HELP replacing leaking waste Holding Tank?

trek2net

trek2net

New Member
Jul 30, 2013
12
Tampa, FL
Boat Info
410 Sundancer 2002
Engines
Mercruiser 8.1S Horizons
Looks like I have the unfortunate problem of a leaking 42 gallon Sealand holding tank. I looked over some of the other posts here about repairs on similar boats but I have so much work into finding this leak already, I just want to replace the tank. Looks like the leak is at the forward corner where the screws are as described by some others here. I’m hoping someone here knows if these tanks can be replaced on my boat w/o removing an engine?

I have a 2002 410 Sundancer w/8.1HO. It’s really tight and the tank is pretty big, approximately 18”W x 43.5”L x 17.5”H. Searching for this leak, I have already removed the water heater, battery trays and was also in the process replacing the exhaust manifolds. I have the manifolds and risers removed from the Port engine. So I have made a lot for room but I’m still not sure if it will be enough? I have added a few photos of the smelly mess (before removing things and making some room).
IMG_5287.jpg IMG_5845.jpg
 
Although I haven't removed a tank on your model, from the pics it certainly appears quite doable. Especially since you have the mani's off and the heater removed. Plus, there are items on the main holding tank that can be removed. I assume that vertical support (by the single battery) can be easily removed (it appears so)? Once the tank is empty, it's lightweight and easy to maneuver.
 
I own the same boat, different engines. On mine, I doubt that tank is coming out whole with out removing an engine. Maybe the same on yours. Removing all the pumps/fitting would be a good start.

The next question is, are you replacing the tank with an identical or different tank. It might be possible to cut the current tank out and replace with a slightly different one you can get back into the space. And make sure you can reuse all the vacuum generators, pumps and fittings. I would call dometic and talk it through with them. While your at it, I would consider replacing all hoses to the heads.

Keep us posted...I’ll be interested to see how this goes for you. Big job, but you’ll have an very updated head system on a really great Sea Ray.
 
I will throw this out there without knowing anything about the vacuflush systems. I have a collapsible waste tank on my boat. It's just a big rubber bag that expands as it fills up and collapses when pumped out. Not sure if it would work with these new fangled systems.
 
Also could consider going to Raritan Purasan system. No large holding tank.
 
You guys would obviously know better than me since you actually have the boat - but it "appears" (from the pics, anyways) that there's enough room to slide the tank forward to where the fwd set of batteries would be, then tip the tank toward the engine to remove it?
 
Make a cardboard box the size of the tank.

If that goes in, you’re good.

If not, alter the size and shape of the box until it does and use that as a guide in choosing your new tank.

I did this with a fresh water tank last year, but since I was having a tank welded out of plastic, I could get funky with the shape and not be confined to available tank sizes.

It was about the same price.
 
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Thanks for all the feedback! I'm going to take some more measurements and photos to post. I'm also now in contact with Dometic who has been really helpful, unfortunately there's not much help they can provide on the out and in clearance. Some good news is that I can still get a direct replacement tank if I can get it in there.
 
Trek - reach out to "Mrcomputerman" on this Forum. He replaced his on his 410 gasser. He hasn't been on for a while, but send him a PM...
 
Well I removed a bunch of stuff and unbolted the tank. 100% confirmed its leaking from the bottom. I have about 17” at the tightest point by the cooling tank but I can pull this to gain several more inches. It looks like I can slide it forward and bring it out at an angle. I think it will come out, please let me know what you think. I attached some new photos.

Thanks Carterchapman! I will also try and reach out to Mrcomputerman to see how he did it.

863429369d80e5e15fa2847681e18c94.jpg IMG_5863.JPG IMG_5864.JPG
 
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If it doesn't come out the original way discussed above... you mentioned you pulled the batteries and the water heater, but it looks like the batteries are still there? Would there be room to slide the tank forward, in front of the engine and then just give it a 90* turn?

Now... stop measurin' and get 'er done already! :)
 
ITS OUT! ! !:)IMG_5865.JPG IMG_5866.JPG IMG_5867.JPG IMG_5868.JPG

Pulling it out was actually the easiest part once everything was disconnected. I've added some more photos including the leaking insert on the bottom, pretty poor design for this to happen.
 
Gitterdone!!!
 
Were you able to purchase that exact tank?
 
dtfeld said:
Were you able to purchase that exact tank?
Click to expand...

Yes, I was able to get a direct replacement from Dometic. I worked with Emarine (WWW.ENVIRONMENTALMARINE.COM). They were great, I sent them photos of my old tank and they had Dometic setup the tank with all the fittings in the right places. The whole tank less the Vacuum generator (I reused my original) was about $700 to my door, far less then I expected. Everything fit perfectly.
 
Well, everything is back together. I was able to get a direct tank replacement from Dometic with all new grommets and seals. Putting it back together was pretty easy. In the process, I also installed a new discharge pump, converted the aluminum exhaust manifolds to the upgraded cast iron, treated all engine rust, replaced spark plugs, repainted the bilge with Interlux, rebuilt the water heater and services batteries. Nothing left now put to get back to using the boat. IMG_5892.JPG IMG_5893.JPG
 
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