Trim tabs moving slowly

[MHorn0817]

2011 Sea Ray 260 sundancer.

I noticed last time out that my trim tabs didn't seem to be working as well. When I got it back home, I played with the tabs in my driveway a notice that they move slowly. They go down slightly faster than they come back up. But even going down they do not move quickly at all.

Could this be a oil issue? Maybe a leak? Air pocket? Worn out parts?

 

[scoflaw]

They always have moved slow in every boat I've owned

 

[MHorn0817]

Hmmm, I never paid attention before. Other boats I've had and used the tabs, the boats would react quickly. This boat, not at all, which is why I was concerned.

 

[hottoddie]

Check oil level. Slow retracting is normal as it relies on springs inside the actuators to force oil back into the reservoir.

 

[Espos4]

2011 Sea Ray 260 sundancer.

I noticed last time out that my trim tabs didn't seem to be working as well. When I got it back home, I played with the tabs in my driveway a notice that they move slowly. They go down slightly faster than they come back up. But even going down they do not move quickly at all.

Could this be an oil issue? Maybe a leak? Air pocket? Worn out parts?

Time them. Move one at a time from full up to full down. Time it and post your results.

 

[MHorn0817]

It'll take a while, but I will do that this weekend. Lol

 

[MHorn0817]

Port side is 9 seconds down and 14 seconds up, so that seems normal.

Starboard would barely go down and then took 45 seconds to go back up. Then would not go down at all. Could only hear a faint noise while trying.

Does something seem seized or bad? I don't see any leaks anywhere. I will have to check the fluid tomorrow.

 

[MHorn0817]

So I checked the fluid and it's full but it's also foamy and more light pink then red ATF color.

I also swapped the lines at the HPU and the problem moved to the opposite side. So I'm assuming the HPU pump needs replaced, according to the Bennett troubleshooting manual.

Would it be worth it to do the electric conversion for around the same price as replacing the hpu?

 

[Espos4]

Pink fluid means that water is getting in there. New O-rings should reseal it, new pump and a fluid flush would be good too.

 

[MHorn0817]

I assumed water was getting in the line somehow and that's why it was pink and foamy and not solid red. Would the line have to be replaced or the seals in the pump have to be replaced?

 

[hottoddie]

I believe you have a faulty solenoid on the slow side. Easy to replace.

 

[Scott215]

Is it hard to replace the seals in the actuators themselves

 

[Espos4]

Is it hard to replace the seals in the actuators themselves

No

 

[Espos4]

There are good videos on YouTube from Bennett.

 

[Scott215]

Thanks mine are ok but good to know as much as you can

 

[MHorn0817]

Bennett was telling me I needed to replace the actuators and for that cost, I just purchased the electric conversion kit and I'll see how that does.