C28 Engine Hatch Struggling

[Eric R]

Is it normal for the hydraulic engine hatch to seem like it’s struggling when opening? The motion isn’t smooth and it kind of bounces when opening. Almost as if it doesn’t have enough power to push it open. The other day I could hear it running when pushing the button, but it wasn’t opening. I had to grab a hatch latch and sort of help it get started. Even with that it could barely function. As it turned out that time, the trim tabs were extended. Normally I have them fully retracted at the slip.

Thoughts?

 

[Connerkip]

The hatch should open smoothly to full open, provided the trim tabs are fully up. There is not enough oil in the reservoir for both the hatch to go up and the trim tabs to be down. If this is not the issue, check the fluid level in the reservoir.

 

[Scuba Too]

Just to confirm, the engine hatch should work fine with the trim tabs are fully up. Occasionally I run into this as well when I forget to raise the tabs.

 

[Eric R]

Sounds like I’ll need to (find and then) check the reservoir. It definitely struggles a bit even with tabs fully retracted.


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[Connerkip]

I have a C30. My reservoir is by the rudder. Not sure if it’s the same on yours. Just follow the hose from the hatch lift cylinder.
The cylinder is self bleeding, so that should not be the issue.

 

[Andrew Custis]

The reservoir is below the rear seat. There should be inspection plates that allow you to open and view the level. Make sure the tabs are to the full up position before you check the fluid. Feel free to call us at the office and we can walk you through any checks.

Take care,

 

[Eric R]

The reservoir is below the rear seat. There should be inspection plates that allow you to open and view the level. Make sure the tabs are to the full up position before you check the fluid. Feel free to call us at the office and we can walk you through any checks.

Take care,

Andrew - I didn't make it down to the boat to check this weekend. However, if I do find it low and need to top off, what fluid does the factory use to fill it? Thanks.

 

[Andrew Custis]

Hello,

This one is easy. Automatic transmission fluid is what is used.

Thank you,

 

[Eric R]

I like easy. Thanks again!


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[Eric R]

I still need to check the fluid level, but it has been getting even worse now. Most of the time it struggles to even start opening. I have to reach down and pull it up (not an easy task when also pressing the switch and trying to stay out of the way so it can open) to get it started. Then it seems the hydraulics “catch up” and can very slowly open it the rest of the way. It also seems like I can hear a little bit of a bubbling sound sometimes.

Does that sound like I might have a leak or air in the lines or something?


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[trailertrawlerkismet]

This may be totally unrelated but when we took delivery of our R29S in August Tim Gates gave us some engine hatch hydraulic advice. Tim suggested when the hatch is opened don't run the hatch all the way up. By doing this it does not apparently run the reservoir dry, therefore when it is lowered the hydraulics don't have to catch up. By running the hatch all the way up, I took this to mean, it also helps raise the hatch without problems. Tim also directed us to raise the trim tabs to there up position for optimal hatch operation. As I stated this may or may not be related but it is worth experimenting.

Jim F

 

[Baringa]

I’m a newbie to this forum, as I just purchased my ‘new to me’ 2014 C28. I love it, btw. Interesting to learn the TrimTabs must be fully extended when raising the lid. My problem however is a little different: The lid goes up fine, but will only retract when, get this, you apply upward pressure to the lid then release while simultaneously holding the switch down. You can imagine, it took a while to figure this out. Seems to work every time, but puzzling to me that this is required. Anyone else experienced such a thing?

 

[Eric R]

I’m a newbie to this forum, as I just purchased my ‘new to me’ 2014 C28. I love it, btw. Interesting to learn the TrimTabs must be fully extended when raising the lid. My problem however is a little different: The lid goes up fine, but will only retract when, get this, you apply upward pressure to the lid then release while simultaneously holding the switch down. You can imagine, it took a while to figure this out. Seems to work every time, but puzzling to me that this is required. Anyone else experienced such a thing?

Welcome! We absolutely love our 28.

Are you lifting the hatch the entire way up? I leave mine at an angle and never had that issue.

 

[ixlr8]

I’m a newbie to this forum, as I just purchased my ‘new to me’ 2014 C28. I love it, btw. Interesting to learn the TrimTabs must be fully extended when raising the lid. My problem however is a little different: The lid goes up fine, but will only retract when, get this, you apply upward pressure to the lid then release while simultaneously holding the switch down. You can imagine, it took a while to figure this out. Seems to work every time, but puzzling to me that this is required. Anyone else experienced such a thing?

I thought the trim tabs should be fully retracted before opening the hatch/lid.

 

[Eric R]

I’m a newbie to this forum, as I just purchased my ‘new to me’ 2014 C28. I love it, btw. Interesting to learn the TrimTabs must be fully extended when raising the lid. My problem however is a little different: The lid goes up fine, but will only retract when, get this, you apply upward pressure to the lid then release while simultaneously holding the switch down. You can imagine, it took a while to figure this out. Seems to work every time, but puzzling to me that this is required. Anyone else experienced such a thing?

I thought the trim tabs should be fully retracted before opening the hatch/lid.

That is correct.