Trim Tabs on 240DA

[papogator24]

Hey guys, do any of you experience the trim tabs work very slowly?

Im not sure if its normal but I am experiencing problems with my trim tabs...its almost as if they are non existence because the boat always tilt to the right when i get it up to speed and the trim tabs doesnt level it out, I think they dont work at all. Supposedly the tech came down to the marina and solved the problems but I really dont see any difference.

 

[chuck1]

Have somebody look at them while you are at the dock moving them up and down. Should be able to get the tilting out of it. If they seem to be moving fine may have a problem with them staying down, so would have to have the tech check it out while you are running.

 

[papogator24]

I checked on them yesterday, it felt as if the motor was running but the tabs not moving, I had my fingers on it to feel the bars move but it barely did. I have to tell them to come down and run the boat wiht me so they can actually know what its doing.

 

[chuck1]

Sounds like an item to add to the Punch list :smt021

 

[Presentation]

I have a 240DA with trim tabs.

Say we are going at about 27 mph, my typical cruising speed and a guest wants to know what ‘those buttons’ do. With the boat level I instruct all guests to remain seated and hit one button on the top, making one of the tabs go down. Within 5 seconds that tap is all the way down and we are riding along with a very significant list to one side.

 

[Dave S]

You should be able to test the trim tab movement yourself at the dock. Take something like a broom handle and place that on the tip of the trim tab while you are standing on the swim platform. Then have someone operate the the trim tab switch and you should be able to tell if the tab moves up and down and how quickly it moves as well. The left switch will move the right tab and the right switch will move the left tab. :smt101 You should also be able to get a good idea if they are both operating thru the same range of motion too.

 

[Tabman]

papogator24,

Here is basic system information and troubleshooting information for the Bennett Trim Tab system on your boat. Take a look at it and let me know what you find and I will be delighted to help if need be.

Tom McGow
Bennett Marine

Individually the Tabs should move from full up to full down in about 4 - 5 seconds, running both Tabs they will go from full up to full down in about 9-10 seconds.

Fluid: Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) any type. Hydraulic Power Unit is self bleeding, running the Trim Tabs up and down 3-4 times will purge air from the system.

Fuse: 12 volt system use 20 amp in-line fuse on positive. (24v & 32v use proportionately smaller)

Red= Port Valve
Green= Starboard Valve
Blue=Motor Forward (pump pressure)
Yellow= Motor Reverse (pump retract)
Black on HPU=Ground
Orange on Helm=Control Positive

Troubleshooting
1. If one side is not operating reverse hydraulic lines on the front of the Hydraulic Power Unit to determine if the malfunction is in HPU or actuator / hydraulic lines. If after reversing the lines symptom shifts to the other side the malfunction may exist in HPU. If the symptom remains on the same side, malfunction may exist with the actuator / hydraulic lines

2. Is the unit receiving a solid 12 volts? Low voltage will some times cause the solenoids to not open preventing the tabs from moving even though the pump motor is running.

3. Conduct the following test:
Remove the wires from the helm control and touch together as follows:
Operation=Reaction
Orange (+), blue, red= Port trim tab down
Orange (+), blue, green=Starboard trim tab down
Orange (+), blue, red, green= Both trim tabs down
Orange (+), yellow, red= Port trim tab up
Orange (+), yellow, green=Starboard trim tab up
Orange (+), yellow, red, green= Both trim tabs up
If the trim tabs function correctly for each wire grouping then the switch is at fault. Also note that any loose or missing screws on the back of the switch (whether a wire is connected there or not) can cause the pump to malfunction.
This test may also be done right at the pump by substituting a "hot lead" for orange. There is usually a connector to the wire harness within a foot or so of the pump. You want to check this connection for corrosion. You may wish to cut the connector off on the pump side and try the test on bare wires.

4. If you suspect corrosion on the wire connector near the pump, cut it out, test as above and reconnect using butt splices.

5. If you conclude the problem is in the pump, contact me. Bennett Trim Tab Systems carry a five year warranty. We also offer a trade in program for units out of warranty. Contact us for further details after you troubleshoot the system.

6. Check to see if there is a relay in line on the wiring harness near the hydraulic power unit. If there is it is an Interrupter Relay (IR1000). It prevents the system fuse from blowing if you try to actuate one trim tab up and the other down at the same time. After you test as outlined above, try removing the relay from the wiring harness and retest the unit. If it works the IR1000 will need to be replaced

 

[papogator24]

Problem solved....it was the fuse :smt021 If only I would have known before, I wouldnt have been so pissed out on the ocean haha Now that I look back on it, it was funny :lol:

Thanks Tabman :thumbsup:

 

[osd9]

You may want to poke around and find out why the fuse went bad.....they usually don't just blow.......there may be a short somewhere....

 

[papogator24]

You may want to poke around and find out why the fuse went bad.....they usually don't just blow.......there may be a short somewhere....

Good Idea, I will check on it tomorrow...by the way, can I get spare fuse from any auto parts store or is it a special fuse?