Zeus Pod/ Trim Tab

from the manual:
PROCEDURE FOR A STUCK TRIM TAB CONTROL VALVE

1. Determine the drive that is not responding to trim control.
2. Shut down the engine and turn the key switch off. Wait at least 30 seconds, if
possible.
3. Restart the engine. Confirm the trim tab fault has cleared.
4. If the trim tab fault did not clear, repeat the start/stop routine up to three times.
5. If the trim tab fault does not clear using the above procedure, then shift the transmission
into neutral, shut down the engine, turn the key switch off, and alternately push the
trim‑up and trim‑down manual‑override buttons to release the spool. Refer to the decal
on the manifold bracket or on the port‑side of the drive cover, if equipped, for additional
information.

It looks like you can push those buttons to manually operate the tabs without the engines running. Maybe a call to mercury to confirm....
Well. Good news! I launched yesterday and everything went perfect. Pods reset to straight position and tabs performed perfectly! Thanks again
B5F9F654-BB91-447E-A250-7DEB03FA14CA.jpeg
 
Yes, I will call them first. It seems to me that this is in the event of failure while in the water. Pushing the button seems to release the spool so that if it’s stuck you can then restart the motors and they should reset. I don’t think you will be able to push the button and change anything while out of the water. But it’s worth a call to ask I suppose. thanks

Hey Shaps,
You think my starboard trim tab dropping down this winter was a Sign of the failure I ended up having with my drive? Moments before I got the low drive oil warming it said someone about my
Trim tab but then disappeared. After the low drive warning came on I lost all function of that starboard trim
Tab. Even using manual button? Just thinking back about
It..
 
Hey Shaps,
You think my starboard trim tab dropping down this winter was a Sign of the failure I ended up having with my drive? Moments before I got the low drive oil warming it said someone about my
Trim tab but then disappeared. After the low drive warning came on I lost all function of that starboard trim
Tab. Even using manual button? Just thinking back about
It..
Looks like in august 2017 both trim tab cylinders were replaced. Less than 100 hours put on since then. Boat was hoist kept entire time.
 
Hey Shaps,
You think my starboard trim tab dropping down this winter was a Sign of the failure I ended up having with my drive? Moments before I got the low drive oil warming it said someone about my
Trim tab but then disappeared. After the low drive warning came on I lost all function of that starboard trim
Tab. Even using manual button? Just thinking back about
It..
Looks like in august 2017 both trim tab cylinders were replaced. Less than 100 hours put on since then. Boat was hoist kept entire time.

I recall seeing the trim tab actuators being replaced on the documents you posted. The trim tab actuators share the reservoir with the steering actuator. However, (and i am no cummins mechanic here) I think the two are unrelated. My tabs were lower as well if you recall. I think the seals in your steering actuator were never done and this failure is a result.
One thing to ask your zeus guy once they do the repair is the clocking of that FRP tube. On the phone, mercruiser made that recommendation. It will direct more water through the steering actuator, allowing for more cooling and theoretically longer life. There is also an epoxy service bulletin out there they should do. I'll see if I can find a link.
Edit:
 

Attachments

  • Zeus Corrosion Prevention.pdf
    200.5 KB · Views: 98
I recall seeing the trim tab actuators being replaced on the documents you posted. The trim tab actuators share the reservoir with the steering actuator. However, (and i am no cummins mechanic here) I think the two are unrelated. My tabs were lower as well if you recall. I think the seals in your steering actuator were never done and this failure is a result.
One thing to ask your zeus guy once they do the repair is the clocking of that FRP tube. On the phone, mercruiser made that recommendation. It will direct more water through the steering actuator, allowing for more cooling and theoretically longer life. There is also an epoxy service bulletin out there they should do. I'll see if I can find a link.
Edit:
Great, thanks. I guess that would make sense of why I lost function of the trim tab. Also probably why I got the trim tab light. Figured I was grasping at that but if there were any warning signs I could point out for the next guy figured it might help someone down the road.
 
I recall seeing the trim tab actuators being replaced on the documents you posted. The trim tab actuators share the reservoir with the steering actuator. However, (and i am no cummins mechanic here) I think the two are unrelated. My tabs were lower as well if you recall. I think the seals in your steering actuator were never done and this failure is a result.
One thing to ask your zeus guy once they do the repair is the clocking of that FRP tube. On the phone, mercruiser made that recommendation. It will direct more water through the steering actuator, allowing for more cooling and theoretically longer life. There is also an epoxy service bulletin out there they should do. I'll see if I can find a link.
Edit:
Called sea rays customer support and they told me I have an open bulletin to be performed. Says it is Merck 3000 Zeus part improvement bulletin 12-16.
You familiar with this one?
 
Called sea rays customer support and they told me I have an open bulletin to be performed. Says it is Merck 3000 Zeus part improvement bulletin 12-16.
You familiar with this one?

I am not. Did they say what it was for?

Odd that SR said that, usually it would be merc/cummins. Also, that should have been mentioned in the mechanical survey I would have thought.
What are your pod serial numbers?

I go to:
https://shop.davecrawfordmarine.co....-2018-zeus-pod-drive-doen-jet-drive-zeus-3000

and then once serial number range is selected, you can usually find the published service bulletins.
 
41C1BBC2-783D-4010-A852-CA960BAF985D.jpeg
608A73D7-A7C2-462F-931A-4DDD1DA8A1A2.jpeg
D7BC0C13-2283-41D2-B00F-C8879DBF9AE2.jpeg
CAA85F68-5264-4F63-8F10-888151580BBB.jpeg
DE82E93F-4323-4AA1-A2BA-3AF75F50A580.jpeg
I am not. Did they say what it was for?

Odd that SR said that, usually it would be merc/cummins. Also, that should have been mentioned in the mechanical survey I would have thought.
What are your pod serial numbers?

I go to:
https://shop.davecrawfordmarine.co....-2018-zeus-pod-drive-doen-jet-drive-zeus-3000

and then once serial number range is selected, you can usually find the published service bulletins.
FYI here is the bulletin. Looks like some hydraulic hoses and software updates and Reflashes. There are 25 pages and I can’t figure how to attach the whole thing but here are the first couple pages.
 
Thanks @Richey rich
I am familiar with that svc bulletin and i did confirm that my pods have both the new hydraulic hoses and updated transducers. A visual inspection will confirm that for you as well.
If not done, for sure you should have your guys do that service while performing the repair.
 
Thanks @Richey rich
I am familiar with that svc bulletin and i did confirm that my pods have both the new hydraulic hoses and updated transducers. A visual inspection will confirm that for you as well.
If not done, for sure you should have your guys do that service while performing the repair.
Already have it scheduled to get done along with BOTH steering actuator seals!
Thanks
 
Hello

I need some help once again.

I have the Zeus pods and the starboard trim tab is down when the engine is off and soon as I turn the engine and it create a bit of oil pressure the trim tab takes the correct position (goes up). When engines are running I have no indication nor any problems with the trim tabs. I believe the cylinder seal may be bad by having some sort of internal leak. Is anyone aware of service kit for the cylinders I look at Boats.net and the cylinders are $ 2881.00-part 8M8023292 but I can find any repair kit?
 
Hello

I need some help once again.

I have the Zeus pods and the starboard trim tab is down when the engine is off and soon as I turn the engine and it create a bit of oil pressure the trim tab takes the correct position (goes up). When engines are running I have no indication nor any problems with the trim tabs. I believe the cylinder seal may be bad by having some sort of internal leak. Is anyone aware of service kit for the cylinders I look at Boats.net and the cylinders are $ 2881.00-part 8M8023292 but I can find any repair kit?
There are no trim tab actuator seal kits available that I am aware of.
 

Forum statistics

Threads
112,948
Messages
1,422,827
Members
60,931
Latest member
Ebrown69
Back
Top