Bennett Trim Tab Install Question

[viper1216]

I am installing a set of hydraulic Bennetts. I have them mounted to the boat with no pistons hooked up yet, but they are stiff to move up and down. If I bring them to the up position, I need to push on them to get them to go down and vice versa. If I had to take a guess, they maybe take about 5 lbs of pressure or so to move them, they are definitely not free moving. Is that how they are supposed to be? There is nothing really in the instructions about it, and I don't want to fry my pump or pistons.

Thanks!!

 

[dingbat]

They should be easy to move. Mine free fall.
How flat is the hinge? I would loosen the screws to see if the binding is relieved

 

[viper1216]

Damn, that's what I was thinking. Shouldn't the screws be tight? Just worried if I loosen them, they might not hold. Weird the way the the hinge presses against the backing plate. Don't see how it would not sock it down and be tight.

 

[ezmobee]

They should be and need to be tight. However if you're hull isn't flat where they're mounted and tightening them is bending them and causing them to bind I'd think you'd need to add shims or something to allow them to sit flat.

 

[dingbat]

However if you're hull isn't flat where they're mounted and tightening them is bending them and causing them to bind I'd think you'd need to add shims or something to allow them to sit flat.

:thumb:

 

[Tabman]

If the transom is flat where they are mounted you should be fine. If it is curved, than as the others mentioned you will need to shim it.

If you move the Tab by hand and it makes a "bump" or "snaps" over one point of travel, then it's likely curved.

If it's flat, it can take the tabs a little while to break in, and it won't harm anything.

 

[viper1216]

Thanks everyone!! I ended up calling Bennett and asking...(I think I actually talked to you Tom) Thanks for all your help!!!