Insta Trim Boat Levelers

chapr

Recruit
Joined
Oct 7, 2009
Messages
4
In need of some trouble shooting tips or hints for 1990 Carver with Insta-Trim tim tabs that dont move , There is 12v and I can hear the pump try to turn on, at least I think thats what i hear, not sure. Would really like to get them working before launching. Any hints would be greatly appreciated
 

Tabman

iboats.com Partner
Joined
Feb 21, 2002
Messages
566
Re: Insta Trim Boat Levelers

Here is a link to their website http://www.insta-trim.com/

I can't find any troubleshooting on their site.

The Boat Leveler system is pretty easy to troubleshoot. I put together this troubleshooting based on how the system works. If you hear the pump running but the Trim Tabs are not moving, check to see that the system is getting good power as low voltage can cause the motor to run but the valves may not open. Clean the connections and pay particular attention to both ends of the ground wire at the pump. Then do the test below.

Here is he wiring for Boat Leveler.

green=Port Valve
white= Starboard Valve
red=Motor Forward (pump pressure)
yellow= Motor Reverse (pump retract)
black on HPU=Ground
red on Helm=Control Positive
wire2.jpg

wire1.jpg


Here is how you can test it.

Remove the wires from the helm control and touch together as follows:

Operation=Reaction
(+), Red, Green=Port trim tab down
(+), Red, White=Starboard trim tab down
(+), Red, Green, White=both trim tabs down
(+), Yellow, Green=Port trim tab up
(+), Yellow, White=Starboard trim tab up
(+), Yellow, White, 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 using a hot lead. 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.

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

Make sure to check both ends of the black ground wire at the pump for corrosion.

I hope this is helpful,
 

Scorpion210

Seaman
Joined
Jun 14, 2010
Messages
54
Re: Insta Trim Boat Levelers

Tabman

This does not apply to me.....but your replies on this forum are outstanding. Your knowledge and customer friendly attitude would definitely lead me back to your brand everytime
 

dockwrecker

Lieutenant
Joined
Mar 10, 2006
Messages
1,392
Re: Insta Trim Boat Levelers

I had Insta rims on my Carver before I went Bennett. Famous failures were cracked hydraulic lines and leaky actuators.
 

chapr

Recruit
Joined
Oct 7, 2009
Messages
4
Re: Insta Trim Boat Levelers

A big thanks to Tabman Your answer was very helpfull. Turns out the pump motor was all corroded. Tried to free it up but no luck. Will order a new one from Insta-Trim. Thanks again Chapr
Here is a link to their website http://www.insta-trim.com/

I can't find any troubleshooting on their site.

The Boat Leveler system is pretty easy to troubleshoot. I put together this troubleshooting based on how the system works. If you hear the pump running but the Trim Tabs are not moving, check to see that the system is getting good power as low voltage can cause the motor to run but the valves may not open. Clean the connections and pay particular attention to both ends of the ground wire at the pump. Then do the test below.

Here is he wiring for Boat Leveler.

green=Port Valve
white= Starboard Valve
red=Motor Forward (pump pressure)
yellow= Motor Reverse (pump retract)
black on HPU=Ground
red on Helm=Control Positive
wire2.jpg

wire1.jpg


Here is how you can test it.

Remove the wires from the helm control and touch together as follows:

Operation=Reaction
(+), Red, Green=Port trim tab down
(+), Red, White=Starboard trim tab down
(+), Red, Green, White=both trim tabs down
(+), Yellow, Green=Port trim tab up
(+), Yellow, White=Starboard trim tab up
(+), Yellow, White, 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 using a hot lead. 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.

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

Make sure to check both ends of the black ground wire at the pump for corrosion.

I hope this is helpful,
 
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