DO I NEED AN ENGINE TRIM TAB???????

splat_868

Recruit
Joined
Jul 20, 2003
Messages
2
I HAVE AN 86 COBALT WITH A 5.7 LITER AND P/S AND THE ENG TRIM TAB - TAB BROKE OFF. CAN I JUST GO WITH IT OR WILL EFFECT SOMETHING. THE PLACES WHERE I LIVE SAY YOU DONT NEED THE TAB PART OF IT----- ANY ANSWERS ARE APPRECIATED.
 

Mikedg

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Sep 3, 2002
Messages
131
Re: DO I NEED AN ENGINE TRIM TAB???????

Splat:<br /><br />Regardless whether the boat handles ok or not, i.e. no torque steer, the Zinc or Magnesium fin is part of your corrosion protection. I would replace it.
 

splat_868

Recruit
Joined
Jul 20, 2003
Messages
2
Re: DO I NEED AN ENGINE TRIM TAB???????

CAN I JUST PUT THE PLATE BACK IN THAT THE FIN BROKE OFF OF? DOES THE ACTUAL FIN DO ANYTHING?
 

chris in va

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
May 4, 2003
Messages
410
Re: DO I NEED AN ENGINE TRIM TAB???????

The tab won't do a whole lot, just helps to counteract prop torque. You can screw the plate back on if you want, but like Mike said it's part of the corrosion protection.
 

bluewater19

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Apr 25, 2003
Messages
505
Re: DO I NEED AN ENGINE TRIM TAB???????

My 1991 bluewater has a zinc with trim tab on the out drive(alpha), but my new glastron doesn't(also alpha). It just has the round zinc with no fin hanging off. I can't tell any handling difference. I would go to the dealer and ask them. A new zinc is only like ten bucks at westmarine.
 
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