Vacuflush issue with one of two heads.

Steve S

Well-Known Member
Jun 5, 2007
3,101
Northern IL.
Boat Info
2000 400 Sedan Bridge with twin CAT 3116's

2000 340 Sundancer - SOLD!
210 Monaco 1987 - SOLD!
Engines
Twin Caterpillar 3116's 350 HP straight drives
I recently purchased a 2000 400 Sedan Bridge with 2 vacuflush heads. One head is working fine - has strong vacuum when flushed. The other head is not backed up but only gurgles when flushed - no strong vacuum is evident (It was evident previously). The pump runs constantly when energized.
What should I check on this?

TIA
 
If there's no vacuum, I would start by looking at the duckbills. You likely have something stuck in them which is preventing the duckbill from closing and allowing vacuum to be created, or they are just worn out and need to be replaced. It's a pretty straight forward repair, there's a lot of vids on you tube that will help.
 
If there's water in the bowl you know that the seal there is working, if the bowl won't hold water start there. The next step is the duckbills, then the vacuum pump, then the pressure switch.

You might want to try using a plunger to dislodge anything that might be stuck in the duckbills as GnrlPatton suggested.
 
If there's water in the bowl you know that the seal there is working, if the bowl won't hold water start there. The next step is the duckbills, then the vacuum pump, then the pressure switch.

You might want to try using a plunger to dislodge anything that might be stuck in the duckbills as GnrlPatton suggested.

There is water in the bowl so it is not leaking there. I will try the plunger first. I was leery because somewhere I heard that could really screw up the duck bills...
 
Go easy with the plunger. The duckbills don't take much to open and close. You're trying to open them enough so whatever is wedged between their openings is removed. I'd give it a few up and down plunges and then wait a few minutes for the vacuum to build.

Do this a few times, if it doesn't work I'd replace the duckbills just so you know how old they are for future reference. You still might have to go further, but knowing the duckbills are new will help eliminate a lot possibilities.
 
I have a similar set up, same problem.

Duckbills vastly improved the vacuum, an easy and cheap fix. Walmart has the best price on the duckbills, and you will need 2 sets. $21.82/set free shipping. Pull the vacuum generator out and do the job on the bench. Much easier that way.

However, just because the bowl holds water does not guarantee no vacumm leak. The valve shaft has orings that wear and there are seals in the base of these that also fail over time. The white ball might also be scratched. I am in the orocesss of replacing mine.

I turned everything on the boat off and put my ear to the base of the toilet. I could hear the leak. Vacuum generator should only run a couple times (or less) in 24 hours if everything is working well.

Call Domestic, they have the parts to do this right and fairly inexpensive
 
I agree with the duckbills... but....

I hate doing the toilet repairs so it’s my advice that if you are taking out the pump to clean and replace the duckbills then I would do the bellows as well. Just saves you the trouble of doing it twice.

Frankly I would do both of the pumps and know you won’t have an issue.

The inside parts are the ball valve and seal. It’s not difficult but it’s one of those things you should just have on hand.
 
I got so tired of chasing small leaks that I just bought a kit to replace the entire toilet base.

Everything except the porcelain bowl and the seat.

$220 or so and less than the price of all of the parts individually.

Sprung for a new vacuum pump too to replace the old clamp style one that was a real PITA.

I’m doing this once.
 
Okay keep it simple guys. We all get a plugged duckbill from time to time. It just happens. I have had 100% success over and over for years by doing this proceedure!
Your inflatable dingy came with a foot pump. The end of the pump that goes in the dingy also fits in the hole in the toilet. If not put some ducktape around it until it fits snug in the hole. Turn the water off. While holding the hose in the hole pump it around 5 or 6 times. Release the hose very slowly so not to get back sprayed. Now turn the water back on and flush. I bet it will fix your issue.

Teach your family and guests to flush properly. After any paper or number 2 is used. Fill the bowl over 1/3 with water. Push and hold the peddle down for 4 to 5 seconds. The system needs plenty of water to vacuum properly. If there's a large number 2 then flush the same procedure a second time to clean the line completely. It's the small paper that gets left in the duckbill that hangs up the vaccum.

Ps... no peanuts also helps in avoiding this issue. Just say'n. :)
 
I recently purchased a 2000 400 Sedan Bridge with 2 vacuflush heads. One head is working fine - has strong vacuum when flushed. The other head is not backed up but only gurgles when flushed - no strong vacuum is evident (It was evident previously). The pump runs constantly when energized.
What should I check on this?

TIA
I have a 200 580 SS. The Vacuflush I have has the rectangular tank in in line with the coffee can sized pump.

The head in the master wouldn't always have a vacuum. I would vacuum out all fluids then blast air through the head, and I would temporarily have a vacuum.

I didn’t want to start rebuilding, which I have done on my previous boat which is a pain, so I replaced the master head vacuum generator with the Dometic VG 4 24 v unit.
Only clearance difference was the height by 6” for new.

2” duckbill, self contained unit vs a 20 yr old 1-1/2” duckbill.

$1,200.00 later. Very happy I did.

A royal flush is always better than a full house
 
Has anyone ever got the piece of crap Sealand toilet to not come on every 10 minutes by replacing the vacuum switch? I hear people claim this, but it seems to me if the switch in not working it will simply not turn off on on the system. I wish there was a useful, effective way to check which system is causing the leak (as oppose to just replacing everything by guessing one piece at a time.
 

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