RAM Installation HELP

[kottenmouth21]

Bennett is sending me out the new Rams for the TAPS. I see the 3 screws on the hull and the 2 on the wake plate. Is this a job that I can do myself? How hard is the install? Am I correct that one of the RAMS is a dummy and the other actually moves the plate up and down? If so, can I disconnect that wire at the old RAM and re-connect it on the new RAM? Does this require any ATF fluid or is that just located inside the RAMS comming from Bennett?

Does anyone have any pics or instructions?

Thanks in advance.

[R&T Babich]

Both rams are getting fluid, only one has the position sensor in it. You'll probably lose a little fluid when disconnecting the hydraulic hose. The pump is usually setup for 2 different trim tabs, but on a Tige only one side of the pump is used to drive the rams for the one plate. Be sure to use a flare nut tubing wrench on the hydraulic fittings.

[kottenmouth21]

Thanks R&T

I still cannot find the pump or the location to check the fliud that runs these. Are they seperate?

[laserfish]

What boat do you have?

[kottenmouth21]

2002 21i

I have been told its located under the driver side dash, I can hear the pump running but dont see it anywhere.

[TRD]

The pump for the taps system should be under you passengers seat behind the windshield. There is a round cover by your built in cooler. These rams are very simple units and it should have about a 12' wire attached to it. You don't want ANY air in your system at all or it may not work correctly under load. We couldn't find a way to bleed; this was the concern that we had.

[kottenmouth21]

Thanks TRD

Do you happen to have a pic?

Is it in the storage area by the batteries or do I have to remove the built in cooler? Attached is a pic of where my cooler is.

Thank You!!!

[ajholt7]

Just a tip that I learned from experience: make sure the plate is all the way up before you disconnect the hose. The cylinders are spring return and will soak you of they are not retracted.

[kottenmouth21]

Thanks ajholt7

I am still looking for the pump to check the fluid level before installing. I still cant find the pump.....

[ajholt7]

I don't know where it its on that boat. Can you follow the hoses from the ram forward?

[NICKYPOO]

It might just be under a cover. Is there a carpeted box in the helm storage? Mine is located on the floor against the back side of the drivers bulkhead, as close to the centerline of the boat as it can be. It has a carpeted cover over it.

[kottenmouth21]

Thanks Everyone

I finally found it, I pulled a rookie move and didn’t remove the stereo sub. It was located under the driver dash, under the windshield. Once removing this speaker I found another storage area as well.

Anyways, the pump was low on fluid but it didn’t solve my problem. I’m going to replace the RAMS now. I did see that ajholt7 mentioned to have the plate up to prevent fluid from splashing out. I removed the RAMS from the back of the boat and each RAM has 1 black hydraulic hose, and one RAM has the green wire that I assume is the actuator?

Can I cut the green wire, attach the new actuator and solder the new wire to it? Then also attach the black hydraulic tubes running the fluid?

Anything I am missing? or wrong?

[ajholt7]

Can I cut the green wire, attach the new actuator and solder the new wire to it? Then also attach the black hydraulic tubes running the fluid?

That will work.

[TRD]

I finally found it, I pulled a rookie move and didn’t remove the stereo sub. It was located under the driver dash, under the windshield. Once removing this speaker I found another storage area as well.

Anyways, the pump was low on fluid but it didn’t solve my problem. I’m going to replace the RAMS now. I did see that ajholt7 mentioned to have the plate up to prevent fluid from splashing out. I removed the RAMS from the back of the boat and each RAM has 1 black hydraulic hose, and one RAM has the green wire that I assume is the actuator?

Can I cut the green wire, attach the new actuator and solder the new wire to it? Then also attach the black hydraulic tubes running the fluid?

Anything I am missing? or wrong?

Sorry, kottenmouth21 I have been gone a couple of days. Looks like you got it.

[kottenmouth21]

No Worries TRD

Thanks for all the info.