Trim Tab Pump Leak

[cbadmin]

From: MichaelOnTheClaraMae (Original Message) Sent: 1/7/2003 10:19 PM
On my new CD-25, oil from the trim tab pump is leaking badly in the compartment it is located in. It is factory installed below deck (see photo here). I will need to fill the reservoir back up and try to get in there with a mirror or something this weekend while the tabs are operating to see if I can tell where the leak is coming from. I will let you know what I find. Hopefully, it is just a hose connection.

Michael on the Clara Mae

From: Mike Sent: 1/7/2003 10:55 PM
Oh man, what a hassle. Almost certain to be a simple fitting, though. Was the tab system factory or dealer installed? Just curious.

That doesn't look like a Bennett pump, but with mine, the hoses came with the compression fitting already swaged to one end of the hose, and nothing on the other end. After connecting to the actuators, each hose was cut to length and then connected to the pump with provided nuts and ferrules. I am guessing you have compression type fittings, too, given the relatively low pressures developed inside the system. If it is leaking at the fitting, it might be wise to remove the hose from the pump and ensure that the ferrule is fully onto the hose, with 1/16" to 1/8" of hose protruding beyond. It's easy to let the hose slip back when initially tightening the nut. Another common mistake with compression fittings is to have the hose sticking to far thru the ferrule and crushing when the nut is drawn up. If either is the case, of course, cut it off and replace with new fitting components. You probably already know all this stuff, but that's just what came off the ends of my typing fingers. We see a lot of improperly installed tubing at work. Those compression fittings are actually quite forgiving of lax install technique, but either scenario addressed above can cause leaks at pressure without the appearance of something being loose.

If the leak is from the pump unit itself, one could reasonably expect it to be replaced fast and without question, with your dealer taking care of dealing with the manufacturer.

Good luck, and lets hope they just forgot to tighten a tubing nut. You'll be able to let us know soon. You're probably out there right now checking it over.

Mike

From: Mike Sent: 1/7/2003 11:35 PM
Well, I just reread your initial post. Got the answer to my first question. You already said it was a factory install. Sorry, I'll try to pay more attention in the future.

From: stevej Sent: 1/9/2003 1:19 PM
Had this issue with my Bennet pump. Every time I put a little stress on the fittings they would start leaking and I would have to trim back the hose and replace the compression ferrules. I decided to replace the lines as a maintenance task last year and found that it is the same type of tubing as used by big rigs for some part of their brake systems. Found it at a local brake shop got everyting I needed fittings and all for under 20 bucks. The big news was that there is a brass insert that fits inside of the tubing so you don't crush the plastic line when you tighten the compression fitting. My system did not have these inserts and now that I'm using them have yet to see a leak even after moving the unit around for cleaning or whatever.
Don't know if Bennet ships with these from the factory but mine never had them when I got the boat.

steve

From: MichaelOnTheClaraMae Sent: 1/10/2003 11:25 AM
Cam, the C-Dory production manager for the CD-25 shop, told me the hose connections are with small hose clamps on the Instatrim Boat Levelers. I intend to take care of this tomorrow. Hopefully it will be an easy fix.

Michael on the Clara Mae

From: MichaelOnTheClaraMae Sent: 1/12/2003 4:42 AM
Well it didn't take long to find the leak. The aft hose connection was loose. I tightened both hose connections and it appears that has solved the problem.

I was surprised to discover about a 3 inch round and 3/4 to 1 inch deep recess cut into the hull under the pump. I would have never seen this had I not taken the pump loose to clean the spilled oil out from under it. I can't say I am thrilled about a cut into the core of the hull, however, I can see why it is necessary given the height of the pump. The factory did a reasonably good job of sealing the recess with caulk, however, water will forever collect there as it is. So I plan to fill the recess with some 4200 and "seat" the pump in it when I attach it back to its vertical surface. This should prevent water from collecting there and help prevent the recess from being an avenue for moisture to get to the hull core in the years to come.

Michael on the Clara Mae

From: Mike Sent: 1/12/2003 10:10 AM
Michael -

Good to hear the hydraulic leak was so simple to repair.

The recess into the hull is interesting. It goes through the glass to the balsa core? Your idea of filling it with 4200 and sculpting a seat for the pump is a good one. You are right about the constant collection of water there. Even if it is harmless to the hull, it will be a cruddy mess after a while. Looking at the picture you posted earlier, I can see how it would be hard to keep clean and dry. Your plan is a good fix, I think.

Mike

From: MichaelOnTheClaraMae Sent: 1/13/2003 3:56 PM
Mike,

I haven't seen the core yet because of the caulk they spread in the recess. I will this weekend when I clean their stuff out and make the repair. The answer has to be yes though given the depth of the recess. Also, because the pump is plastic, I've decided to go with some high quality silicone caulk ("Boat Life" I think) instead of the 4200.

Michael (Clara Mae)