Only one trim tabs works, how is the system plumbed?

[Frozen]

Only one trim tab works. The tab cylinders only have one line going to them each. If I hit either switch up or down the motor runs. The port side works perfectly. When pressing the starboard side the pump run but that tab does not move. Is there a valve in the pump that directs the fluid to each tab?

 

[Boatist]

Re: Only one trim tabs works, how is the system plumbed?

You do not indicate which brand. Information below is only for Bennett.
The motor runs foward or reverse and if one side works then the HPU motor is good.
Wires are color coded and a poor connection on your switch or at the connection likely the problem.
I will try and post some troubleshooting information brom Bennett.
I think would be better to post in Electrical. TabMan check that fourm often but he may check here also.
To start make sure your battery is fully charged.

Bennett has great products and great support.

From Bennett

Wire harness - Wire colors and their functions:

Red wire Port solenoid valve
Green wire Starboard solenoid valve
Blue wire Motor forward (pump pressure)
Yellow wire Motor reverse (pump retract)
Black on HPU Ground
Orange on helm control Positive


1. If trim tabs do nothing...no movement...no sound from HPU -
- Inspect for blown 20 amp in-line fuse in helm control's orange wire.
- Inspect for disconnected or corroded connections on HPU ground wire, orange positive wire from helm control, and quick disconnect plug.

2. If HPU runs but trim tabs do not move -
- Inspect for disconnected or corroded red and green valve wire connections at helm control and quick-disconnect plug.
- The following test can be used to help isolate the malfunction.

Remove wires from 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 tabs function properly in each of the above combinations, check the helm control. If during this test the trim tabs continue to malfunction, inspect the HPU.

3. If one trim tab operates and the other does not -
- Inspect for disconnected or corroded red or green valve wire connections at helm control and quick disconnect plug. (Red wire operates port trim tab; green wire operates starboard trim tab.)
- Reverse the hydraulic tubing at front of HPU to determine if malfunction is in HPU or actuator / hydraulic connections. If ,after reversing lines, the symptom shifts to other trim tab, a malfunction may exist in HPU. If the symptom remains on the same side, a malfunction may exist with the actuator / hydraulic connections.

4. If trim tabs go down but will not retract -
- Inspect for low voltage of the battery. Check battery voltage while HPU (or another accessory) is running. If voltage is less than 10 volts, valves will not open.
- Inspect for disconnected or corroded connections on helm control and at quick disconnect plug.

For additional assistance contact Bennett Marine's Client Services Department at (954) 427-1400 or e-mail trimtabs@earthlink.net.

 

[Tabman]

Re: Only one trim tabs works, how is the system plumbed?

Thanks Boatist!

Frozen,

If they are Bennett, here are some links to videos that you will find helpful;

System Overview and Troubleshooting

Motor Runs, Tabs Don't Move

One Tab Operates, Other Does Not

Bayliner also uses Boat Leveler Trim Tabs on some models, if you have that brand of Trim Tabs let me know, I have some troubleshooting for them as well.

 

[Frozen]

Re: Only one trim tabs works, how is the system plumbed?

wow thanks for all the help guys!! I'll try to find out the make and model today and post it up. Thanks again!

 

[Don S]

Re: Only one trim tabs works, how is the system plumbed?

This may help you ID your system. Which power unit do you have.

.

 

[Tabman]

Re: Only one trim tabs works, how is the system plumbed?

Don S,

That's great! One note, Boat Leveler has also had green and blue covers on their pumps over the years.

 

[Don S]

Re: Only one trim tabs works, how is the system plumbed?

Don S,

That's great! One note, Boat Leveler has also had green and blue covers on their pumps over the years.

Good point, How's this.

.

 

[Tabman]

Re: Only one trim tabs works, how is the system plumbed?

Excellent Don!

May I please "borrow" your graphic for future use on other forums?

 

[Don S]

Re: Only one trim tabs works, how is the system plumbed?

Sure, just give me a few more minutes, I keep changing little things on it.
What can I say, I like playing with Photoshop.........

OK, I'm done. :facepalm:

 

[Tabman]

Re: Only one trim tabs works, how is the system plumbed?

Thanks! I like that you added our "tagline".

 

[Frozen]

Re: Only one trim tabs works, how is the system plumbed?

wow you guys are awesome! I got called into work today and never made it on to the boat, but I have the Boat Leveler system with a blue cover. Any tips tabman?

And thanks again guys!

 

[Tabman]

Re: Only one trim tabs works, how is the system plumbed?

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. You will want to pay attention to the white wire since it controls the starboard valve.

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.

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,

 

[Frozen]

Re: Only one trim tabs works, how is the system plumbed?

Thanks for all the info Tabman, I will try all of that tomorrow and report back.