Calling Head Experts

DWABoat

DWABoat

Well-Known Member
Aug 13, 2019
1,012
S Louisiana
Boat Info
2001 280 Sundancer
1989 220CC Cuddy Cabin
Engines
Twin 4.3 w/Alpha Ones
5.7 Mercruiser Alpha One
New owner of a 2001 280DA with the Vacuflush system - no macerator.

I am testing the system.

I energize the boat water pump...all good, the water lines pressurize fine and the pump shuts off as expected.

I put water in the bowl using the foot pedal..all good. Water stays in the bowl. No leak down until I got tired of watching.

I energize the head system on the main panel and turn on the key on the control in the head. Little panel reads “Empty” in green and the vacuum generator starts clunking away in the engine room.

I say “clunking” because it makes more noise than I would expect, but have no experience with these systems. Is that normal?

Vacuum generator runs for 38-40 seconds and shuts off. I did this four times after flushing and the time was the same each time. Is that about normal?

The system remained in a vacuum for 8 minutes undisturbed then the vacuum pump started on its own and ran for about ten seconds before shutting off. Toilet flushed fine afterward. Is that amount of time before re-pulling a vacuum normal?

While waiting and watching in the engine room after the vac pump shut off, about two minutes into my timing, I can hear low volume squeaks and little noises sounding like things moving inside the system. Is that normal?

I realize there are four questions here. I am just hoping to get a baseline of expectations from you guys who have handled these for a long time.

thank you for any information.
 
You have a vacuum leak somewhere... duckbill valves will be the most common thing, but there are also hose clamps etc that might need to be tightened. I solved my leak by using Noflex Digester over the layup last winter.
 
Once the vacuum has been reached, it should not come back on without either flushing, or a leak. If water stays in the bowl, but vacuum pump still comes on, you have a leak. 1st to replace (if you don't know the history) will be the duckbills. We just had to replace the seal holding the toilet itself to the boat as this finally stopped our pump running every 2 minutes or so.
 
If I had to describe the sound my vacuflush sounds like I would say that it clunked also. But then mine doesn’t run afterwards either.
 
Korkie said:
Duckbills and it will only get worse. Change them out.
Click to expand...

We bought our boat in May '07, the PO had just replaced the valves within 6 mos of our purchase. The aft head was rock solid and the pump cycled only when flushed, the master head was more problematic and would cycle every several hours for a few seconds. I knew the valves had just been replaced so I never thought about replacing them. Last winter I used Noflex Digester and this past season the master head performed flawless (like the aft head) with only cycling if it was used.
 
Ok. Got it.
No duck biflexor
and
Lots of dollar bills.

seriously, I was afraid eight minutes was too short.

I have the Noflex Digestor. I read the directions, but they were vague.

do I just put it the bowl and flush? What is the best way to treat the system?
 
Oh, I will also start learning about duckbills!
 
DWABoat said:
Ok. Got it.
No duck biflexor
and
Lots of dollar bills.

seriously, I was afraid eight minutes was too short.

I have the Noflex Digestor. I read the directions, but they were vague.

do I just put it the bowl and flush? What is the best way to treat the system?
Click to expand...

For winter lay-up I wanted some in the tank and some in the lines to the tank so the first flush was with the head turned on and the second flush was with it off so the Noflex stayed in the system not running all the way to the tank...
 
DWABoat said:
Ok. Got it.
No duck biflexor
and
Lots of dollar bills.

seriously, I was afraid eight minutes was too short.

I have the Noflex Digestor. I read the directions, but they were vague.

do I just put it the bowl and flush? What is the best way to treat the system?
Click to expand...

Thanks everyone for recognizing Noflex Digestor as the wonderful scale dissolving product it is! As the Amazon Seller for Noflex Digestor, here are the instructions for winterizing with Noflex. And as your fellow boaters said, it should clear out your sludge problem over the winter lay up. However, some duck bill issues are greater than others! I think some of you unfortunately know what I mean! Still its worth a try as many report great results!

How to Use Noflex Digestor: Shut down-Leaving for More Than a Week Winterizing Instructions Pump out first, Pour 2 Tbs Noflex per 10 gallons tank capacity into the external pump out fitting followed by at least 5 gallons of RV Antifreeze, 2 Tbsp. to the toilet(s) flushed with a couple gallons RV Antifreeze only. Do not use auto antifreeze. ANTIFREEZE WINTERIZING WARNING! DO NOT USE AUTOMOBILE ANTIFREEZE, NOFLEX IS VERY COMPATIBLE WITH RV ANTIFREEZE ONLY! Liberal use of RV Antifreeze is OK- recommended.
Buy it here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07C7HRV4P

Additionally we are pleased to announce our newest Toilet Bowl Cleaner
INTRODUCING Zaal Toilet Bowl Cleaner - LUBRICATES SEALS
Made by the same great manufacturer as Noflex.
Introducing Zaal Toilet Bowl Cleaner with Uric Acid & Calcium Scale Remover Contains Lubricants to protect Seals, Duck Valves, Plastic Pipping, with a very light fresh scent. Get it on Amazon, Boaters Mate. Best to use TBC on days you are not using Noflex to avoid neutralizing the cleaner. You can leave TBC set in the bowl, wait until return to flush it.
Find it here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DFBLKNG

I am Kat from Boaters Mate, you can call me at 1-866-241-4518 or write to ez@boatersmate.com with any comments or questions. I'd love to hear from you.
 
Korkie said:
Not real familiar with NoFlex, but make sure it will not freeze in your lines.
Click to expand...

Please use RV Antifreeze, the pink stuff. Do not use water or Automobile Antifreeze when shutting down over the winter. It is safe to use the pink stuff. Kathy Boaters Mate, Noflex Digestor Zaal distributer 1-866-241-4518 (paid sponsor)
 
IMG_4230.JPG
While there is a lot that can go on with VacuFlush heads, they work well when maintained by the book. When we sold our boat it was 14 years old. The head was still all original and had extensive use every year. All we did was maintain it exactly as prescribed. A large part of the regime is doing a very good job with pump outs and storing it with just residual amounts of clean waste water in the holding tank so hoses do not begin to smell.
 
You know, I’m new to the forum. When I made the title I hesitated. I thought further to myself, “Surely this forum is comprised of mature, responsible, serious adults only concerned about educating novices like me. I can post this title with confidence that not one single member will chuckle quietly to themselves.” :)
 
Not only did I chuckle but it made me think I’d something that happened to me at Lowe’s recently.

I bought a new navy style shower head with the push button shut off.

The LED stalk on the register said “INCREDIBLE HEAD - $6.99” when the cashier scanned the package.

She smiled and said “Not a bad deal”.
 
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