Atlas Jack Plate problems on FX20
IÂm experiencing some problems with my Atlas Hydraulic Jack Plate on my 2011 FX20. A screeching noise heard shortly after receiving the new boat has gotten progressively worse and also makes a binding noise/jerky operation. The last two times on the water, the jack plate position occasionally changes/drops in height on its own and I cannot raise the motor if I am going faster than 50mph. I know another FX owner experiencing similar issues with his jack plate. Any ideas?
Re: Atlas Jack Plate problems on FX20 (FXMike)
I had the same problem. Lower the motor all the way down and check for a set screw backed out. You would see the metal transfer onto the black rod that goes up and down. I put locktight on the screw and tightened up until it was an 1/8 inch set lower than the rod.
Re: Atlas Jack Plate problems on FX20 (teamskeetersteve)
Are you sure those plastic looking rods are not binding and releasing (when they feel like it later).
If so, ya might try spraying them down with spray silicone. Sanding any roughness off of them 1st if you see any.
Keep us posted please. I'm considering buying one, but, a bit gun shy now....
Re: Atlas Jack Plate problems on FX20 (FXMike)
Just got my first Atlas on my Phoenix demo, it too will not go up when under a load. I have to let out of the throttle a good bit and jack it up and re-throttle. I would be curious if that is what it is with this plate. I have ran nothing but Bobs before.
Have not had an issue with it sinking down though.
Re: Atlas Jack Plate problems on FX20 (SkeeterDD22)
I'm sure the rods aren't binding, the noise is coming from the pump/motor.
Re: Atlas Jack Plate problems on FX20 (teamskeetersteve)
There are two what appear to be set screws near the top the two black rods/slides that move up and down. The screw on the port side rod was fully tightened, however the starboard side screw was nearly out. I tighten it down like the other. Now to get on the water and see if there is any difference.
Re: Atlas Jack Plate problems on FX20 (FXMike)
Run the engine all the way down also...there are two more on the bottom for you to check.
Re: Atlas Jack Plate problems on FX20 (FXMike)
Well, I never got a chance to try out the fix suggested by teamskeetersteve. My dealer called this morning; T-H Marine shipped them a new unit for me. I took my boat to the dealer at 1:00 this afternoon and they just called at 4:30 to say the boat is ready to be picked up.
Re: Atlas Jack Plate problems on FX20 (FXMike)
If oil is placed on the black tubes, they will bind and make crazy noises. Clean the rods with Dawn or some type of soap that helps remove oil residue. That should help the binding. Lubricate the tubes with soap or silicone spray only.
Re: Atlas Jack Plate problems on FX20 (FXMike)
The screeching noise of the old Jack Plate was coming from the pump/motor, not the black tubes/rods/slides. I picked my boat up Thursday morning and went straight to the nearest ramp to test the new Jack Plate and my new Turbo FXP 26P prop. The new Atlas Jack Plate works great and is quiet, no screeching.
I had removed all of my rods and tackle boxes before taking the boat to the dealer, but the rest of the stuff you usually carry, tools, life jackets, spare prop, etc., was still in there with fuel tanks half full. I was running in a narrow canal about 150Â wide. I turned at least 5900, never reached 6000 RPMs, hit 78.0 MPH on GPS. I doubt there was much if anything left but I let off to go under a bridge because it wouldnÂt take much to send you into a piling.
The FXP does like to run with the motor up higher and does provide more lift. I like the FXP prop but if you are not having trouble getting up on plane and can run mid-70s with your T-1 prop, it probably wouldnÂt make sense to buy the FXP, however, if you are in need of a new prop as was I, or a spare prop, it is a good deal cheaper than a new T-1 and performs well.