OFFICIAL - 450DA Owner's Thread****

More observations on the STIDD in the 450DA:

The seat has many points of adjustment.

Initially I thought I'd just set it and forget it.

During an 80 mile run this weekend, I found that raising the seat all the way turns it into a leaning post.

The height adjustment is a definite winner in many respects and combining the height/fore/aft adjustment with the factory Teleflex steering tilt you can adjust for ANY conditions and or running angles.

Wretched excess, of course, and yes, I'd do it again.

Remember, we have no depreciation costs with these boats.

Just O & M and Insurance.

Why not make it perfect and 100% reliable and enjoy what would cost $$$WHO KNOWS to replace today.

BEST !

RWS
 
Installed the CAMCO TORNADO waste tank flusher device on both tanks yesterday.

Was highly recomended by FWebster on this Forum.

WARNING: DISTURBING IMAGES FOLLOW - THIS IS NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART

IMG_6672.JPG


Didn't figure this would take too long........ well I was wrong.

Should know better than to ever think that !

Drilled the 5 pilot holes into the template....... ah, the fragrance was just beginning.

Then came the hole saw.

You know how the hole saw generally captures the plug, the scrap, the doughnut hole?

Well, not in this case.

The slugs from both tanks went right into the tank.

Long story short, I had to remove the tank plug sensor assemblies to remove the plug centers.

No way to put this off, holes already drilled and these plugs could escape the tanks, stopping up downstream, or even locking up the vacuum pump !


So it was time to MAN UP!

I dove right in.




IMG_6673.JPG


So the good news is that they float !

Bent a coat hanger and fished them out by the center hole.

Imagine the fun I had chasing these FLOATERS around the tank with the coat hanger.

And yes, my arm was too thick to reach down and simply grab it with my gloved hand.

IMG_6687.JPG


Gloves omitted for this photo op.



Upon removal of the sensor assembly, I immediately put the units in a trash bag as to avoid dripping on the way to the dock for a proper washing.

IMG_6676.JPG



IMG_6678.JPG


cleaned these off with a pressure washer.

I spared the Forum the photos of all the debris stuck to and clinging to the float monitor assemblies.

HOLY $HIP !

There was all kinds of unidentifiable debris in those tanks, especially the one connected to the aft head.

While hosing down the level assemblies I found a $hitload of DENTAL FLOSS wrapped around the float sensors.

WHO FLUSHES DENTAL FLOSS DOWN A MARINE HEAD????????????

Well, this was a California boat, at Marina Del Rey till I cam along, so I guess that explains it.

Anyway, just thought I'd share my fun times.

Now that the sealant has cured, will flush test today.

If you do this job, suggest the use of a squirrel cage fan (I keep one in the engine room) combined with the engine room blowers to facilitate clean air circulation.

Also, I found the O rings at the top of the float assemblies to be in poor shape. Measured and will order replacements today.

The only way to easily remove these is to cut the wires, as there is no "connector"

I cut mine above the factory connector so the wire colors would all line up and I'll use a quick disconnect male/female plug when I hook everything back up.

Also, used a LIBERAL coating of silicone dielectric grease on the threads to help seal them AND to facilitate removal when I replace those O rings.

BEST !

RWS
 
Maybe A Dancer said:
Installed the CAMCO TORNADO waste tank flusher device on both tanks yesterday.

Was highly recomended by FWebster on this Forum.

WARNING: DISTURBING IMAGES FOLLOW - THIS IS NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART

View attachment 162480

Didn't figure this would take too long........ well I was wrong.

Should know better than to ever think that !

Drilled the 5 pilot holes into the template....... ah, the fragrance was just beginning.

Then came the hole saw.

You know how the hole saw generally captures the plug, the scrap, the doughnut hole?

Well, not in this case.

The slugs from both tanks went right into the tank.

Long story short, I had to remove the tank plug sensor assemblies to remove the plug centers.

No way to put this off, holes already drilled and these plugs could escape the tanks, stopping up downstream, or even locking up the vacuum pump !


So it was time to MAN UP!

I dove right in.




View attachment 162481

So the good news is that they float !

Bent a coat hanger and fished them out by the center hole.

Imagine the fun I had chasing these FLOATERS around the tank with the coat hanger.

And yes, my arm was too thick to reach down and simply grab it with my gloved hand.

View attachment 162482

Gloves omitted for this photo op.



Upon removal of the sensor assembly, I immediately put the units in a trash bag as to avoid dripping on the way to the dock for a proper washing.

View attachment 162483


View attachment 162484

cleaned these off with a pressure washer.

I spared the Forum the photos of all the debris stuck to and clinging to the float monitor assemblies.

HOLY $HIP !

There was all kinds of unidentifiable debris in those tanks, especially the one connected to the aft head.

While hosing down the level assemblies I found a $hitload of DENTAL FLOSS wrapped around the float sensors.

WHO FLUSHES DENTAL FLOSS DOWN A MARINE HEAD????????????

Well, this was a California boat, at Marina Del Rey till I cam along, so I guess that explains it.

Anyway, just thought I'd share my fun times.

Now that the sealant has cured, will flush test today.

If you do this job, suggest the use of a squirrel cage fan (I keep one in the engine room) combined with the engine room blowers to facilitate clean air circulation.

Also, I found the O rings at the top of the float assemblies to be in poor shape. Measured and will order replacements today.

The only way to easily remove these is to cut the wires, as there is no "connector"

I cut mine above the factory connector so the wire colors would all line up and I'll use a quick disconnect male/female plug when I hook everything back up.

Also, used a LIBERAL coating of silicone dielectric grease on the threads to help seal them AND to facilitate removal when I replace those O rings.

BEST !

RWS
Click to expand...
I bought the same units…a year on, they’re still sitting in the workshop. Haven’t found the stomach for the job yet!

Please send a photo of where you drilled the holes and how high up the tank. I’ve been debating where they will be most effective vs what if they leak!

Also thought about the cut for the holes and the very real possibility the cutout would fall in. Now that’s confirmed, I’m even less motivated!

Keep us poosted on your progress!
 
Will post additional info when I confirm correct replacement O ring for sensor assembly.

NO SHIP ! ! !

BEST !

RWS
 
Maybe A Dancer said:
A couple of improvements to share:

Way down on the list is the need for cockpit electrical outlets on the starboard side. A big help when running fans without extension cords all over the deck.

Had to replace the icemaker, so while it's out I may as well get this project done.

I chose 2 outlets with built-in device chargers, and ran stranded (NOT SOLID) ANCOR triplex wire.

There's an outlet behind the icemaker which is a convenient source.

The new outlets utilize weatherproof housings &
covers. One is located in the existing - former TV/stereo connector hole on the starboard radar arch post - so no additional holes in the arch. The second one is located inside the storage locker adjacent to the icemaker.

These are worthy additions worth sharing.

Photos below

BEST !

RWS View attachment 160610


View attachment 160611


View attachment 160612


View attachment 160613



View attachment 160614
Click to expand...
I have a few outlets, I'm not sure if they were added or factory. I have one behind the helm seat for the tv mounted adjacent to the ice bucket. I also have one in the starboard aft corner.
 
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