TRIM & TILT stopped on port side also port side trim tab actuator needs replacing

[al1026]

TRIM & TILT stopped on port side also port side trim tab actuator needs replacing

Regal 2003
28.60 Commodore

BENNETT Trim tabs ( don't know model )
actuator on port side Leaking power steering fluid when actuator control is pushed . ( tried tightening no help )
Never noticed before .
Are they supposed too operate on opposite sides.

Facing switches . Had grandson looking at trim tabs when I pushed buttons.
pushed port side , trim tab on the starboard side moves.
Hit switch on starboard side the port tab operates . IS THIS HOW IT'S SUPPOSED TOO OPERATE ? or did original owner reversed ?
I started too remove boat yard was closing.
loosened the 3 screws on top portion of actuator that screwed into transom
removed the 2 screws holding bottom of actuator too flap .
Fighting me and with yard closing stopped
What should I do next.
I want too replace
Did not notice yet any hose going into actuator ? should I remove hose from motor first and pull thru ? then remove from actuator .
Priming ?

NEXT ISSUE - trim & tilt on port side ( don't know manufacturer )
.Volvo Penta twin 4.3 GXI ,
2 Trim & tilt control switches ( port & starboard ) on Volvo shifter located port side throttle handle
Starboard trim & tilt works fine
I keep boat at marina and they were hauling out. Was working fine , attempted too raise and only starboard went up
Great another problem
Have not had a chance too look . Switch is silent . NOTHING UP OR DOWN . Electrical or motor
Understand a inline fuse just before motor
Having a working starboard motor I can check fuses and relays ,
Getting too this motor is very difficult . Hot wire which color wires too test motor
Can switch in handle be tested with 12 volt tester .

any advanced info is appreciated

thanks

 

[roffey]

Only thing I can help with are the trim switches, port should operate port and starboard switch for starboard.

 

[Tabman]

Actually the port does not operate port and visa versa

The standard set up for Trim Tabs is for them to work "opposite". Most people don't even realize that their Trim Tabs are wired that way.

The switches are wired this way so that you push the switch in the direction you want the boat to respond. For example if your starboard bow is high you push the forward right hand switch. This lowers the port trim tab, lifting the port stern and lowering the starboard bow.

Some people prefer to wire them so that the switch reflects what the Trim Tabs are doing, that is fine. But most people find it more intuitive to have them wired as yours are. And I would suggest you try that way first.

cross

How old do you think the Trim Tabs are, maybe original? Where is the fluid leaking from, the top where the cylinder body screws in, or where the piston shaft exits the body?

The O-rings can be replaced without removing the top of the actuator top from the transom and will solve just about all leaks.

Let me know where it is leaking and we can tell you how to fix it without buying a new actuator (so don't take it off the boat!

Tom McGow
Bennett Marine

 

[roffey]

on the Wellcraft I had it was port switch for port tab. The boat was 28 years old when I got it and the trim switched had been replaced so it is likely they were wired wrong. The boat did handle correctly or at least for me it did, never having had a boat with trim tabs on it, LOL.

 

[jforrest1]

Tom, thanks for a great illustration!

 

[al1026]

TOM FROM BENNETT - Thank You for taking the time too respond too my question also including the diagram
not 100 % sure were the fluid is leaking from but seems too be traveling down the actuator accumulating on trim tab. , possibly coming from a bad o ring under the screwed in area
Boat is kept at a marina hauled in/out on lift
Prior too haul out it is boaters responsibilities too raise trim tab & lower units . When I raised trim tab walking behind boat I noticed a oil slick behind boat.
Thinking I hope its not from me ?? It was from me Fluid was on port trim tab and down actuator
Had no plans on using tabs until I fixed leak. Plan too get it within next few weeks.
Last week when hauling boat with lift the trim tab was not raised and the arms that go under boat pushed up on the leaking trim tab actuator pushing power steering fluid all over .
After this happening decided too change the actuator
I heard the o ring under screw on cap on actuator are prone too leak and can be purchased at Ace
I am not sure if damage was done , might be better too just change .
Boat is a 2003 and tabs are original
thank you again

 

[Tabman]

The first thing to try is to firmly rotate the cylinder body to tighten it into the upper part (while it is still attached to the transom). If this does not fix it we can send you new O-rings at no charge along with instructions how to change them. 13 year old actuators are not that old they usually last much longer than that.

If you want to try changing the O-rings send me your name and address in a private message and we can mail them out to you.