Bennett trim tabs

jeremyeasen

Seaman
Joined
Jun 20, 2002
Messages
72
The old Whaler has seen its final voyage and I have just purchased a 95 pro line with bennetts and have run into a little trouble. I have checked everything on the Bennett website and have eliminated the helm switch as a problem. Every motion of the switch causes the motor to click but not run/pump. It does have the auto retractors so I've made sure the ignition is on when I test (if that makes a difference). I'm looking for some direction as far as how to check for bad solenoids/relays/etc or am I better off just buying a new HPU. thank you--
 

mercrewser

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Dec 4, 2003
Messages
367
Re: Bennett trim tabs

I'm not sure, but if you dont get any help here, the staff at Bennet are very friendly and I'm sure they would help you via email or the on phone.
 

richg99

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jan 9, 2004
Messages
181
Re: Bennett trim tabs

May not help, but is it possible that the battery you are using is fully charged? If you are just trying to check it out in the garage, maybe the voltage isn't up to snuff. <br /><br />Sorry if this suggestion is just too simple...but simple stuff sometimes fixes things, too. <br />regards, RichG TX
 

jeremyeasen

Seaman
Joined
Jun 20, 2002
Messages
72
Re: Bennett trim tabs

Voltage was the first thing I checked, knowing 10 volts minimum was needed, but I've got 13 volts without the motor running. It seems like a relay or solenoid, but I'm just not familiar with trim tabs....meaning I haven't owned this boat long enough!!
 

f_inscreenname

Commander
Joined
Aug 23, 2001
Messages
2,591
Re: Bennett trim tabs

Call out the "Tabman". He is here some where. If not now (holidays)then Monday. He is a Bennett rep and a very cool guy. He will fix you up.
 

Tabman

iboats.com Partner
Joined
Feb 21, 2002
Messages
566
Re: Bennett trim tabs

Montauk 17,<br /><br />Merry Christmas.<br /><br />Take a look at step the in the troubleshooting below. It should isolate the fault foor you. Once you test the system per step 3 let me know what you find and I will be delighted to help you fix the problem.<br /><br />Tom McGow<br />Bennett Marine<br /><br />Red= Port Valve <br />Green= Starboard Valve <br />Blue=Motor Forward (pump pressure) <br />Yellow= Motor Reverse (pump retract) <br />Black on HPU=Ground <br />Orange on Helm=Control Positive <br /><br />Troubleshooting <br /><br />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 <br /><br />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. <br /><br />3. Conduct the following test: <br /><br />Remove the wires from the helm control and touch together as follows: <br /><br />Operation=Reaction <br />Orange (+), blue, red= Port trim tab down <br />Orange (+), blue, green=Starboard trim tab down <br />Orange (+), blue, red, green= Both trim tabs down <br />Orange (+), yellow, red= Port trim tab up <br />Orange (+), yellow, green=Starboard trim tab up <br />Orange (+), yellow, red, green= Both trim tabs up <br /><br />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. <br /><br />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. <br /><br />4. If you suspect corrosion on the wire connector near the pump, cut it out, test as above and reconnect using butt splices. <br /><br />5. If you conclude the problem is in the pump, contact me. Bennett Trim Tab Systems carry a five year warranty. We also offer a trade in program for units out of warranty. Contact us for further details after you troubleshoot the system. <br /><br />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
 

jeremyeasen

Seaman
Joined
Jun 20, 2002
Messages
72
Re: Bennett trim tabs

I have always heard that Bennett had great people. The first thing I did was check the website, which gave the helm controls check. I still only get a click at the pump. The quick disconnect plug is clean as new, and there is no interrupter relay (unit has joystick model controls). What would cause only a click from the HPU? That's what led me to think it was electrical and not the pump itself. Thank you for such a thorough reply Tabman.
 

Boatist

Rear Admiral
Joined
Apr 22, 2002
Messages
4,552
Re: Bennett trim tabs

Montauk<br />Anytime you hit your joy stick two things should happen. <br />1: You should start the pump for up or down.<br />2: You should pick at least one solenoid to allow <br /> fluid to raise or lower a tab.<br /><br />You can here the solenoid pick and should also be able to here the motor run.<br /><br />I had the joy stick when I first installed my Bennett trim tabs back in 1981. After a numbers of years I would sometimes have to hit the joy stick a second time to get a tab to move. Since I wanted the double rocker switch anyway I just installed the new switch and no more trouble. I would get someone to help you and check the voltage at connector near HPU. Check for a solid 12 volts with the joy stick is moved.<br /><br />If you follow Tabmans procedure will tell you exactly what is wrong. I bet it is low voltage due to a bad JOYSTICK or too small a power wire.
 

jeremyeasen

Seaman
Joined
Jun 20, 2002
Messages
72
Re: Bennett trim tabs

Tabman, this is where I'm at now...I checked per step three and I still just get clicks no pump motor sounds. I've always had 12-13 volts, but now I've charged batteries and even tried with the charger on which gives me nearly 14 volts. Is there anything else to check and/or replace without getting into a new HPU? I also checked the power supply (orange) wire and it is twice the size of the other branch wires. The ground is the factory sealed ground coming from the HPU directly to the ground buss bar, which I disconnected and jumped directly to the battery for the purpose of this testing. thank you already for your help.
 

Tabman

iboats.com Partner
Joined
Feb 21, 2002
Messages
566
Re: Bennett trim tabs

Montauk17,<br /><br />Sounds like the HPU (pump) has a failed motor. since the boat is new to you I will stretch our 5-year warranty to cover the pump. Send your name address and phone number to Tmcgow@bennetttrimtabs.com and I will send you a replacement. Then after you swap it out send back the original unit along with the packing list that we send with the replacement and there will be no charge.<br /><br />I will send it right out once I get your info, this should get you going.<br /><br />Tom McGow<br />Bennett Marine
 

ooootis

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Apr 26, 2003
Messages
80
Re: Bennett trim tabs

same stuff as Montauk 17 went to the web site didn't see anything about an exchange program. Will call monday.
 

QC

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 22, 2005
Messages
22,783
Re: Bennett trim tabs

BTW I have had excatly the same experience with Bennett. Instant responses and policy parts replacement consideration on a failure without being asked. Very rare!!<br /><br />Also, they are the best product for ALL of these: "I want better low speed plane", I porpoise at high speeds", "I hate having to balance out my load". I will never own a boat without adjustable tabs again. Whenever somebody says "honestly this boat doesn't need them" I laugh. They just don't get it . . .
 

ooootis

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Apr 26, 2003
Messages
80
Re: Bennett trim tabs

Outstanding service from Bennett. Sending replacement pump without requiring a core in exchange up front. No core fee. I'M really impressed. :eek:
 
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