Trim tab and hydraulic hatch loose hose

[Furio]

While underway yesterday we had the bow raise very rapidly and then the trim taps had no effect. After docking we confirmed visually that the trim tabs would not raise or lower and then discovered the engine hatch would not open. We inspected engine compartment and discovered hydraulic fluid in bilge. Located hydraulic pump which had 1 hydraulic line disconnected. They next step I will complete is simply removing the fittings and reattaching the line. Once complete I will refill the hydraulic fluid.

Can someone let me know what hydraulic fluid I should use? It is a 2019 Cutwater 28

Also will I need a funnel with a hose to fill it?

Are there any other troubleshooting steps I should do or am I on the right track?

Thank you in advance for the help!

 

[CaptT]

This quote comes directly from the Bennett Trim Tabs site.
Use any type of Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF). Don’t worry about the exact brand or type – it will all work, and can even be mixed. To add fluid, remove the Lexan cover on the HPU, locate the “filler stack” in the left front corner of the reservoir. There is a round plug sealing the filler stack. Remove the plug and add fluid to the full line on the reservoir. Note: Add fluid only with the trim tabs fully retracted (up). If your reservoir does not have a full line, add fluid so the fluid level is about 1 inch below the top of the reservoir with the trim tabs fully retracted (up). Your Bennett Trim Tab system should not need refilling for several seasons.

I personally use the same ATF I use in my transmission. The CHEVRON MD-3 which was used by Fluid Motions in the 2015 model C 28 transmission. It's difficult to find but I was able to buy a case early on. It's still just a Dextron III transmission fluid.
Hope this helps.
Terry

 

[Ralf H]

Hi Furio,

The info CaptT mentioned is correct. Dexron III works very well, but any transmission fluid will work in a pinch.

Cheers,

Ralf

 

[Furio]

Repair complete. Thank you for the help.

I tried to do the work through the pop out deck plate but it was a little to cramped for me. I took out the seat and compartment for more room to work.

The brass fitting needed to be replaced to get the hose to stay. The reservoir was empty and the fill hole is pretty tiny. I have some smaller funnels but nothing would fit. I ended up attaching a small hose to the end of a funnel to fill it. Once complete I put it back together and extended each trim tab and the engine hatch 5 times. Verified no leaks and double checked reservoir. I have never seen the engine hatch open so quickly so think this may have been loose\leaking since install.

I appreciate the advice

 

[CaptT]

Furio,

Good job! Don't you love, what I refer to as, the Cutwater Crawl! It seems like anything that you need to fix on these boats requires some type of kneeling and crawling. Whether it's the engine room, the under the seat hatch or, my favorite, the Cave Crawl, it seems to always involve sore knees and an aching back! :lol: Who needs yoga when you own a Cutwater?
All joking aside, they are great boats!
You are right about the hatch opening as they feed off the same system.
Good luck and thank you for the follow-up. The information you provided can help with future repairs some of us may need to complete.
Terry