Carver Owners Forum

Hi I have a 36' MY. The trim tab reservoir is low and there does not seem to be an easy way to get to it to fill. Is there a way without taking the entire back cabinet apart? Its below the cabinet in the aft cabin right side of bed.

Thanks.

I’ve not checked my trim tabs res yet but I have essentially the same boat (‘04 366) and had to completely remove that cabinet to install my stern thruster. I know there’s 2 access areas hidden within it: 1 under the drawer and the other in the main part. If those don’t get you enough access, the entire thing comes out (not too terribly) for much better access. The screws holding the top on from underneath are the key. Once you get the top off, there’s a few under each access panel holding the entire cabinet to the hull. Do me a favor? When you’re in there, see if there’s a panel under the drawer or if it’s just open from there? I swore there was a panel but could not find one when time to reassemble. Been driving me nuts. Good luck!

Welcome aboard. Hope you figure it out. Keep us posted.

A little tip. Once you do get to it, the darn filler port is tiny. I found the best way of filling is to use a cheap squeeze type ketchup bottle. Believe me, you will thank me for this.

Hans has a good tip above. You can also buy pointed mouth bottle caps. Some quarts and smaller oil containers already come with them. I always keep one of those caps on board.

Make sure you're checking and filling the reservoir with the tabs fully retracted (up). If oil loss has happened within a short period of time, you should be looking for leaks. While at the pump, check all the lines, fitting, and pump for telltale signs. The most common leaks though are at the actuators on the tabs. Also check the condition of the fluid currently in the reservoir, it should be ruby red. If it's a creamy colour, the system ingested water and needs to be remedied to prevent pump damage.