ZFT7 tower leaking down

[Charger750]

I have the ZFT7 power tower on my boat and the tower seems to not stay in the locked up position. After a few minutes if you hit the up button for the tower it will go up a couple of inches. So for some reason it is bleeding down. Any thoughts? Loose hydraulic fittings?

[SS LS1]

Sorry not much help but just guessing a check valve or spool valve may not be holding properly. Best best to contact your dealer as your boat should still be under full warranty.

[Shaun R]

Most likely it's a hydraulic leak or possibly air in the system. This is something I would let the dealer handle and take note of the issue in case it happens again outside of warranty.

[Black'nGreen]

I have seen the same issue, small leak somewhere under the port side tower base. Bleed the air out and top off the reservoir to the max fill line. Check the reservoir prior to leaving the house each time to ensure it is full. After this procedure I only find a small residual amount of fluid accumulate near the base and the tower stays locked in the up position all day long. I am only pulling from the pylon through the end of the season, then the dealer will address the leak issue. Don't want to miss any water time.

[moosehead]

Is there no redundant mechanical lock on the power towers, ie: only hydraulics holding it up?

[Charger750]

Yes I found a few lines that were loose as well. And I don't think there is. Just hydraulics holding. I would have thought they would have used a pin to lock when it's up as well. But nope. Just hydraulics.


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[cmcrobb]

Mine's doing the same. I've got the ZFT5. Paid a ****load for a boat full of problems! I can hear the hyd pump motor running backward as it leaks down. I suspect that In the pump motor, there is a check valve so I'll look there first. I'll keep you posted.

[Black ‘n Green]

Mine's doing the same. I've got the ZFT5. Paid a ****load for a boat full of problems! I can hear the hyd pump motor running backward as it leaks down. I suspect that In the pump motor, there is a check valve so I'll look there first. I'll keep you posted.

Any update to this thread?

[lakedrum03]

Sounds like a stuck open check valve.

Something like this:

https://www.surpluscenter.com/Brands/Dynamic/1-4-NPT-6-GPM-Check-Valve-5-PSI-Cracking-9-7933-4-5.axd

[cmcrobb]

Problem solved!

So I finally got the chance to dig into this issue. Pulled the boat out this year and problem is still there. I remover the hydraulic unit and disassembled the pump and sure enough, one of the o rings had a little chunk sliced off it and it got lodged between the check valve and seat. Now I just have to replace the o-rings and we should be good to go. Its a simple design and is easy to take apart should you have the same issue.

[Black ‘n Green]

Any pics? I had same problem last year and the dealer repaired it u dear warranty. You stated I was an easy fix and I am always looking to gain knowledge of something that may be an issue for me in the future.

[cmcrobb]

A little more info

So I went to look for a seal kit for this unit and apparently the company that made the pump is no longer in business. I found some seals that might work. I’ll keep you posted and post some pics of the repair.

[yomotha]

Just noticed this happening on my tower today too. No issue all season and I've now taken the boat out of the water for the season and I noticed the tower sitting a lot lower than normal. I've had to adjust a few times to max height while cleaning the boat.

Where is this hydraulic unit located? i can at least look for some leaking fluid if necessary. I have a 2018 X23.

[yomotha]

Got my dealer to deal with my tower while doing the winterization, etc last season. The invoice when I picked up the boat said "tightened loose fitting at hydraulic pump" and they charged me $16.99 CDN. So pretty easy fix I guess. Anybody have any idea where on the boat the hydraulic pump is? Curious to see where this fitting would be for future reference.

[Jonmmm]

Open driver side seat in the bow. It’s on the back inside corner of that compartment. That’s where it is on my 2018 xstar I would imagine it’s the same.