Trim Tabs not working, 2001 Albin 28TE, need service

[Norseman]

Hello from Florida.

About the only system not covered in the manuals that came with the boat was the trim tabs.
Not sure if they are Bennet or that other brand.
The motors are running, but no movement. Guessing there should be a hydraulic reservoir somewhere in the stern, unless the tabs are pure electric.
Cylinders are visible through openings in the swim platform.
Dual black switches just behind throttle.
Did not see a reservoir under deck in the stern, but did not lay down on my belly with flash light and search either.

Did a search on this forum on servicing trim tabs, but nothing relevant came up.

Any ideas?

(Also, is there an upgrade on the switches to include tab position indicators?)

[Norseman]

Went back and this time did a better search for the trim tab system.
Sure enough, in the middle, behind the aft center deck hatch I found a Benmet V 351 system. About as difficult to access as can be.
Tried to shine a light throug the reservoir but it is either full or empty, yellowish and cloudy, not sure what is going on back there.
Must be a refill hose/pump to attach and fill?
Is there a check valve, or a screw to open for filling?
Will check google for the owners manual, but also looking for hands-on experience with this system.
Had this boat 15 months, alsways something new to learn..

[DougSea]

Bennett makes a good product and has good support. Nothing "Albin centric" with the system. Likely you just need to top off the reservoir.

Here's a link that should help.

https://bennetttrimtabs.com/guide-to-tr ... and-safety

[Norseman]

Bennett makes a good product and has good support. Nothing "Albin centric" with the system. Likely you just need to top off the reservoir.

Here's a link that should help.

https://bennetttrimtabs.com/guide-to-tr ... and-safety

Thanks:
Been surfing the Bennet site and watched you tube videos etc.
Seems straight forward and easy to service, IF the darn thing was accessible
I am guessing the system was installed in the hull before the deck was joined. Found the filler port, but no idea what connector or size hose to use.
Next step is to remove the cap and take an iPhone picture.
Looks like there is an adapter for filling, will check with a West Marine tomorrow if they have it in stock.
How often do you guys service this system?
(The literature says it should be serviced every other season or so)
No mention in my service records of adding fluid.
Easy to forget when the unit is hidde under deck, Guess I should look for a midget mechanic to crawl in there and do it.
At 222 lbs I don’t..

[Nancy]

Bennett tech support is excellent. Give them a phone call and they'll walk you through pretty much anything. 954-427-1400.

When we rebuilt our transom last winter, we discovered that both trim tab cylinders were leaking, and we replaced them. Bennett guided us to the correct cylinder model.

In case it's helpful, here's a photo of the reservoir system.

transom-5-05.16.17-1600.JPG

[Norseman]

. In case it's helpful, here's a photo of the reservoir system.

Thx, yes I found mine and it looks the same.
I removed the cover this evening and shot a video of the innards.
Can”t figure out if the tank is empty or not.
(Hope it is empty, easy fix unless there is s big leak somewhere)

[Norseman]

Here it is.

1286B8F4-7D23-4D14-BAD5-9CD066FDEE13.jpeg

[Norseman]

Update:
Checked the fluid level with a cable tie for dipstick: Showed 5” of clean red fluid from the bottom:
Called Bennet customer service: They said to remove the hydraulic lines from the actuator and run the pump. If a clean stream with no bubbles comes out, it must be the slave cylinders.
If no stream, then it is the hydraulic power unit.
($381 retail, $255 on Amazon)
Same model as before, should be plug and play.

[catalina_mike]

I fill mine using a plastic squeeze bottle from smart & final that you would see for ketchup or honey on a restaurant table.

https://www.foodservicefiresale.com/Squ ... lick=81471

They also make bottles with a curved spout.

[Norseman]

I fill mine using a plastic squeeze bottle from smart & final that you would see for ketchup or honey on a restaurant table.

https://www.foodservicefiresale.com/Squ ... lick=81471

They also make bottles with a curved spout.

Good idea, how often do you fill it?

Now trying to move it from the bracket, but it won’t budge.
Is it supposed to lift straight up? Tempted to use a rubber mallet to help it, but not sure how much tapping the reservoir can take before it cracks..

[catalina_mike]

Get the manual online. There is a hole on top. Fill and bleed by removing one of the lines and capture fluid until you get a clean stream. I suspect you are low and have condensation in the tank. You should not have to use a bunch of fluid after the cleaning unless you have leaky actuators.

[Norseman]

Thanks for the advice:
Got it working now: It was not low, I used a dipstick and measured 5” from the bottom.
Took the pump off the bracket and disconnected the lines, then blew out half the fluid with some air bubbles, then reconnected and topped of the reservoir, all good.
While down there I also reconnected a couple of bonding wires, they had corroded off: Not tinned wire...strange.
Thx again for the help, this was new territory for me, did not have trim tabs on my sailboats.

[Norseman]

C2B53609-35EE-4E6E-94B4-4F0BCE248DE0.jpeg

Heads up: If you need a filler plug for the Bennet V 351 Reservoir, it is all of $0.78 cents at West Marine, OR $16.55 on Amazon Prime...