I’m 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?
Cheers,
FXMike
Sounds like the jack plate is loose..Might try lowering the motor onto a board and it should push the motor and jack plate into position where you can tighten it down..
FXMike
Had the same thing on my Atlas. Would leak down from '6' to '1' , just sitting in my garage. Dealer changed ram and motor under wty. Parts only though, as Atlas will not cover labor and freight. Seems OK for now.
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.
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....
I think the new secret color is "A-Rig"..........
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.
I'm sure the rods aren't binding, the noise is coming from the pump/motor.
FXMike
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.
FXMike
Run the engine all the way down also...there are two more on the bottom for you to check.
Can someone post a picture of these screws? I have what appear to be pressure fit pins, but no screws that I can see. The pins on my black slides have been working their way out over time. One slid out far enough during the day that the plate sheared half of it off. Whenever I call TH marine they act like they could care less and tell me to talk to my dealer. That's fine, but I want to know what needs to be done so when I schedule my service appt, we can budget time accordingly.
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2024 Phoenix 21 XE - Mercury 250 PRO XS Serial #3B429919
2017 Phoenix PHX 21 - Yamaha 250 SHO
2010 Skeeter 20i - Yamaha 250 SHO
1988 Procraft 1780 Competitor - Mercury 100
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.
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.
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 150’ 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 wouldn’t 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 wouldn’t 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.
FXMike
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