trim tab problems....

[gradyinbath]

I have a 2006 Tournament 205. Last year around the end of the summer both my bennent trim tabs quit working. I was finally able to figure out where my trim tab pump was located (I had to unscrew the compartment box located directly below the steering wheel to locate the pump. This was something not mentioned in the owner's manual) so I could refill it with automatic transmission fluid. This got the left one working but the right still doesn't move. The pump sounds like still works on both of them, but only the left one moves. Anyone have any suggestions on how to fix this? Thanks!

 

[Salinity Now]

Check out Tabman's Forum over on The Hull Truth, Tom is a Bennett Tab rep and is very helpful, I have a similar issue with my tabs, he gave me some great directions on various troubleshooting tips, some good links to youtube videos too.

Once you read over it a few times, you realize how simple a system the Bennetts are, alittle reading and youre off!!

 

[cdwood]

The Bennetts have a bleeding procedure. If you do no not have documentation on that it's available on line.

 

[Tabman]

I have a 2006 Tournament 205. Last year around the end of the summer both my bennent trim tabs quit working. I was finally able to figure out where my trim tab pump was located (I had to unscrew the compartment box located directly below the steering wheel to locate the pump. This was something not mentioned in the owner's manual) so I could refill it with automatic transmission fluid. This got the left one working but the right still doesn't move. The pump sounds like still works on both of them, but only the left one moves. Anyone have any suggestions on how to fix this? Thanks!

Gradyinbath,

It sounds like you might have a problem with an electrical connection. Below you will find troubleshooting for the system. Pay particular attention to step 3. A loose screw or connection on the back of the control switch could be causing the problem.

Here are two videos you will find helpful

Trim Tab System Overview http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7E1kp7gPtz8

Trim Tab Troubleshooting: One Tab Operates, Other Does Not http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3zmpXsuaH0

Once you try step 3 let me know the results and I will be delighted to help you get the system working properly.

Tom McGow
Bennett Marine

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.

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. Note: The IR1000 relay is no longer used in current Bennett Trim Tab systems and has been replaced with Lock Out Rocker Switches.

 

[Grog]

Get a helper and verify you're getting power at the valves when you push the tab buttons. I had a similar problem, wound up being a bad valve. If the actuator is bad you'll see the hydraulic level drop and no movement (and a puddle eventually).

 

[JUMPNJACK]

Had a similar problem with the Bennett tab system on my '87 Sailfish. I swapped the switch wiring from one tab to the other and finally diagnosed that one of the wires was bad. The easy way woud have been to do a continuity check on all the wiring with a meter. Thru trial and error I finally found that the blue wire was bad. I added a new blue wire and the problem was solved. At first I had suspected the switches but when I swapped the connections at the switches the problem remained. Just take it slow and think it thru and you'll figure out the problem I'm sure. 8)

 

[gradyinbath]

Since this was is a little over my head I decided to let the guy in the Marina examine the problem when I was having maintenance on my engines.
He troubleshot the trim tab issue to the solenoid valve and although it cost me he managed to get the starboard trim tab working again. At least, for the day. Now, the guy at the marina says the issue is a bad pump which is blowing the fuse. Does this sound right? Since this boat doesn't have 200 hours on it yet I find it hard to believe that the pump needs to be replaced. Any thoughts anyone?

 

[Tabman]

Since this was is a little over my head I decided to let the guy in the Marina examine the problem when I was having maintenance on my engines.
He troubleshot the trim tab issue to the solenoid valve and although it cost me he managed to get the starboard trim tab working again. At least, for the day. Now, the guy at the marina says the issue is a bad pump which is blowing the fuse. Does this sound right? Since this boat doesn't have 200 hours on it yet I find it hard to believe that the pump needs to be replaced. Any thoughts anyone?

Gradyinbath,

Since I don't know how your marina did the troubleshooting I cannot be sure, but it would be unusual.

I can tell you that the parts are covered by our 5 year warranty. So we can get a new pump sent to you.

I would also like you to see if the switch for the Trim Tabs shows any sign of sticking (move it slowly up and down and see if it fails to "click back"). I am concerned that a sticking switch may have burned out he solenoid and has done it again (causing the fuse to blow).

Tom McGow
Bennett Marine