red fluid 4BY2 180

[knotflying]

Before I go crazy trying to figure out what it is and where it may be coming from, I have some trace residue of a red fluid by the starboard rear mount in the engine compartment. Can't be from the transmission since that uses 30 weight oil. Anyone have a clue?

 

[wefings]

Probably non toxic anti freeze or engine anti freeze. As far as I know no red colored oily products are used on the cummins or yanmar . Check your coolant overflow bottle and see what color the coolant is . The boats are shipped winterized with RV anti freeze in all the water systems which is red .Thats probably what is is if the boat is new .
Marc

 

[knotflying]

I found the source. It is the trim tab fluid. The trim tab unit is in the starboard deck storage and apparently it is leaking from somewhere (can't seem to see where). The unit was almost empty so I tightened up everything, filled her up, cleaned everything up, cycled the trim tabs, looked for leaks (found none) and will now hope for the best.

 

[CaptMac]

I also had a problem on Island Ranger with the trim tab hydraulic fluid leak. Turned out it was where the hose connects to the transom fitting. Of course it took Andrew to find it for me!

Mac

 

[knotflying]

Next trip to the boat I will take a look. Peter at Winter Island told me to look in the same place. I will report when I have taken a gander.

 

[knotflying]

I checked the hose fitting going out to the stern and saw no evidence of leakage there. The only other place it could have been coming from is where the holding sump for fluid and the top screw together. I assume there is a gasket between them. I thightened all the screws around the perimeter. I also cycled the tabs a few times and did not see anything leaking, so only time will tell.

 

[JerryE]

My trim tab piston completely broke and left the tab hanging down with a spring exposed that is supposed to reside inside the piston. Andrew sent out a new piston and fluid saying this is a rare thing. The pistons are plastic and are sold as replacements in stock at West Marine I noticed. These Bennett trim tabs seem pretty fragile.

 

[linedoctor]

I had Bennett's on my last two boats for a total of 16 years...and since they were both planing boats I used the tabs constantly. Never a problem.

 

[knotflying]

Well, I am still getting leakage so I contacted Bennet, they are replacing my unit. They suspect that there is either a leaking pump head &/or a leaking pick up tube. They were very quick on a response and offer to replace the unit. They are sending the unit out in advance of me sending the old one back and having to wait without trim tabs.