Trim Tab Reservoir Fill

Rain · Posted: Sun Feb 07, 2016 5:46 pm Post subject: Trim Tab Reservoir Fill

I have the Bennett 351 Trim Tabs. The motor, valves and reservoir are mounted on the aft bulkhead between the fuel tanks and over the bilge sump, which seems standard for the 22s and 23s. It is hard to see and to reach, but it appears as if the fill hole is beneath the Lexan cover and is tiny. Is it best to remove the entire unit to fill it, or is there an easier way, maybe with a syringe or something?

journey on · Posted: Sun Feb 07, 2016 6:12 pm Post subject:

That clear plastic cap can be removed and under it is a cap which covers the oil reservoir. Remove the cap check the fluid level and add any that is needed. No need to remove the whole assy; indeed, i don't know if you can.

Boris

Rain · Posted: Sun Feb 07, 2016 6:23 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the quick reply, Boris.

I am working almost blind. What is holding the Lexan cover on?

The fill hole looks tiny in the manual. What do you use to get fluid into it?

journey on · Posted: Sun Feb 07, 2016 6:38 pm Post subject:

if I remember correctly, the plastic cover is held on by a single screw. At least in the unit I have in Journey On. Check the on-line instructions. And a funnel is the hot set up to fill. Don't overfill and use ATF.

Boris

Rain · Posted: Sun Feb 07, 2016 7:42 pm Post subject:

Thanks. That will be one tiny funnel!

journey on · Posted: Sun Feb 07, 2016 9:28 pm Post subject:

Yes, that'll be a small funnel. Here's the owners manual: Bennett Trim Tab Owners etc. Pg. 4 has the parts list, which is the closest thing to a do-it-yourself manual.

Boris

Salmon Fisher · Posted: Mon Feb 08, 2016 12:17 am Post subject:

To fill you might find a plastic syringe at the hardware store and then fit a piece of clear plastic tubing to the end of the syringe. Better if you can find a syringe with a curved end.

Here's one from Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Disposable-Syringe-Tapered-Curved-Tip/dp/B0002YFRAW

Rain · Posted: Mon Feb 08, 2016 10:20 am Post subject:

Thanks for all the help. I'll fill it later this morning. Let you know how it goes.

Rain · Posted: Tue Feb 09, 2016 9:32 am Post subject:

Well, it was a bit of a pain, but the reservoir is filled! The former owner had left the single screw in the top of the Lexan cover out, so that part was easy. Smile

Lacking a sufficiently small funnel, I used a nasal bulb syringe designed for baby mucus removal (really, I did). Both my sons are in their forties, so hopefully they know how to blow their noses by now, but sometimes I wonder!

Afterward, my wife, our friend Mike, and I went down to Holmes Harbor. We couldn't believe the weather, sunny, temperatures in the 50s and seas as smooth as glass! Summer will have a hard time beating that!

Thanks again for the help.

hardee · Posted: Thu Feb 11, 2016 3:36 am Post subject:

Rain,

Yes, Sometimes the winter water is a good as you can get. Tues (last), Brooks (from Ticket) and I did a motorcycle ride. Super day for that too. Rode down the Hood Canal to Hoodsport and back to Port Townsend. The PNW is a great place to be this time of year.

Harvey
SleepyC Moon