Insta Trim Tabs

[Rippin_54]

I have a 20 foot Regal, today while slow trolling (fishing) , had my trim tabs all the way down (to possible help slow me down), any way the right switch stuck forwards, and we trolled for probably an hour, with this tab pushing down.(pump pumping) I noticed it, and stopped it, and brought the tab back up (level), but now the tab will not go down. I can hear the pump turn on, (but does not sound right), and the other tab works perfectly.(and sounds perfect) I am hoping i havent burned something out, but am not feeling too good about this. I had the tabs put on at a marine outfit about 2 years ago, and have worked excellent till today.

I will go through the wiring tomorrow, but was wondering if anyone experienced this before, and could give me an idea to start at.


Insta/Trim Trim Tabs-- Boat Leveler Co.

 

[Tabman]

Re: Insta Trim Tabs

Boat Levelers website http://www.insta-trim.com/ doesn't have any troubleshooting info that I can find.

The Boat Leveler system is pretty easy to troubleshoot. I put together this troubleshooting based on how the system works. Since you hear the pump working but the Trim Tab is not moving the valve for that side may have burned out when the switch got stuck. You can do the hot wiring test below to confirm this. You should be able to buy a new solenoid valve and of course you will want to fix the switch to prevent this from happening again.

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

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. Since your port Trim Tab is not operating pay particular attention to the green wire since it opens the valve for the port side.

If the test does not work at the switch it 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.

I hope this is helpful,

Bennett Marine
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[Rippin_54]

Re: Insta Trim Tabs

Ok, i have tested, switched wires at switch, both switched run good trim tab, neither switch will make the bad side go down. I pulled the hyd hose off the side that is not working, and when turning the switch on, the pump goes on, but no hyd fluid comes out. Pulled off the other side, and hits its switch, and hyd fluid comes blowing out. I am sure now that the solonoid is bad. I have a part number 12701.

Now i was wondering if someone could recomend a place to order from. I have never ordered from the internet before, because too afraid of being scammed.
I found the part i need here http://www.vineyardmart.com/Boat-Leveler-Solenoid-Valve-p/bl12641-12.htm
but have no idea if this place is safe.
I live in Windsor, Ontario Canada
If anyone has a good idea on where to order from, i would greatly appriciate some advice.
I also really need it by Friday at the latest.

 

[Stachi]

Re: Insta Trim Tabs

Did you switch the solenoids and try it that way ? You may still have a hyd problem.If the 'good' side solenoid works the currently malfunctioning side , than yes it is the solenoid. If not , you may have a hydraulic pump/valve body problem. We have a member here on the forums... I believe his name is RITT. I have seen many of his posts , and he knows his stuff. He has rebuilt many pumps here for members. Look him up and see what he says.

 

[Tabman]

Re: Insta Trim Tabs

There is no need to switch the valves, if no fluid is coming out that side. The valve has failed. Have you called Boat Leveler? 314-385-7470 800-386-7470 I am not sure what their warranty is these days, but they are good folks. I would call them first.

If you Google "Boat Leveler Valve" you will find a bunch of places that sell them . Also I-Boats sells Boat Leveler parts in their marine store. Just search under Boat Leveler.

 

[Stachi]

Re: Insta Trim Tabs

I thought he said he believes the solenoid is bad ?

 

[Tabman]

Re: Insta Trim Tabs

Yes, it's a "Solenoid Valve". That's what opens the valves for each side.

 

[Rippin_54]

Re: Insta Trim Tabs

i am 99.9% sure its a bad solonoid. Just not sure where to order from.
Didnt know i boats sold parts like that, will check it out.

 

[Rippin_54]

Re: Insta Trim Tabs

iboats is out of stock. Might try the vineyardmart place, just a little nervous ordering from unknown places.
Called instatrim, they are gone for the day.

 

[Tabman]

Re: Insta Trim Tabs

I would try Insta Trim in the morning, as I said they are really nice people.

 

[Rippin_54]

Re: Insta Trim Tabs

ok i'll try them in the morning. Thanx for the help. Will let you know how i make out.

 

[Bob's Garage]

Re: Insta Trim Tabs

Check out http://www.rstmarine.com, they have a large selection of parts available.

 

[Stachi]

Re: Insta Trim Tabs

Ok , gotcha . Thanks.

 

[Rippin_54]

Re: Insta Trim Tabs

ordered the part from a local dealer, should be in a day or 2. Called Insta Trim, nice, polite to talk to, told me i had a 1 year warranty,(and i am out of warranty)((just shy of 2 years old)) and i should order a new switch along with the solenoid because it is a defective switch that burns out the solenoid (they stick on). I did explain to him that the switch has been sticky since it was new, but he offered no warranty for anything. I was a little disappointed with this, as it seemed obvious that this was a known problem,(or manufacturer defect) but hey what can you do. Live and learn, and keep an eye on sticky switches.
I would like to thank everyone for the help on this one.

 

[ivan2018]

I have the same system on a 88 carver, all switch positions start the pump and the tabs move except one switch position, only clicks, is there 2 solenoids or 4 ?
ivan