On Sep 6, 5:09 pm, Wayne.B wrote:
On Thu, 06 Sep 2007 11:44:02 -0700, Mike C
wrote:

Mytrimtabs stopped working. I checked the fluid level, and it was
non-existent. I addedATFand switched on the tabs. The fluid all went
into the water. I believe only from the starboard hydraulic piston. I
have insta-trimtabs. I take it I have to replace the piston. How do
I do this? Does the boat need to be out of the water (problem!)? Is
there anything else I can check? There is no leaking inside the
engine compartment by the pump and I checked the hose connector to the
piston and it seems fine.

There are really only two possibilities that I can think of:

The hose is ruptured outside the boat; or, the cylinder is leaking.

Either way you're probably going to need a haulout unless you can find
a mechanic that works underwater or a really good diver.

I got in the water and checked it out. The hose was a little damaged
at the connection. I cut the end (3/4") of the hose off. These are
Insta-Trim tabs and there is a barb-type connector the hose needs to
fit over. No matter what I do, it doesn't seem to work. Granted, it
is hard getting leverage in the water, so I tried doing it hanging off
the back of the boat. I tried using pliers (gently), but am afraid of
damaging the hose. I think it is going to take a twisting motion to
get the hose on, but I can't seem to get it. The barb is much wider
than the hose (hose is 1/4" ID). Any suggestions on how to get this
hose on? It comes out of the water in a month and I suppose I can
fool with it then. With everything,dry, it will probably be much
easier. It will be a bitch driving it for winter storage though
without trimtabs.