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trim tabs??

Posted: Fri May 16, 2008 7:42 pm
by top dog
hello every week a new SITUATION. this week i noticed my trim tabs are not working, the motor makes a sound but the tabs dont move . I cant read the model number on my pump i believe it says boat leveler does anyone one if thats correct and what model should it be so i can BUY one and get the tabs to work. Thanx in advance ..Pete

Posted: Sat May 17, 2008 2:56 am
by buzzk
Have you checked your hydraulic fluid? Also check the web site of the trim tab manufactor, they may have a trouble shooting section. Buzz

Posted: Sat May 17, 2008 4:54 pm
by jeff
Hi Top Dog, I think you are right with the name Boat Leveler, if you have a sealed blue plastic housing with the pump in the base if the housing, I have the same thing. You probably have a leak in a line at the actuator (trim tab clyinder) or somwhere, and are low on fluid. There is a fill hole in the blue housing I use regular ATF (automatic transmission fluid). If the pump motor is running just add fluid then find the leak, fix it, and you should be good to go. The system is self priming. Jeff Now and Then

Posted: Sat May 17, 2008 5:22 pm
by top dog
i have plenty of fluid, so i think i should not have a leak then. I will try to find out what is wrong and anyway the thing is not to costly so we will see thanx

Posted: Sat May 17, 2008 10:25 pm
by smanni
Even if everything is wrong with them - your lucky, you can replace the entire system( if you do the labor yourself) for a few hundred $$$/ One of the cheaper things to break. I had a problem last year and replaced everything.

Posted: Mon May 19, 2008 6:26 am
by Admin
quote:Originally posted by smanni Even if everything is wrong with them - your lucky, you can replace the entire system( if you do the labor yourself) for a few hundred $$$/ One of the cheaper things to break. I had a problem last year and replaced everything. As long as you don't have to replace one of the tabs themselves! [8D]

Posted: Mon May 19, 2008 10:51 am
by top dog
thanx DAVE now im panicking again..lol..pete

Posted: Mon May 19, 2008 12:12 pm
by Admin
Actually, to ease your mind a bit, the tabs themselves (which really should never need replacing unless the piano hinge pin breaks, or the tab cracks) are only around $150 each, assuming you have the same 18" ones I have. I was referring to the haul-out cost additionally that makes it more expensive, espicially if you have to only replace one.

Posted: Mon May 19, 2008 4:51 pm
by top dog
i hope that i will be lucky and wont need to HAUL OUT.. Thanx Pete

Posted: Mon May 19, 2008 6:25 pm
by smanni
quote:Originally posted by Admin quote:Originally posted by smanni Even if everything is wrong with them - your lucky, you can replace the entire system( if you do the labor yourself) for a few hundred $$$/ One of the cheaper things to break. I had a problem last year and replaced everything. As long as you don't have to replace one of the tabs themselves! [8D] David Sumich 1986 SF - 33 Megabites Huntington Harbour, CA Forum Administrator [img]http://www.bertram33.com/photogallery/p ... bites2.JPG[/img] I replaced the tabs themselves also - came in a kit. I replaced EVERYTHING (excet the pump). The kit came with a pump - but my pump os fine so I saved the new pump for later..... I was already out of the water so I didnt have to haul Believe it or not, my tabs had corroded and the mounting holes were letting go - I figured as I go system by system on the boat - I might as well replace them. I filled the holes with epoxy, redrilled and remounted the new ones and hopefully I will never have to worry about them again!!!