Boat Leveler Trim Tab motor maintenance?

[SBH2OMan]

I'm getting ready to re-wire and organize the transom area of the boat and one thing I'd like to do is to perform some maintenance on the Boat Leveler pump & solenoid assembly. I have to assume that the unit has never been flushed and filled in its life time (though the fluid level is OK and doesn't seem to leak). One of the sides is a lot slower than the other side, so I have to assume that the solenoid valve may be clogged a bit on that side.

Any tips or tricks to servicing the unit? Looking at the parts diagrams, it appears to be pretty straightforward. If the fluid is full, should I worry about changing it? ATF seems to be the popular choice for replacement oil.

 

[warthog5]

ATF is what Bennett calls for for their HPU [Hyd pump Unit]

Change it....I wouldn't.

But don't confuse putting ATF in your Hyd steering. You can.....BUT only for emergency and then it needs to be flushed.

One of the sides is a lot slower than the other side

Measure your hoses going from the HPU to the rams. If they are different lengths then that's your problem. They are supposed to be the same length...If the HPU is off center and I bet it is to access it, then the short side should have a loop put in the hose so that both sides are a equal measurement.

 

[SBH2OMan]

ATF is what Bennett calls for for their HPU [Hyd pump Unit]

Change it....I wouldn't.

But don't confuse putting ATF in your Hyd steering. You can.....BUT only for emergency and then it needs to be flushed.

One of the sides is a lot slower than the other side

Measure your hoses going from the HPU to the rams. If they are different lengths then that's your problem. They are supposed to be the same length...If the HPU is off center and I bet it is to access it, then the short side should have a loop put in the hose so that both sides are a equal measurement.

Thanks for the tips - both rams used to operate at the same speed. Over the summer I noticed one was moving about 1/2 the speed of the other.