trim tabs

[skl]

i recently purchased a 26 ft pacemaker, that has been sitting for 4 yrs, im trying to get the trim tabs working, never had hyd trim tabs before, it has a joy stick type switch, i get nothing when moving stick, i pulled the switch and put 12 volts to several terminals and can make the pump run but nothing happens, i cant tell if it has fluid in it or not, nor can i find where to fill, its located in a tough spot as well, so if anyone can guide me would be great, getting the switch functioning and the pump pumping, the boat is a 79 pacemaker sportfish, restored in 97,
thanks
stan

 

[Don S]

Re: trim tabs

What type of trim tab pump do you have? Just getting the motor to run may not allow the tabs to move, you also have to get the solenoids to open at the same time for the pump to do anything.

 

[skl]

Re: trim tabs

thanks don for replying, and thanks for the pic's they are bennett trim tabs, stan

 

[kahuna123]

Re: trim tabs

Most installs not knowing any better or being lazy they left the in line fuse holder on the orange 12v feed wire to the switch. Follow the orange wire from the switch back to the power source. They are crap and always fail sooner or later. You DO need that line fused but it should be mounted in the power panel on a boat that size.

 

[Don S]

Re: trim tabs

Here is the troubleshooting guide.
http://bennetttrimtabs.com/pdf/trobIcon/trimtab_troubleshooting.pdf


This may help too.
http://bennetttrimtabs.com/techhome.php

 

[skl]

Re: trim tabs

Thanks don, i think i can figure it out now, the trouble shooting guide answered alot of other questions as well, i really appreciate it!!!

Thanks
stan

 

[Tabman]

Re: trim tabs

Stan,

Sorry for not responding earlier, I'm on the road. Let me know what you find after you troubleshoot the system and I will be delighted to help.

 

[skl]

Re: trim tabs

thanks Don S and Tom M, i found that the red wire was broke inside a wire connector at the pump and also the prev owner had a poor power source, and that i need a new switch, i dont like the joy stick anyway, prefer the euro switch, what a releif!! trim tabs work great. many thanks. ...................Stan Lanier.....brunswick ga

 

[Don S]

Re: trim tabs

Tom will probably hate me for this, but since you have the joystick type switch, you might want to think about using the switch in this link from his competition. http://www.insta-trim.com/waterproof-switches.html
It's water proof, has rockers, and only takes a single round hole to install. The EuroStye requires a close tolerance cutout that's just tough to get right. Just an option.

 

[Tabman]

Re: trim tabs

Stan,

I am delighted to hear that you got the system running!

I believe Don is thinking of some of our older Rocker Switches.

The Bennett Eurostyle Rocker Switch is waterproof and is installed using a single 2-1/2" round hole. It does not require a "close tolerance cutout". It's easy to install and the wire colors will match your existing harness.

 

[Don S]

Re: trim tabs

I believe Don is thinking of some of our older Rocker Switches.

The Bennett Eurostyle Rocker Switch is waterproof and is installed using a single 2-1/2" round hole. It does not require a "close tolerance cutout". It's easy to install and the wire colors will match your existing harness.

You are correct. I did look around your site, and the only thing I found is that your Euro style switch fit the old style cutout, nothing about what it actually takes to install. No template or anything to really show it's size or how it's mounted. (probably just missed it but really searched for it)

The EZ part makes it a lot more user friendly for installing, for DIYer's and shops alike.

 

[Tabman]

Re: trim tabs

Yup, EZ is best! Boatbuilders encouraged us to make our switches and indicators all mount with a single holesaw cutout. And I couldn't agree more. So quite a few years ago we switched to that!

Here is a link to the Eurostyle installation instructions http://www.bennetttrimtabs.com/pdf/instIcon/ES2000_install_instructions.pdf