Trim Tab reservoir

[SunsetSteve]

Riviera 2807 - supposed to check and change the trim tab pump reservoir (pic below), but there does no appear tp be any access to perform that. What am I missing (again)? I also asked on the FB Group but the photo would not stick.

[bud37]

Take that plastic lid off and then look at the front left if I remember right for the filler tube/cap.

It looks pretty clean down there, new water pump etc.

[SunsetSteve]

Yep, I am totally impressed with how fresh and new everything looks in the water management dept on this boat. No wonder the surveyor was so positive - actually almost gushed! LOL
Thanks Bud 37! Going right back out there to follow up.

[Cooler]

You will need something that is narrow. The filling tube is tiny. That screw at the top is what you need to remove to get the cover off. First off, shine a light on the translucent tank at the bottom of the unit. They normally do not require adding fluid very often. er

[Midnightsun]

Don't laugh, I use a ketchup bottle normally found at a diner like this. https://www.amazon.ca/Squeeze-Ketchup-Mustard-Mayonnaise-Dressing/dp/B0881X237K/ref=sr_1_8?dchild=1&keywords=ketchup+bottle&qid=1602536575&sr=8-8 Works very well.

[SunsetSteve]

removed the cap - explored with a screwdriver down the hole and it seems blocked. Can I be confident that the oil will travel into the reservoir? I hope so because it looks empty to me. I can't see a line indicating the level.
Also - the oil container has a narrow fill thing just like the ketchup bottle above, but of course I cut a little lower than I should have. Now need to find a tiny funnel!

[Midnightsun]

There is no line for max or min level. If memory serve me right it should be 1" from the top when trim tabs are fully up. FYI, trim tabs do not consume oil therefor if the level drops or the tank is empty there is a leak the needs to be attended to.

[km1125]

IIRC, that whole trim pump assembly slides down into its mounting bracket. If there's enough slack in the hoses and wire harness, you can slide it up and just look inside the bottom reservoir section

Funny side note... on my very first boat, nearly 40 years ago, I saw those plastic lines and thought somebody cheaped out when they did the installation. Replaced it all with copper. Years later when I learned more, replaced it back with the OEM plastic lines.

[Cooler]

Hans - not laughing, but I am going to go to get one of those ketchup bottles! That would be perfect for a couple of hard to reach parts. Great idea! er

[rcoff512]

I use one of these.

https://th.bing.com/th/id/OP.Y3VLIyxQEc ... 3&pid=21.1