Where is the Hydraulic Reservoir located on a R-31?

K

Kaptajnen

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 28, 2018
Messages
258
Fluid Motion Model
C-302 C
Vessel Name
Akvavit
Can anyone tell me where the Bennett Hydraulic reservoir is located?
 
Under the aft seat in the cockpit, by the transom, just to port of centerline.

John
 
John,

Thank you. Any tricks to topping it up without spilling?

Claus
 
Make sure both trim tabs are fully retracted and the engine hatch is closed (it uses the same reservoir) when you check your level, then only fill to the fill line.

Edit: If you use a funnel or turkey baster or similar device, remember to be careful you don’t introduce any contaminants into the hydraulic oil.

John
 
I plan on buying a 12 ounce can of this and the small size should make it a asy to pour without spilling.

Looks like a good product. What do you think?

Brake Fluid; DOT 4; Prestone Synthetic Hi-Temp DOT 4 Brake Fluid exceeds specifications and provides excellent performance in high temperature braking systems. With a minimum 510 degrees Fahrenheit Dry Boiling Point, it provides 64 degrees more protection than minimum DOT 4 requirements. Prestone DOT 4 provides corrosion protection for ALL metals within the braking system and is suitable for disk, drum and ABS brakes.
 
Claus, Bennett recommends Automatic Transmission Fluid which is petroleum based. I believe brake fluid is a different animal. As I understand it, any ATF that meets modern specs will work. And there is no need to match the brand that is currently in there.

John
 
John,

Another problem. I am not sure I have located the reservoir, since access is blocked by a plastic cover secured by a Phillips screw from Hell, that refuses to unscrew in spite of my best efforts.

Please see the screenshot in my album titled:

Bennett Hydraulic Fluid Reservoir

Thank you
Claus

PS How do I upload/attach photos/screenshots to my posts?
 
The Phillips screw from hell has to come out if you need to put fluid in there. Find a new or lightly used Phillips bit that fits (often the correct bit is larger than you might think; you should feel it seat and not feel sloppy) then push and turn to crack the screw loose. The lexan cover will have to come off and then you will see a small hole into the reservoir below for filling.

John
 
Claus, forgot your PS. Once you have uploaded a picture to your gallery, then reply to a post or start a thread. Along the top of the window in which you write your message you will see a row of buttons. Click/tap on the button that says “g2Img” (“go to image” I assume). Wait a bit and a page with your gallery pics will come up. Check the one(s) you want and then click the button at the bottom to add them to your message.

John
 
John,

Thank you - I am ready to go back to the boat and finish this job.

Claus
 
I encountered “The Screw from Hell”!

Here is an email I sent to Bennett Marine:
——————————- QUOTE——————
Mr. Thomas,

Thank you for your reply.

What should have been a routine operation to top-up the fluid reservoir became a nightmare due to “The Screw from Hell”.

I am referring to the small sheetmetal screw with a Phillips head, item 12 in your schematic of the fluid pump assembly.

For some reason, whoever tightened this screw in your factory used a power tool that maxed the force.

As a result, it was impossible for me to remove this screw with a Phillips screwdriver without stripping the screw head.

I ended up having to use a DeWalt power tool and buying special sheet metal drill bits to remove this screw. There is absolutely no reason to tighten the screw to this extent - and it costs this customer hours of unnecessary work and research on the Ranger tugs user forum.

I recommend that you pass this comment on to the individual or individuals who may be concerned.

Regards,
Claus Jensen

——————- Reply from Bennett ——————

Mr. Jensen,
I’m very sorry to hear about the nightmare you had in removing the LEXAN COVER SCREW.
Our V-351 HYDRAULIC POWER UNITS are shipped with the LEXAN COVER in place over the unit, but the SCREW is taped to the inside of the LEXAN COVER. We do not install the SCREW, because the first thing you have to do when you open the V351 HYDRAULIC POWER UNIT box is fill the FLUID RESERVOIR with ATF. The SCREW is installed after that by the INSTALLER/TECH on the job using a standard screwdriver vs. a powered one.
We look forward to your reply.
Regards,
M.J. Thomas
Client Services
Bennett Marine
A Division of Yamaha Marine Systems, Inc

———————————————————

So, I guess the installation was done by someone at the Ranger Tug facility...

End of story
 
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