Trim Tabs

billb · Post by **billb** » Wed May 07, 2008 8:21 am

My trim tabs were working fine but had a leak at the trim cylinder where the hose attaches to it...They are load levelers where the rubber hose goes thru the transom...The boat yard replaced both rubber hoses from the pump to the cylinders.filled it up with fluid, and now they say the pump runs but the tabs dont move...since I am 200 miles away, is there a special process to bleed out the air or what could be wrong???? thanks

buzzk · Post by **buzzk** » Wed May 07, 2008 8:50 am

Try looking online? I found the manual for my trim tabs online at the manufactors web site. They also had a trouble shooting section. Buzz

Sean B · Post by **Sean B** » Wed May 07, 2008 2:45 pm

The pumps should be self-bleeding. The two basic types are bennett or insta-leveler, mine had the insta-leveler. I believe both pumps are self bleeding so it is likely that something else is broke. I had the same thing happen and I replaced the cylinders with bennetts w/indicator gauges. Purged the system and used the special red oil that they sell for the steering systems (what fluid did your guys put in it??) The pump won't move the wrong stuff too well "Island Time" 1987 Bertram 33 SF Melbourne, FL [img]http://www.bertram33.com/photogallery/p ... d_Time.jpg[/img]

michael · Post by **michael** » Thu May 08, 2008 12:42 am

Last season my pump developed a leak in the resevoir. I installed an Insta-leveler which was the exact match that was in the boat. The kit came with a new pump,hoses,switch,cylinders,oil and wire and it was very easy to install.I believe it costs around 500$. Michael 33SF

captgene · Post by **captgene** » Thu May 08, 2008 5:03 am

I think once the hoses and cylinders start leaking, it is best to replace them. I bought 2 cylinders with hoses already crimped on. The cylinders just have plastic pins holding the to the brackets. Buy them with the cylinders. I did mine in the water. Fill up the resavoir. The system is self bleeding. Everything worked perfectly. IMHO I think Bennett has the better system, but I replaced Boat Leveler. I see the Cylnder with hose is $79.95 ea and the pins are $1.49. You can buy all this on their website. Gene Dugan Boca Raton, Fl. "Nauti Marie" 1989 33 FBC

Sean B · Post by **Sean B** » Thu May 08, 2008 5:21 am

The bennett cylinders I picked up had fittings that go through the transom behind/within the upper mounts, so that now the rubber hoses live inside the boat only. When the old ones failed it looked to me like a barnacle had grown in between compression fittings on the hose to cylinder connection and had opened it, causing the leak, so I didn't want to have that happen again. "Island Time" 1987 Bertram 33 SF Melbourne, FL [img]http://www.bertram33.com/photogallery/p ... d_Time.jpg[/img]

schultz · Post by **schultz** » Mon May 12, 2008 3:20 am

I think Gene has the right idea. The fluid (most likley ATF) will rot the rubber hose the yard put on the trim tab cylinder. The replacement of the cylinder kit with hose attached is the best way to go. I replaced both of mine this spring, filled the reservoir and both tabs worked without any bleeding. Cliff Schultz 1983 33 SF Cummins VT 555's "Final Approach" Cliff Schultz 1983 33' SF Cummins 555's "Final Approach"