Home › Forums › Bass Cat Boats › 2008 Detwiler hydraulic jackplate problems
I own a 2008 BC Puma w above jackplate. Worked fine last fall but just got boat out of storage after winter sit and can only get plate to groan and move very slowly, if at all. No visible leaks, piston slides have been greased with no poisitive results. I here Detwiler got sold. I wanted to check to see if using Mobil 1 synthetic ATF fluid would hurt whatever fluid is in there from the install date. I have never topped fluid off since it was new. Wondering if pump is shot or if it is fluid issue? I have plate all the way up as my paperwork shows to do. Thank you in advance. Contact site or number for Detwiler or new company would also be helpful.
If the zerks are not lubricated then the plate can bind. The newer plates are 125 Mercury trim pumps, the older ones have a private pump with hydraulic cylinder in the middle. The older model does require the 4 stem bolts around the center reservoir pump cylinder to be tightened and re-tensioned.
Thank you BC! The zerks (assuming you mean both grease fittings on each side) have been lubricated. It did not make a difference. It is strange it worked fine in the fall but after a period of (inside storage) 5 months, it now struggles to barely move. I wanted to check the fluid but did not want to mix fluids from the original fluid in 2008. I have Mobil 1 fully synthetic ATF fluid and wanted to know if I could use or use an old version of non-synthetic. Both are, as the plate directions call for, Dexron III compliant. Also how do I contact Detwiler or new company if they are sold? Or can a BC dealer service or replace the pump if needed.
Sea Star is the present plate company which bought Detwiler and redesigned the plate. The factory may have the pump, though we doubt it as those were custom fitted by Detwiler. The retro fit was a moderately expensive (50%) upgrade which installs the new pump, which is time consuming in spring. Is may still be an option, though we think they are outdated on the retro conversion because of the cost and age of this plate. They also frequently find unseen hidden issues on the plate rails and parts which end the use of the plate as they wont assemble the old parts with cracks and bolts broken. BCB may have an old plate in stock they could remove the pump from, and we are certain they do. The Parts staff will have to dig on this one to help you out. They are simply not aware of the used parts in stock as we dont sell pumps separately. We will be glad to assist, though it may be after the Invitational before we can assist. Once we are back in the facility from Guntersville then we can find the pump and separate the parts. Just leave you information through Parts and Richard is the most likely to assist on this one. When they get back from Guntersville he will know where to track the used part.
I had a similar issue and it was water that had seeped into the motor and corroded inside. that was a bear to replace as well. I like the manual jack plate that is preset from the factory and I just leave it alone. 1 less thing to repair/replace and I dont care about 1-2 mph
Thank you BCB and bwp777! Excellent info and will weigh my options when I talk to a Richard @ BCB. I very much appreciate your help and input. Nothing worse when fishing gets good and your stuck on land!
Ice – Are you in Vermont?
Yes, Schodack!
Are you sure you battery is fully charged and good? Maybe low voltage?
Hi Shef, Thank you for your respons. The night before I got the boat out of storage I had put the battery on charge overnight, but that is a good idea you have to check the voltage, and I will. I didnt think it was that as the power trim seemed to work fine. I also had topped off both grease fittings on plate. But I will check. Thanks again.
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