Lenco Trim Tab not working

Serenity

Hello Everyone,

I own a 320 and have Lenco Trim Tabs. Last fall both trim tabs were working fine. The boat was stored on blocks and shrink wrapped for the winter. I tuned up the motors, generator and all boat systems and never thought about testing the trim tabs.Yesterday the boat went into the water. When trying to put the tabs down in order to plane for the first test run of the season--the starboard tab does not go down. Both arrows on the top of the switch on the dash are lite. The port tab works perfectly and all the lights work as the port tab is lowered. But when I hit the starboard side tab nothing. Not even a click, grind or moan. I have been reading that there is a control box where both tabs plug in and the one wiring harness runs to the switch on the dash. Does anyone know where this control box is located? I want to switch the wires to see if the trouble follows so I can eliminate the actuator on the tab. If it is the actuator-I will have to wait until the fall when the boat is pulled for the season. I would hate to do that since I use the tabs a lot.

frodo13056

It's most likely the brain box. The brain box is located under the switch panel bundled up in the rats nest of wiring. Once you remove the switch panel, trace the Lenco switch wires and you'll find the brain box. Just an FYI - the Port switch controls the Starboard tab and the Starboard switch controls the Port tab. Also, the brain box is supposed to be mounted in a specific way.
http://www.lencomarine.com/index.php/troubleshooting/item/switch-operation?category_id=322

Serenity

Thank you. I will check it out today.

raybo3

I hate Lenco trim tabs. If and when they need replacing I am going with  Bennett. 

redlightning

call lenco.  they have troubleshooting tech line and very helpful.  they also have some troubleshooting info on their site.   I have a bad actuator and the led lights provided info to confirm.  installing new actuator tomorrow.

Arent lenco and Bennett one in the same?  Sure appears that way on their web site.

Serenity

I fixed the issue. When the trim tabs were originally installed the wires from the tabs ran around a corner under the dash. I guess the boat being 10 years old and all the movement wore through the wire. I spliced in a new wire and wella works like a charm. I now protected the wires under the dash and searched for other wires which down the road would have the same issue. I use my tabs a lot and boy was I glad this was not an actuator issue since the boat is in the water for the season. Happy Boating Everyone.  

raybo3

Lenco are electric and Bennett are hydraulic. The Lenco are basically electric motors sitting in water. IMO not a very good design. I have had a lot of problems with them. I know many people with Bennett hydraulic and never a problem........ Just say'n.  

Serenity

I have had mine for 10 years now and never an issue. I use them a lot. Maybe that is the right answer--to use them a lot and they will not freeze up.

raybo3

Problem is not freezing the problem is water intrusion. I have had my boat for 7 years and have had to replace them (1 at a time) 2 on one side and 3 on the other. All the same problem. A little water in them....

Handymans342

Why dont you call Lenco and ask them why water keeps getting in them??? Maybe they are cheating you! LOL

raybo3

Handy the concept of an electric motor with moving parts submerged just does not make sense to me..... I do know people who have had good luck with them. Not me....lol 

Cableguy Greg

I saw that Bennett came out with electric tabs.

raybo3

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO........lol

LaRea

The issue I had with a Lenco actuator was water intrusion followed by freeze damage (i.e. cold weather during winter storage).  The bottom of the actuator just popped right off.

@Serenity -- if you need to replace an actuator, you don't necessarily need the expense and hassle of a full haul and block.  With a short haul, you could replace an actuator while hanging in the slings.  It's a 1-hour job at most, so you could be done in a morning.  Or, find a slip with a lift.

explore7425

I have replaced an actuator in the water. We just pulled in waste deep water and changed it very easily. Did in in Still Pond as a matter of fact. It's just two bolts. You can do it by feel. Push the wire in with a phillips or something and connect the deutsch connectors inside. Push some 4200 thru from the inside with a caulk gun and you're off.