Stuck drive rams
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Boat been sitting for awhile ![Frown](/forums/images/smilies/frown.gif)
Spending time to get it back in the water
Not able to get them up all the way.
One will not move at all, other raises about 3 inches and that is it.
As well the Tab will not move at all![Frown](/forums/images/smilies/frown.gif)
Can these be taken apart to clean/lube/ free up?
![Frown](/forums/images/smilies/frown.gif)
Spending time to get it back in the water
Not able to get them up all the way.
One will not move at all, other raises about 3 inches and that is it.
As well the Tab will not move at all
![Frown](/forums/images/smilies/frown.gif)
Can these be taken apart to clean/lube/ free up?
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This Cat is trying to keep up with the Big Dogs
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I've dealt with frozen rams before. In my case, the external seal was toast and the ram corroded to the housing. It's repairable provided you do not have internal corrosion and the ram has a clean surface. Simple check...
Crack the lines that go to your pumps. if the ram drops down or if you are able to pick the drive up, the rams are obviously not frozen. Careful, this will make a mess so have rags below your fittings. With the lines cracked and it still does not move, remove the rams and check them individually. One or both may be siezed. With a frozen ram, you'll need to get a spanner wrench (removing the zincs if you have them) to pull the ram nut off with the ram clamped in a vise (using wood not to damage the ram). This is the entire sealing cartridge. You can buy this complete kit for about $55 per ram. Assuming the inside ram and ram shaft has good surfaces (not pitted), you can rebuild for $55/ram. I would attempt the same diagnosis with the trim tabs, but try to locate a sealing kit first. Most of this stuff are standard Parker O-rings/seals.
If the ram moves after disconnecting from the pump, you may have a weak pump. If you can move the rams or drive with your hands, you pump is worn out either in the motor or the pump itself. You can buy rebuilt pump motors.
Isolate the problem correctly or it will cost you more money.
Other option is to buy a used set on Ebay or talk to someone who is in the business of selling used stuff. Next time, flush your rams with water before storage. Hope this helps.
Crack the lines that go to your pumps. if the ram drops down or if you are able to pick the drive up, the rams are obviously not frozen. Careful, this will make a mess so have rags below your fittings. With the lines cracked and it still does not move, remove the rams and check them individually. One or both may be siezed. With a frozen ram, you'll need to get a spanner wrench (removing the zincs if you have them) to pull the ram nut off with the ram clamped in a vise (using wood not to damage the ram). This is the entire sealing cartridge. You can buy this complete kit for about $55 per ram. Assuming the inside ram and ram shaft has good surfaces (not pitted), you can rebuild for $55/ram. I would attempt the same diagnosis with the trim tabs, but try to locate a sealing kit first. Most of this stuff are standard Parker O-rings/seals.
If the ram moves after disconnecting from the pump, you may have a weak pump. If you can move the rams or drive with your hands, you pump is worn out either in the motor or the pump itself. You can buy rebuilt pump motors.
Isolate the problem correctly or it will cost you more money.
Other option is to buy a used set on Ebay or talk to someone who is in the business of selling used stuff. Next time, flush your rams with water before storage. Hope this helps.
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