Trim tabs stopped working - FIXED

[TeamPCBeach]

Our trim tabs have stopped working on our 300SE. The motors run on both tabs, but the tabs don't move. I am thinking it might be fluid, but have not had a chance to look. Any other suggestions?

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Trim tabs stopped working

Re: Trim tabs stopped working

Sounds like hydraulics to me but I am no expert on trim tabs.

 

[BSAFlash]

Re: Trim tabs stopped working

Re: Trim tabs stopped working

Our trim tabs have stopped working on our 300SE. The motors run on both tabs, but the tabs don't move. I am thinking it might be fluid, but have not had a chance to look. Any other suggestions?

G'Day TeamPCBeach,
This used to be a regular issue on mine, always the fuse, always after a mechanic played with it! Check the fuses first, then check that you have power to the hydraulic pump with a multi meter or test light, if that all checks out it is hydraulic.

As my mechanic says to me everytime I see him, "It's only money":

 

[Halifax Shipfaced]

Re: Trim tabs stopped working

Re: Trim tabs stopped working

"The motors run on both tabs, but the tabs don't move." so it wouldn't be the fuse, likely fluid or solenoid valve/s stuck.

 

[BSAFlash]

Re: Trim tabs stopped working

Re: Trim tabs stopped working

"The motors run on both tabs, but the tabs don't move." so it wouldn't be the fuse, likely fluid or solenoid valve/s stuck.

Ha, That'll teach me... Read the whole question next time!
First thing is to check whether you have electric or hydraulic trim tabs, according to the brochures most Dorals in the Express Cruiser range are electric.
The only electric unit that I have seen pulled apart used a worm drive, if the motor is running but the shaft is not moving the problem will be a mechanical failure of the gearing. I think they are a throw away not a rebuild.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Trim tabs stopped working

Re: Trim tabs stopped working

Ah, the throw away world we now live in !!!
Remember the "Good old days" when we re-built and re-furbished everything !!!

 

[BSAFlash]

Re: Trim tabs stopped working

Re: Trim tabs stopped working

Ah, the throw away world we now live in !!!
Remember the "Good old days" when we re-built and re-furbished everything !!!

Ah, the good ol' days...
Is that back when you had to change the oil on your bike every 500ml, gearbox every 1000ml and rebuild the engine every other year, and couldn't bring it home because Dad didn't like it dropping oil in the driveway?
I must agree though, I hate throwing away perfectly good items because a 2 cent seal failed and can't be replaced.

 

[TeamPCBeach]

Re: Trim tabs stopped working

Re: Trim tabs stopped working

Thanks for the suggestions. These are Insta-Trim hydraulic tabs. The pump runs when I push either the STBD or PORT button so I am leaning towards low fluid (I hope) or a bad valve. Won't get back to the boat until Saturday to have a look.

 

[BSAFlash]

Re: Trim tabs stopped working

Re: Trim tabs stopped working

Thanks for the suggestions. These are Insta-Trim hydraulic tabs. The pump runs when I push either the STBD or PORT button so I am leaning towards low fluid (I hope) or a bad valve. Won't get back to the boat until Saturday to have a look.

Now there's some good news.
I had them on a previous boat, parts available to re-con most of this system back then, should be the same now.

 

[TeamPCBeach]

Re: Trim tabs stopped working

Re: Trim tabs stopped working

Just wanted to post my findings. The hydraulic line on the port tab was not properly connected. This allowed water into the line. I removed the lines from both tabs, bled all the water and old fluid out of the system, added new fluid and the tabs are now working. Easy job, less than 30 minutes with my wife on the boat running the tabs and me catching the old fluid in a cup.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Trim tabs stopped working

Re: Trim tabs stopped working

Great to hear it. Glad all is now well !!!
Mrs Ken's involvement with our boating includes riding in it, fishing and spotting for the tubers and skiers. Glad your wife got involved with repairs and maintenance
Maybe she could talk to Mrs Ken !!!!

 

[BSAFlash]

Re: Trim tabs stopped working

Re: Trim tabs stopped working

Another happy ending, and it didn't cost a cent...
As long as you flushed the system to ensure there is no water left all should be well.
Very well done on including the First mate in the maintenance. I can't get mine to steer for more than a few minutes let alone pass a spanner (wrench!!!). The upside for me is the 13 course homemade meals that get crammed into the fridges

 

[TeamPCBeach]

Re: Trim tabs stopped working

Re: Trim tabs stopped working

It is a team proposition for us. Everything is quicker with two and there is nothing my wife won't pitch in on. When we had a trailer boat, she was the one the drove it on the trailer while I waited at the hitch to hook the line.

With our Doral, once we get pulled from the water I am on the ground hooking up the engine flush a brushing the hull, while she is topside brushing down the cockpit. She is also much smaller than me which comes in handy when something needs to be done in a tight place. We added a TV antenna to the arch last week and while I was feeding the wire from the top, she had her arm as far up the access port as it could go.

To top it off she cooks a great meal and looks great too! Life is good........

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Trim tabs stopped working

Re: Trim tabs stopped working

It is a team proposition for us. Everything is quicker with two and there is nothing my wife won't pitch in on. When we had a trailer boat, she was the one the drove it on the trailer while I waited at the hitch to hook the line.

With our Doral, once we get pulled from the water I am on the ground hooking up the engine flush a brushing the hull, while she is topside brushing down the cockpit. She is also much smaller than me which comes in handy when something needs to be done in a tight place. We added a TV antenna to the arch last week and while I was feeding the wire from the top, she had her arm as far up the access port as it could go.

To top it off she cooks a great meal and looks great too! Life is good........

So all we need now is the invite for a days boating and a good meal !!!

 

[TeamPCBeach]

Re: Trim tabs stopped working

Re: Trim tabs stopped working

Just wanted to update this thread. Our tabs stopped working again. Water had gotten in the lines this time also. We decided to replace the trim tab hydraulic lines. Ordered 25 feet of Insta-Trim hose from iBoats. This was not a very difficult job, just very time consuming since the lines ran along the inside of the stern behind the engines. Had to get in some very strange positions to undo all the clamps. It didn't help that it was 95 deg F out! Ended up taking a little over 3 hours.