changing duckbill valves on 44 Sedan

[Ray K]

Both vacuflush units are tucked well out of reach on the 44 sedan bridge in the engine room. For anyone who has changed them what was the best way to get into this very tight corner behind the all the exhaust plumbing to remove/replace the duckbill valves?

 

[bmac]

I don't recall how I did it on my 44 but I would suggest you pm Alex F as I know he's done his at least once and he's usually pretty good at giving detailed directions.

 

[CougarCruiser]

Both vacuflush units are tucked well out of reach on the 44 sedan bridge in the engine room. For anyone who has changed them what was the best way to get into this very tight corner behind the all the exhaust plumbing to remove/replace the duckbill valves?

Squeeze back behind the generator if I remember right. It is a pain.

 

[Converse48]

Ahhhh, the dreaded 44DB duckbills. Personally, I could never figure it out as I am way too claustrophobic. But the guy that I paid to do it I believe had to pull the exhaust pipes out. Real nice setup there. But Alex would know for sure.

So given this experience, when I looked at my current boat and I opened the ER hatch and there were two vacuflush pumps sitting right there in plain view I exclaimed: "I'll take it!".

I loved my 44DB, but the placement of the vacuflish pumps was pure, unbridled insanity for servicing. I used to joke that the vacuflush pumps were the first thing down the assembly line and the rest of the boat was built around them. Good luck!

 

[NotHerDecision]

I know I have a DA but I since I just did mine I thought I'd share a couple of things.
First, I replaced all 10 duckbills and the line from the pumps to the tank and the discharge line. I went to west marine and bought the poly x 105 1.5" line without asking the cost to later find out it was 24.99/ft so keep that in mind. My hose clamps were original (2001) and 2 broke just removing them so I recommend replacing them as well.

Second, I did not replace the bellows... mistake on my part, why do this job twice? Just put in new bellows while you are covered in sh:t and be done with the job all at once.

Third, I had to remove the pumps from the tank to get access to the hoses, don't overtighten the pump housing when you disassemble it and take some 1/4" drive extentions to get to the bolts behind the pump.

Lastly. It all makes sense on paper as far as which was the duckbills go but it's super easy to get turned around while you are down there so go slow and do 1 at a time.

I had my wife on tool fetch and cleaning duty while I made the repairs and it was very helpful.


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[Alex F]

I just saw this thread.....

Between Tim and Cugar's post you guys explored the only two possible options accessing the vacu-flush pump on the STBD side. Having two people taking the exhaust pipe off is easy. But, I'm flexible enough to crawl in there behind the genny with assistance of a throw-able cushion placed on the STBD rudder. I haven't replaced my STBD duckbills yet, but that's how I got there to upgrade a muffler for genny, and for other items like installing thru-hull for bridge A/C discharge.

Unfortunately, access to the Port side isn't much better. Luckily, I only had to change the discharge macerator pump (of course with all new duckbills), which was easy enough to get to.

When doing the project of either side dockbills, make sure to have all the tools with you, and preferably have someone around to hand you any kind of tool you might forget. Crawling behind genny few times for something you've missed is a royal PITA. Also, be careful not to knock off/damage trim tab tubes going to the reservoir.