BENNETT MARINE VP1139 Trim Tabs Fluid Reservoir Instruction Manual

BENNETT MARINE VP1139 Trim Tabs Fluid Reservoir

Product Information

The product is a trim tab system designed for marine use. It consists of various components including fluid reservoir, screws, filler stack, filler plug, mounting bracket, Lexan cover, motor strap, solenoid valve, stainless steel trim tabs, actuators, hydraulic power unit (HPU), helm control, hydraulic tubing, and wire harness.

PARTS

Product Usage Instructions

MAINTENANCE

• Periodically, check fluid level in HPU. With trim tabs completely retracted, fluid level should be about 2″ from bottom of reservoir (approximately 22 ounces). To refill, remove lexan cover and filler plug located at the front left hand corner of the reservoir. FILL WITH ANY TYPE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID (ATF) ONLY. Brands or types of ATF can be mixed. Running HPU with an excess or lack of fluid will not cause damage to the trim tab system.

• Periodically, check for clean electrical connections on back of control, HPU ground wire, and quick-disconnect plug.

• Cold temperatures do not affect the trim tab system. No winterization is necessary.

• (SALTWATER ONLY) To deter electrolysis, a zinc anode should be attached to the top of each trim tab. Zinc must make direct contact with stainless steel. Do not paint zinc. Do not ground trim tabs to other underwater appendages.

• Paint trim tabs to discourage marine growth.

  • Clean surface of all grease, oil, dirt.
  • Apply two coats of epoxy metal primer.
  • Apply two coats of anti-fouling paint.
    Actuator, including the piston, may be painted.

• Unpainted trim tabs may acquire an orange discoloration. THIS OXIDATION OF SURFACE CARBON MOLECULES IS NORMAL. The integrity of the stainless steel is not affected. Orange coating can be cleaned off, but may eventually return. Note: This discoloration should not be confused with the pitting and corrosion of electrolysis.

SYSTEM COMPONENT SPECIFICATIONS

| Trim Tabs:| Stainless steel
---|---|---
Actuators:| Upper hinge material (Part #A1103) made of flexible nylon. Remainder of actuator made of high impact fiberglass-filled nylon.
Hydraulic Power Unit (HPU):| HPU draws approximately 18 amps (broken-in) and operates on 12 volts DC (except 24 volt HPUs). Approximately 22 ounces of ANY TYPe AUToMATIC TRANSMISSIoN FLUID (ATF) is required to fill reservoir to proper level for single actuator installations. With trim tabs fully retracted, proper fluid level is about 2″ from bottom of reservoir.
The HPU forces both trim tabs full-up to full-down in 8-10 seconds, individually in 4-5 seconds. (Trim tab travel on dual actuator systems takes twice as long).
Helm Control:| Controls on 12 volt systems use 20 amp in-line fuse (24V systems use 10 amp in-line fuse).
Hydraulic Tubing:| Tubing has 1/4″ outside diameter
Wire Harness:| Wire colors and their functions:| Red| Port valve
---|---
Green| Starboard valve
Yellow| Motor reverse (pump retract)
Blue| Motor forward (pump pressure)
Black on HPU| Ground
orange on helm control| Positive

Bennett Trim Tabs are built to rigid quality standards. However, the marine environment is harsh. So, in the unlikely event a malfunction occurs, here is some helpful information:

1. If trim tabs do nothing … no movement … no sound from HPU:
   • Inspect for blown 20 amp in-line fuse in helm control’s orange wire.
   • Inspect for disconnected or corroded connections on HPU ground wire, orange positive wire from helm control, and quick-disconnect plug.
2. If HPU motor runs but trim tabs do not move:
   • Inspect for disconnected or corroded red and green wire connections at helm control and quick-disconnect plug.
   • The following test can be used to help isolate a malfunction.
   • Remove wires from helm control and touch together as follows: If trim tabs function in each of the above combinations, check helm control. If during this test trim tabs continue to malfunction, inspect HPU.
3. If one trim tab operates and the other one does not:
   • Inspect for disconnected or corroded red or green valve wire connections at helm control and quick-disconnect plug. (Red wire operates port trim tab; green wire operates starboard trim tab).
   • Reverse hydraulic lines at front of HPU to determine if malfunction is in HPU or actuator / hydraulic connections. If after reversing lines, symptom shifts to other trim tab, malfunction may exist in HPU. If symptom remains on the same side, malfunction may exist with the actuator/hydraulic connections.
4. If trim tabs go down but will not retract:
   • Inspect for low voltage of the battery. Check battery voltage while HPU (or another accessory) is running. If voltage is less than 10 volts, valves may not open.
   • Inspect for disconnected or corroded connections on helm control, and quick-disconnect plug.

This general information is not intended to be complete. Please feel free to call Bennett Marine to assist in solving situations not clarified or addressed above. Bennett Marine customer service is available to help Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time by calling 866-894-1626.

SAFETY INFORMATION

• Take immediate action to correct any malfunction or failure of your trim tabs.
• Occasionally, check for loose or corroded wiring connections.
• Stepping on the trim tab may cause damage to the unit, or injury.
• Make sure the HPU is mounted in a dry location to avoid drenching and consequent failure.
• Leaving the actuator extended when boat is not in use will not cause seal damage.
• Occasionally, inspect HPU fluid level.

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