Pump out problem

JV II

JV II

Active Member
Nov 17, 2007
2,655
RI
Boat Info
Flybridge
Engines
Volvo V-Drive
It seems that the only pump out that works on my tank is the turbo beast at the Boston fuel dock, and even that one must be on max suction and be turned on and off a dozen times over 10 minutes to empty the tank. The only sure fire way to empty the tank is to dump overboard with the macerator. There is no valve under there. I can't figure out why it can't be pumped out. Any ideas?
 
When I had situations where it would take long time for pump outs, it would change from one marina to the other. So, I think it's the marina's pumps that about to go bad. Last year the pump finally broke at marina where I mostly use it, when all was fixed, my time changed from draging 10min to 1 or 2 min.

Try couple different pumpout stations before you think there's something wrong with the boat.
 
Your boat is relatively new, so your fart filter is probably not clogged, but the lines may be kinked. Also, you have your head switch off while pumping, right?
 
Assuming the pumpout is working normally, the only reason waste can't leave is because air can't get in to replace it. Check the vent filter and lines.
 
I have found that pump out stations vary widely in terms of their efficiency. One thing you can do to insure maximum suction is to stick the hose in the water and let it take a big gulp of sea water for about 10 seconds. Turn off the rotating valve until you get the hose back up to the suction tube on the boat then turn it back on. This seems to make a world of difference for me.

Dave
 
Dave S said:
I have found that pump out stations vary widely in terms of their efficiency. One thing you can do to insure maximum suction is to stick the hose in the water and let it take a big gulp of sea water for about 10 seconds. Turn off the rotating valve until you get the hose back up to the suction tube on the boat then turn it back on. This seems to make a world of difference for me.

Dave
Click to expand...
I agree. Wetting the tip of the pump out hose before pumping out helps alot.
 
One thing you can try is to close the valve on the end of the hose, turn on the pump and let the vacuum build up for say 20 - 30 seconds. After the vacuum is built up, put the hose on the pump out fitting and open the valve.

Doug
 
Maybe you should get more fiber in your diet?? :grin:
 
Seriously, one thing to look at is the inlet air vent on the tank. It is an important part of the tank in that it allows air to come in when extraction takes place. I think on your tank it will be in the corner opposite the piping. Round circular thing about 4" in diameter. Make sure there's nothing sitting on top of it blocking air flow. I don't think it is a bent pipe (maybe a kink if something is wedged against the pipe) and I don't think it is low suction on the pump. If you put the pump nozzle into the water and it sucks water strongly, it should have plenty of uummph to suck through a 3' hose into the tank.

Oh, another way to test the air inlet problem is to pump, then take the nozzle off for a second to let air back in, then put nozzle on again... If you get a burst of $&*t come through, then it stops/slows, it is an air inlet problem created by a vaccuum in the tank.
 
Although I've only been to a couple of different places...my 290 seems to pump out fine. Probly about 20 gallons gone in 3 or 4 minutes.
Thier pumpout is bad I bet....not rocket science here.
 
This is a problem I've had since the first time trying to pump out. I definitely see no kinks in the hose while being pumped. I've tried turning off the head switch and flushing a few times to release vacuum in the system. I've tried pumping out at my marina, another marina, and at the fuel dock with little success. The portable pump outs that come to your boat are unable to draw even an ounce. On the big Hoover at the gas dock I hear no whisle when pumping, but there does seem to be air flowing through the clear window on the hose when pumping. The first time I pumped on a full tank there it pumped about 1/4 of the tank and we all thought it was empty. I was suprised to see the tank 3/4 full when I got back to the dock. Could be the vent. Nothing is on top of it, but I'll have the dealer check it.
 
It sounds like unusual problem. Best choice to take it to the dealer.

Good luck and let us know what was the fix.

Alex.
 
You might be leaking right at the outlet that connect the hose to the side fitting. Missing a hose clamp or something??? Does it seem to be stuck, or loose suction??
 
beachcombersc said:
You might be leaking right at the outlet that connect the hose to the side fitting. Missing a hose clamp or something??? Does it seem to be stuck, or loose suction??
Click to expand...
Could be. Can't see it from the bilge. Its up and around a corner. I'll have the dealer check that too.
 
I think Dave S is right on the money............the hose has to be primed first.
 
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