Changing Tab Actuator RT25 Ckassic

[TexasEye]

Tab Actuator cylinder split down the middle, working tab by hand revealed some binding midway, removed the tab and hinge and made adjustments and replaced tab.

While I was replacing the actuator, sitting in the shade under the swim step I sealed and screwed in the top mount, while I was setting the screws for the bottom tab mount the bilge pump kicked in and soaked me head to toe, we had heavy rains yesterday, rain water from the generator and battery hold slowly runs into the aft bilge (she list on trailer).

Never a dull moment owning a Ranger Tug...


Tex

 

[scross]

No good deed goes unpunished!

 

[NorthernFocus]

Been there done that with the bilge pump. But wasn't sitting under it so only got bottom sides wet. Redesigning/sealing that generator hatch is next up on my list. Been wanting to fix it since we bought the boat but it had to wait its turn 🙁

 

[TexasEye]

Been there done that with the bilge pump. But wasn't sitting under it so only got bottom sides wet. Redesigning/sealing that generator hatch is next up on my list. Been wanting to fix it since we bought the boat but it had to wait its turn 🙁

The Battery and Generator stay wet because of the port list, any ideas, I've even thought of a bilge pump if there is any room.

And, the port actuator is leaking, I did purchase two actuators as I anticipated issues. I might screw off the cylinder and keep the upper mount!!! Do you see any issues, obviously I'll inspect the mount...

Well, I was sitting under the starboard tab on a shop stool, so I was a captive audience for the dump, learned years ago rolling shop stools are best maneuvered cautiously and never under duress...

 

[BB marine]

And, the port actuator is leaking, I did purchase two actuators as I anticipated issues. I might screw off the cylinder and keep the upper mount!!! Do you see any issues, obviously I'll inspect the mount...

If the actuator upper hinge is in good shape and appears to be sealed properly on the transom and has no hydraulic leaks at pipe and hose connection inside the boat. There is no issue with installing the cylinder assembly to the existing mounted upper hinge. It can be an issue getting the cylinder to thread off if it has been on for a long time but it will come off. It is best to have 2 strap wrenches. One to hold the upper hinge (backing it up) and the other to loosen the cylinder. Once it breaks loose your in business. Inspect the female threads of the upper cap and then thread the new cylinder assembly on. Fill trim tab reservoir to line, exercise the cylinders up and down several times to cycle all the air out, continue to monitor fluid level add fluid as needed. Once the pump and cylinders function smoothly recheck fluid level.

 

[TexasEye]

Thank You Brian, Yep...Inspect, Inspect, Inspect...The upper mount is in great condition and the seal is doing it's job, if I can remove the cylinder without screwing up the Mount that will be the plan.

I might be overdoing it, but I use plumbers putty around the hyd line and thru-hole and of course marine sealant around mount and mount holes assuring screw heads are sealed. Is plumbers putty OK to use???

Thanks Again for all the useful replies about Tugs...

Tex

 

[BB marine]

A good quality thin pipe dope is my choice. What ever you normally use with good results. My go to is Leak Lock. Leak lock works well when joining dissimilar materials. Metal to plastic or other polymers.

 

[NorthernFocus]

The Battery and Generator stay wet because of the port list, any ideas....

The list isn't the problem. It's the poorly designed hatch. The leak can be resolved either by adding a slight coaming or by changing the hatch configuration. I'm doing the latter. We'll be on the water all next week but will post pics in a couple of weeks after I'm done.

 

[TexasEye]

The Battery and Generator stay wet because of the port list, any ideas....

The list isn't the problem. It's the poorly designed hatch. The leak can be resolved either by adding a slight coaming or by changing the hatch configuration. I'm doing the latter. We'll be on the water all next week but will post pics in a couple of weeks after I'm done.

OK, looking forward to resolving the problem...