C 28 Hydraulic fluid

[Oregon Trail]

When preparing to take our 2012 C 28 out today, the hydraulic cylinder would only lift the engine hatch about a foot. I assume the hydraulic fluid must be low or leaking. This is not part of our usual checklist and I don't even know how or where to check the fluid level or where to add fluid. I also wonder if this affects the steering and/or trim tabs?
Please advise.

Thanks,
Mike
Northwest Passage

 

[CORPSVET]

Check your trim abs. This has been a problem with the actuator for the pot trim tab. It may be blown.

 

[Automaticman865]

There are a couple of things...
I've been through the bad actuators twice. Bottom of the actuator cracked and split. Time before it really blew out and the bottom had part of the spring exposed. Bennett said that they are now using some type of additional sleeve to reduce the pressure on the troubled areas.
Also you will need to retract the tabs as there is not enough fluid to have both the tabs extended and the hatch fully opened. Just run the hatch till it stops opening, then retract the tabs and you'll then be able to fully open the hatch.
The pump and reservoir are located on the transom, starboard side, and with a flashlight you can see it through the inspection plate under the transom seat. Getting to it is another story.

Stuart

 

[Oregon Trail]

Thanks for the help. I will check that out. Do you know if this has any effect on the steering (aside from the trim tabs), or are they separate hydraulic systems?

Mike

 

[Gin]

Mike, on the Ranger Tug 27, the reservoir for the trim tabs is entirely separate from the steering system. I would assume the same on the Cutwater. But can't say for sure.

Gini

 

[Oregon Trail]

Thanks Gini!

Mike

 

[Andrew Custis]

First thing you need to do is very whether your hatch lifter is hydraulic or electric. We used two different lifts on this application. If the lifter has a line coming off the bottom of it, it is definitely hydraulic and tied into your trim tab pump. Most of the time, the pump is simply low on fluid or your tabs are down. Raise your tabs all the way up by pressing the switch backwards and then try again.

You should also check for a leak. Open the well under the back seat and remove the inspection plate to look for red transmission fluid back there. If you see ATF, we need to find the leak, repair and fill the pump back up to the proper level.