trim tabs question

[UNIQUE_NAME]

boat leveler tabs

while rewiring/replacing the aft bilge pump found the trim tab hoses need replacing.
the fluid reservoir is below the hose connections and full. couple of questions before i proceed.
- are the hoses under pressure when the unit is off? aka will the hoses shoot fluid at me when i disconnect them
- any idea what id size and pressure rating the hoses are
- any other advise or tricks to be aware of?

thanks

 

[Finalee]

I've had them apart on several different boats. If memory serves, its very straight fwd. No bleeding, pressure only when pump is on.

 

[Dazed338]

Retract them if you can might have a return spring built in.

 

[UNIQUE_NAME]

yes, they are already retracted and seems like its just disconnect and replace.
any idea of the id size and pressure rating?

 

[Avenger]

No pressure if the tabs are retracted. Get the hoses from Boat Leveler or a dealer. They're very reasonable. I'd recommend you crimp the original style clamps onto the cylinders as the factory did. There are common tools that can get that done. System is self bleeding. Just run the tabs up and down a few times.

 

[Captain Ralph]

The tab cylinders are spring loaded to retract, if they are all the way up, there should be no residual pressure.
However, when you disconnect the hoses, fluid will drain out of the hoses, and ya know, a few drops make a mess,, your still looking at a notable amount, 1/2 oz+ per hose.
Have a catch tray and plenty of oil-sorb towels.

 

[Hat43c1981]

Order them from Sams Marine or directly from Boat Leveler. Their customer service is great. They will send you the new trim tab cylinder with the new style of hose already connected. It is basically a "plug and play" set up. They system is not under pressure when the pump is off. The old style of hose they used to use is braided and is very susceptible to rupturing. Happened to me last year. I changed all 4 of mine out with new cylinders/hoses.

 

[UNIQUE_NAME]

thanks to all who responded. for some reason i had in my head boat leveler went out of business
so i skipped the first step of all repairs, google. hose and new faceplate have been ordered.