Taps

[mitch6601]

I recently purchased a 99 20i and the previous owner said the Taps system never worked. He stated it just would not hold any pressure. Right now there is no fluid in the resevoir. Right now there are two stainless steel bolts on the actuators holding the plate in a slight down position.

Any ideas on where to start?

[NICKYPOO]

Have you tried putting fluid in the system? They are pretty simple systems. Does the pump run when you push the button? If no, you have a power or ground issue. If yes, fill reservoir. Run the the system until the system goes up and down and refill the reservoir. If the plate does not move, you more then likely have a leak in the system or maybe a pinched line not allowing fluid to get to the rams or maybe even a bad pump but that would be extremely rare.

From what it sounds like, you probaby have a leak in either a line or one of the rams themselves. I had one go on my boat. Fairly easy to replace.

Don't forget to pull the bolts out that are holding it in a fixed position.

[mitch6601]

Thank you for the info. I wont forget to remove the bolts. This is just my new project and wanted some insight.

[NICKYPOO]

Sure. Let us know how it goes. We'll get it fixed up.

[mitch6601]

Ok I have been testing the system for 3 days now.

The motor works and pumps fluit when I direct wire it out of the boat.

I checked continuity of circuitry on switch and positive and negative are all working along with all other wires.

There is some type of relay inbetween I think may be bad cause the the 20 amp circuitbreaker is good when checked.

Does anyone know what this relay is called or where to find another one? All it has on the back for lettering is PC 6401 433 and then 9831D or D4. its only about 1 inch by 1 inch?

any other ideas? My problem is when installed in the boat I cannot seem to get the motor to pump any fluid even right out of the outlet of the motor?

[dogbert]

Ok I have been testing the system for 3 days now.

The motor works and pumps fluit when I direct wire it out of the boat.

I checked continuity of circuitry on switch and positive and negative are all working along with all other wires.

There is some type of relay inbetween I think may be bad cause the the 20 amp circuitbreaker is good when checked.

Does anyone know what this relay is called or where to find another one? All it has on the back for lettering is PC 6401 433 and then 9831D or D4. its only about 1 inch by 1 inch?

any other ideas? My problem is when installed in the boat I cannot seem to get the motor to pump any fluid even right out of the outlet of the motor?

I want to say there's some sort of control module, but you'd have to search for it by following the wires, but I can't be certain. Maybe lee knows. You might try PM'ing him

[R&T Babich]

Try calling the guys at Bennett Marine, bennetttrimtabs.com, FL - 954 427-1400.
They built the TAPS system for Tige.
I've talked to them about a leaking cylinder and got new seal kits from them.
Very nice people to talk to.
They might know what that module actually does and if there is a replacement available.
The TAPS trim plate function is actually very similar to a standard 2 plate trim system.
The TAPS uses a single central plate and the pistons have a little less throw.
The hydraulic power unit (V351HPU1) is a standard unit with one side disabled and plugged.

[skyski_tige]

On my 1997 2150, I had a short in the wiring in the cylinder. Once we replaced the cylinder everything worked as expected.

[mitch6601]

Everyone thanks for the help. I finally just got fed up with it all and installed a double post momentary on /off/momentary on switch and it works just fine. Tightened up the face plate and no visible leaks. Remembered to trim down first and remove the bolts the previous owner placed in there.

I am new to owning a tige, but correct me if I am wrong but the trim plate sure doesnt go down too far?

I plan on taking it out on the water this fri and seeing how she works.

Oh and I did contact TIGE (ofcourse they wanted to sell me this relay switch)lol...but I also contacted bennett trim tabs via email and they informed me bout the toggle switch after I already thought about it...I installed it next to the tach just below the right speedo which that is my next project. Anyhow I like it there cause then you dont accidentally bump it on the throttle lever.

I also added a rulemate 750 auto bilge pump...those things are pretty sick. Easy install and now I dont have to worry about the rain water or water I didnt see come onboard.

[NICKYPOO]

Nice work. Hopefully it works out for you. Sounds like it ought to.

The TAPS plate does not not go down very far. It really doesn't need to in order to be effective. Tiges are built without the hook in the transom so just throwing a little bit of down plate at it makes a big difference.

Try to get some pics of that Daddy on the water.

[mitch6601]

Well took her out on May 1st..Lake Pleasant az. Was a great day, had my old man with me and 3/4 of a tank of fuel (80's and slight wind with sunny skies).

Left the harbor with 1.5 to 2ft chop. Surprisingly boat ran great, taps worked great (not a single leak). Boy that plate when it is in the down position sure pushed the middle to forward part of the boat into the water and off of the flat bottom. We found a much nicer ride at 3000 to 3200 rpm with plate all the way up. At WOT 4300 rpm plate down drops top end speed by 3mph (GPS). Topped out plate all the way up with semi smooth water at 40mph (GPS) (IS THIS ABOUT NORMAL FOR A 1999 20I???)

Long story short only got a few pics of my dad and myself and none of the boat, was too busy taking it slow as suggested and practicing turning both power (no skiers on lake where I was doing power turns) and slow turns...I like the slow turns much better especially to the right. Turns on a dime to the right however like my old jet boat when I turn to the left (about twice as large of a circle) (is that normal???). Had to get used to not letting go of the steering wheel (sorry old jet boat guy) As you all know if you do at speed the boat turns to the right.

Was extremely impressed with the pulling power and out of the hole power. I am also pleased with how it handled the waves being that the bow is so so very low to the water. Engine temp only hit 165 the whole time we were out. I did notice that at WOT mpg went down. I think I am going to stick to 3000 to 3500 rpm as it seemed to give me the best speed/mpg ratio.

Oh and yes it backs to the right unless you steer all the way to the left then you go semi straight. Practiced some docking maneuvers to get a handle on that. (thank you all for the info on that)

Ok this turned out to be longer then I thought...lol...GOOD DAY and didn't dent or scratch anything and came back dry.

I put in a rulemate 750 automatic pump and it never came on so when I got home I put the garden hose in there (since there was less then 1/4mm of water in the bilge)(assuming that came from when the prop shaft seal was getting wet) The pump kept up with the hose on high both in auto and manual. WOW if that thing ever kicks on while on the water I am heading for shore. It takes a lot I mean a lot of water with the boat level or just above level to turn it on. I figure it ran for 3 min after I shut off the garden hose.

Oh and it throws a adequate wake for me with the plate up and slower speed...and you cant beat the really flat wake with plate semi down for skiing.

God Bless

[dogbert]

Think of TAPS as a wake shaping device. You have to adjust it for the speed and boat weight. I usually play with it until the wake falls over just behind the rider...that gives them steepest ramp possible for wakeboarding. Same thing for skiing...you can play with it until the wake is as flat as possible.