hatch is heavy.
The boat is a 2000 sundancer 340.

Also does anyone know of a good service manual for the Sundancers?

Thanks,

 

[JV II]

I have noticed that my engine hatch ram will "pop" my sub-panel breaker. I have removed any excess weight from the hatch (i.e. rear seat) but it will still pop. Is this a sign of a worn pump? Is there any way to check to see if I can repair. I would hate to lose the pump as the hatch is heavy.
The boat is a 2000 sundancer 340.

Also does anyone know of a good service manual for the Sundancers?

Thanks,

Anthing else on that circuit? When I lift the hatch with the blower and bilge lights on, the circuit trips.

 

[mquiet]

No, my shore power was disconnected and I was just trying to get below. When the hatch did not have the power to open. I then added blowers and started genni. I will double check to make sure I have no additional electrical items running. THis could be the problem. I guess I am surprised by the amount of electrical load this is using. Thanks.

 

[fc3]

It's not hydraulic. It's a screw jack. Might be wearing out, which will cause it to draw more current. Meter the supply voltage at the connectors. If the voltage is low, correct it. If the voltage is OK, meter the current draw. Check that there are no lubrication points or zerks on the lift mechanism, especially near the bottom where the motor and gear case are located.

Best regards,
Frank

 

[mquiet]

I will check voltage and any grease points. I don't know what a zerk is? Did you mean "jerks" as in non-uniform extension? I am new to a lot of this and have a huge learning curve in front of me.

 

[Stray Cat]

I don't know what a zerk is? Did you mean "jerks" as in non-uniform extension? I am new to a lot of this and have a huge learning curve in front of me.

A zerk couples to the end of a grease gun, it is also called a grease fitting...there is a zerk on the motor end of the actuator. If you hear a growling noise coming from the actuator, it is too late for grease.

 

[bjac]

I have noticed that my engine hatch ram will "pop" my sub-panel breaker. I have removed any excess weight from the hatch (i.e. rear seat) but it will still pop. Is this a sign of a worn pump? Is there any way to check to see if I can repair. I would hate to lose the pump as the hatch is heavy.
The boat is a 2000 sundancer 340.

Also does anyone know of a good service manual for the Sundancers?

Thanks,

I don't notice any breakers popping but mine would not open at all for the 2nd time this year. I manually reached through the access hole and unpinned the shaft, then manually lifted the hatch. After giving the motor on the end of the shaft the old mechanic specialist's wrap with a screw driver it worked just fine. A pain in the a__ having to do this, but better to do at the dock than out on the lake. I don't know what causes this but because it is intermittent, it will be hard to trace.

 

[Bottom Line]

A zerk couples to the end of a grease gun, it is also called a grease fitting...there is a zerk on the motor end of the actuator. If you hear a growling noise coming from the actuator, it is too late for grease.

Jeff...can you explain more? I have not located any grease fittings on my actuator. I recall looking, when another member (maybe Skip) posted about replacing them.