Wedge Rams 2008 Malibu 23 LSV

[Newtomalibu19]

Hello,

I know this has been discussed before. It is been so long that I feel like I should start a new thread.

I have a 2008 Malibu 23 lsv sunscape. The wedge is not working. Surprise surprise. I have finally gotten to the point where I disassembled the Rams as far as possible. They make noise but do not move. We did a bench test and still no movement on either one. in these pictures you can see that one has clearly gotten water and rusted-out. I have searched and searched for the power module to check if they're issues there but I cannot find it. I have checked under the helm and in the engine compartment and the only thing I can find is the leads that go to the fuse panel and then over to the mux controls. I reached out to lenco and they advised that I reach out to Malibu.

From what I understand, I may have a three lobe system and if I replace the Rams I need to change to a 5 lobe system and update the control box.

I honestly don't believe I have a control box because I have looked time and time again.

I'm trying to resolve the situation with as little cost as possible. I believe I need to buy two new rams at $275 each from bakes but do not want to do so if it is not going to resolve any of my issues.

Any insight here would be much appreciated. I have done all the research I can and I feel like I've reached a dead end. Just looking for some help before I throw money at a problem I can't fix.

 

Thank you in advance!

[wakesonthesnake]

I would call Bakes, the customer service is great since they not only sell parts but work on boats also.  I had the same thing on my 06' and the new actuators worked great, including the gauge.  Not sure if the outcome would be the same with the 08' because of the different set up on the switches and gauges.  I think once traffic picks up here someone with a 08' will chime in.

Good luck

 

[BSUBU_Kris]

I am pretty sure the gauge works off a position sensor attached to the wedge itself.  My understanding is that the difference between the 3 and 5 lobe has to do with the gearing inside the ram with the 5 lobe essentially being more of a gear reduction which works the motor less but will take more time to move the ram the same distance.  So I am guessing this could impact the deploy or preset functions for the wedge as those run the down command for a certain period of time to fully deploy the wedge.  I would guess that you could just manually push the button if not fully deployed.  I have read on here that many people have had no issues switching to the 5 lobe from the 3 lobe without any other changes.  I have replaced the electric motors in mine several times and get a couple years of use before having to repeat.  The motors are cheap (about $50 each off eBay) and easy to change once you have done it once.  I should just pull the end off the actuator and drain any water and spray the motors with a lubricant at the end of each season and they would likely last for many years even if water is leaking in.  They will rust over the winter if they sit with water in them.  Better option would be to just use the boat every month.