Refilling Your Boat's Leveler Reservoir With Oil

Putting oil in a boat leveler reservoir can be a challenging task due to the difficulty in accessing the filler hole and plug. To refill the reservoir, you will need a small funnel or an oil can with a small hose that can reach the filler hole. It is recommended to use biodegradable oil, which can be purchased along with a funnel in a kit specifically designed for boat levelers. This ensures that the funnel fits perfectly into the oil reservoir. Additionally, an oil sump tube made of aluminum can be used to draw oil from the reservoir to the pump. When refilling the reservoir, it is important to ensure that the trim tabs are in the full-up position to check the fluid level. If the fluid is below the fill line, use automatic transmission fluid (ATF) to top it up. After adding fluid, operate the trim tabs up and down a few times to purge any air from the system and recheck the fluid level.

Use a funnel to fill the reservoir

When refilling the oil reservoir of your boat leveler, using a funnel is a highly recommended method. The funnel ensures that you can fill the reservoir without spilling any oil, which is especially important when dealing with biodegradable oil to avoid contamination.

Insta-Trim Boat Levelers offers a small funnel that is specifically designed to fit perfectly into their oil reservoir. This funnel can be purchased on its own or as part of a kit that includes biodegradable oil. The kit is available from several online retailers and includes everything you need to top up your boat leveler reservoir.

When using the funnel to fill the reservoir, make sure that your trim tabs are in the full-up position before adding fluid. This will ensure that the fluid level is correct and prevent overfilling. After filling, run the trim tabs up and down a few times to purge any air from the system and recheck the fluid level.

It is also important to check for leaks by leaving the trim tabs in the full-down position overnight. If the tabs retract on their own, there may be a leak in the system.

Ensure the trim tabs are in the full up position

When refilling the oil reservoir of your boat leveler, it is important to ensure that the trim tabs are in the full up position. This is because the fluid level should be checked and maintained at or near the fill line, and it is crucial that the trim tabs are up when doing so.

To check the fluid level, first ensure that the trim tabs are in the full up position. Then, locate the reservoir. The reservoir should have a Lexan cover and filler plug, which is typically found at the front left-hand corner of the reservoir. Remove this cover and filler plug.

If the fluid level is below the fill line, top it up with automatic transmission fluid (ATF). Only use ATF for this purpose and ensure that the trim tabs are in the full up position before and during the refilling process.

After refilling, run the trim tabs up and down 3-4 times to purge any air from the system and recheck the fluid level. It is important to note that if your boat has power trim on the outboard or outdrive, it still needs trim tabs for increased speed and power.

Check the fluid level

Checking the fluid levels in your boat is essential to ensure it's ready for the water. The engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and windscreen washer fluid all play important roles in keeping your boat operating smoothly and safely, so keeping them topped up is vital.

To check the fluid level in your boat's reservoir, start by locating the reservoir. This will vary depending on the type of fluid you are checking. For example, the engine oil dipstick will be located somewhere on the engine, while the brake fluid reservoir is usually on the driver's side of the engine compartment. Once you have located the reservoir, follow these general steps:

• Wipe the reservoir with a clean cloth to remove any dirt or oil.
• Check the fluid level by looking at the markings on the reservoir. There should be upper and lower markings or a full indicator.
• If the fluid level is below the minimum or full indicator, you will need to top it up.
• When topping up the fluid, use a funnel to pour the fluid slowly into the reservoir.
• Add the fluid until it reaches the correct level. Avoid overfilling as this could damage the engine.
• It is important to use the correct type of fluid for your boat. You can find this information in your boat's handbook.

It is recommended to check your fluid levels weekly to ensure you spot any dangerous drops, leaks, or spills before they get worse. Additionally, it is important to check the fluid levels before setting off on long journeys. If you consistently experience low fluid levels, there may be a leak or other issue that needs to be addressed.

Use automatic transmission fluid

To use automatic transmission fluid to fill your boat leveler reservoir, follow these steps:

First, locate the filler hole and plug. This can be difficult to access, so you may need to be creative with your tools. For example, use an oil can with a small hose attached to reach the filler hole. Before adding fluid, ensure that your trim tabs are in the full-up position and check the fluid level. It is important that the fluid does not exceed the fill line.

Next, use automatic transmission fluid (ATF) to top up the reservoir. Check your owner's manual to ensure you are using the correct type of ATF for your boat. Add the fluid slowly to avoid overfilling. The amount of fluid you need will depend on how much fluid is already in the reservoir. If you are just topping off the fluid, start with a small amount and gradually add more until the reservoir is full.

Once you have added the fluid, run the trim tabs up and down 3-4 times to purge any air from the system. Check the fluid level again and add more fluid if needed.

Finally, check for leaks by leaving the trim tabs in the full-down position overnight. If the tabs retract on their own, there may be a leak in the system.

Check for leaks

Step 1: Taste the Water

Taste the water to determine if it is salty or fresh. This will help you understand if the leak is coming from outside the boat or from a freshwater tank.

Step 2: Evaluate Sailing Conditions

Consider the weather conditions and the use of your boat since you last checked the bilges. For example, if you've been sailing in heavy weather and notice saltwater in the bilges, it could indicate a leaky deck fitting.

Step 3: Inspect Common Leak Points

Start by checking common leak points, such as water tanks, windows, fittings where wires pass through the deck, and the area where the hull joins the deck. Look for any signs of wetness or dripping.

Step 4: Test with a Hose or Bucket of Water

If you suspect a particular area is leaking, test it by pouring a bucket of water or using a hose to simulate sailing conditions. This will help you confirm if that area is indeed the source of the leak.

Step 5: Dry the Boat and Observe

Completely dry the boat and relaunch it. With a set of fresh eyes, carefully observe the boat to identify any signs of water ingress. This will help you narrow down the potential leak locations.

Step 6: Use Dye or Coloured Water

To pinpoint the exact source of a leak, use dye or coloured water. Add a non-toxic dye to the bilge water or use different coloured waters poured from different locations. This will help you trace the water's path and identify the leaky fitting.

Step 7: Isolate Fittings

Use plasticine or Blu-Tack to isolate individual fittings and observe where the water pools. This will help you determine if a specific fitting is the source of the leak.

Step 8: Pressurise the Inside of the Boat

Fit the washboards and tape up any gaps, then gently pressurise the inside of the boat using a leaf blower or a Hoover set to 'blow'. This will help you identify any air leaks, which could indicate potential water leaks.

Step 9: Use Soapy Water

Prepare a solution of soapy water and apply it to suspect fittings. This will create bubbles and help you identify any air escaping, similar to checking a bike tyre for punctures.

Step 10: Use Talcum Powder or Tissue Paper

For slow leaks, dust the hull or suspect fittings with talcum powder. Alternatively, use a sheet of tissue paper. This will help you track the path of small amounts of water and identify the source of the leak.

Frequently asked questions