Trim Tab Actuator Leaking Oil

[Brian B]

I'm in the process of Spring commissioning the boat and noticed a small amount of oil at the bottom of the piston on the starboard trim tab actuator. I did some quick research on the Bennett website, and found they have a 5 year warranty. I called them and spoke to Oliver, I told him about the leak and that it was on a 2010 Ranger Tug. His immediate response was send the defective actuator back to them and they will replace it. He then told me how to unscrew it, send in the warranty form from the website and if I had any questions about installing the new one when I receive it to give him a call. It took about 3 minutes to remove the old one and it is in the mail today.
Impressive customer service!!

 

[PhilR]

I agree. Had some trouble with my tabs last year and the folks at Bennett were very helpful.

Phil

 

[knotflying]

I hope you put a hose clamp on the actuator shaft before unscrewing it. It prevents it from retracting and makes for a much easier re-install. If you did not it may be a two person operation to remount it.

 

[Brian B]

I hope you put a hose clamp on the actuator shaft before unscrewing it. It prevents it from retracting and makes for a much easier re-install. If you did not it may be a two person operation to remount it.

They had me unscrew the entire cylinder from the upper hinge. I sent back the entire cylinder with all the internal parts. The replacement will be set what they call "detached" so it will screw right back in without having to fight the piston.

 

[knotflying]

Hopefully, worse case scenario is that you will have to attach it to the trim tab and then pull hard while someone clamps the piston in place. Then you will have maneuverability to attach the piece to the hull.

 

[swillmerchant]

We had the same thing happen last fall upon haul out - the actuators blew out completely. Bennett replaced both cylinders for free. All I have to do prior to launch is refill the hydraulic fluid and connect the actuator to the trim tabs themselves. Good luck!

 

[Brian B]

It only took 7 days door to door for the new actuator to arrive. Bennett shipped it with a piece of PVC cut in half acting as a clip on the bottom of the piston. It was just a matter of screwing the cylinder into the upper hinge, attach the 2 screws to the trim tab and remove the clip. The system self purges itself by running the tab up and down a few times and then check the fluid level in the reservoir.

 

[knotflying]

Good news. Nice that they had the piston extended and held in place when shipped. It definitely makes for an easy installation that way.