Refilling the Bennett trim tab reservoir

[Boatdreamer]

I have to rebuild my port side trim tab because it has a slight leak in it but my question is how do you refill the reservoir in a R27 classic? It’s hidden and I really don’t want to break the hard supply lines or anything else in that area.

Tim
Gratitude

 

[Crewdog]

Hi Tim:

Here's a link to Bennett FAQ for reservoir:
https://bennetttrimtabs.com/guide-to-trim-tabs/#1537883927560-bf4e6a3e-8dd9

Also this parts diagram may be helpful:
https://bennetttrimtabs.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/trimtab_troubleshooting.pdf

if you haven't already exercised the new cylinder, it's helpful to bleed the air from the actuator and lines, and refilling reservoir.

Bennett has great tech support at (954)427-1400.

Good luck!

 

[knotflying]

The cover removes and there is a small hole to fill the reservoir. I suggest a long neck small funnel or a turkey baster.

 

[Boatdreamer]

Thank you Bill and Mike for the great information on refilling the reservoir. I have a small flexible plastic hose and a large syringe that should work but if it doesn’t I’ll buy a small funnel and give that a try. As always the help I get from Tugnuts is invaluable.

Tim and Donna
Gratitude

 

[knotflying]

What is good about the turkey baster is you can take it out of the draw from home and return it when done and the wife won't know the difference! And the guests will be in awe of how good the turkey tastes at the next Thanksgiving dinner. :lol:

 

[BB marine]

When servicing and topping off Bennett trim tab reservoirs in many boats it can be a PIA, because of the location that the manufacturer installed the reservoirs. Using a small funnel worked in some installs but other not so good. Working as a marine technician a big NoNo was spilled oil in the bilge. I used a small lower unit quart pump. West Marine, Walmart, Bass bass Pro, and many other places sell these. I remove the fitting and install a short length 1/8" tubing in the (plastic hose). Pull the plug on the reservoir insert the tubing in and pump slowly while filling to the proper level. This method worked well for me.

 

[mourinor9177]

How to gain access to the trim tab unit. On a C26 I can see it thru the inspection port under the rear seat.
Is the best way to get at it is to disassemble the well that is under the rear seat. I do not see any room on either
side as the holding tank and exhaust system is in the way.

 

[BB marine]

How to gain access to the trim tab unit. On a C26 I can see it thru the inspection port under the rear seat.
Is the best way to get at it is to disassemble the well that is under the rear seat. I do not see any room on either
side as the holding tank and exhaust system is in the way.

Remove the seat and you will have much better access to the trim reservoir.

Picture with seat and storage compartment removed. It takes about 15 minutes to disassemble. I have a small strip of weather strip attached to the storage pan lip to help keep water from leaking on the rudder post and steering ram. When you are checking the reservoir it is a good time to grease the rudder post. Just a couple of pumps with a grease gun.
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