Lowering swim platform on 40PC


jlanka

jlanka

New member
I lowered the swim platform today on my 07 40PC (a hoot by the way, when you're anchored and peeps can hang out a foot under water) but it went down a lot slower than usual. Also the starboard side went down faster than port so it was somewhat tilted.

I've never really done any maintenance on this (although it worked when I first purchased the boat a few months back)

Thoughts on why it was slow? Suggestions on regular maintenance?

Thanks in advance for any help

Jeff
 
my only experience is based on the 45Y, but I assume it's the same setup???

i researched the setup a bit when i first got the boat because i had issues with retracting the platform evenly. the explanation i got was that it's impossible to synchronize 2 independent hydraulic motors. i assume the same could be said for going down?

i would assume it being slow would be an issue caused by battery power. perhaps your batteries were drained a bit?

just some thoughts...
todd
 
thats actually a pretty good guess as I need to replace all of my batteries since they are all at least 5 years old. Thanks Todd.

Jeff
 
Weak batteries would definitely make it run slow. I would also check the hydraulic fluid level in the reservoir.
 
So this morning I was examining the hydraulic pump and noticed a black lever that is oriented at a 45 degree angle up from horizontal. I pushed it up 45 and down twice (45 degrees each way) and it spring back to it's original position. Not sure what that lever is for but when I tested the platform after doing that it worked normally.

Any idea what that lever is for?
 
Picture of the pump with the black lever on the right side
944c509d96a3f58e8e7f9d07df901ec1.jpg


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Not sure but from what it looks like, you have a hydraulic control valve block in where all the lines plumb to. That lever make equalize pressure when pressure builds up differentially between the port and starboard side. In that case, the system will then be balanced and allow everything to cycle the same. I would suggest you call TAG and ask them what the handle is there fore. Also, it looks like you have a manual pump on the bottom to raise the platform if you need to raise the system due to lose of pump pressure. I looks like that is similar to a hydraulic jack. That might explain the stock bar in the rack in the foreground of the photo. Finally, if it were me, I would get down in there and work on the rust. Clean it off, tape off stuff, hit it with primer and then top coat it. That's just me--since I never like seeing rust, and given the location, you might have gotten some saltwater in there. Good luck.
 
Definitely got salt water, as the previous owner had a leak in the strainer tank and it sprayed around the engine compartment pretty good before it was discovered. Most of the rest of the damage has been remedied. I'll definitely call TAG to find out how the system works.
 
jlanka said:
So the 45Y must be setup differently, my 40PC only has 1 motor
Click to expand...
sorry...i should have said drives. at least i think that's the right term. point being that you have one motor pushing oil, and then 2 independent drives responsible for raising/lowering the platform. i have a feeling that slightly different pressures on either side would lead to a tilted swim platform.

gwazoo made a good point in recommending that fluid level be checked.
 
Fluid level is checked with the lift in the up position. Open the reservoir cap fluid should be about half inch from the top.
 
gwazoo27 said:
Fluid level is checked with the lift in the up position. Open the reservoir cap fluid should be about half inch from the top.
Click to expand...

So I opened the reservoir cap (arrow in pic below) and stuck a screwdriver into it. The screwdriver only goes in about a quarter inch and hits a piece of metal. Is there another location/dipstick of some sort?

swim_platform_pump_with_arrow.jpg
 
no, pretty sure that is it...you can look in and the fluid should completely cover that metal housing inside plus some
 
The manual pump is the rusty piece. I'm referring to the black piece above

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I think the black lever works with the manual pump. Lift it up to bring the platform up or push it down to lower it. Toofast is correct on filling the reservoir.
 
Yeah I have a single pump/motor powerunit and sometimes you need to get it both of the cylinders aligned / in sync and you have to bury the platform in the up position and that cures it. But I would start with the fluid, then check the batteries. If the batteries are low or poor voltage it could burn out the motor and you DON'T want that. Latham charges HUGE money for anything they sell, even the decals.
 
I'll take a WAG at the lever
The block has an electrically actuated valve which is used to raise and lower the platform. If the solenoid burns out or gets stuck, you can manually move the valve. With motor running, move handle
 
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