Vacu Flush holding tank level guages out

[Ray 40]

In my 1997 400SB (Sedan Bridge) the holding tank level guages in heads light up 'green' (empty) always.

The location of the holding tank doesn't allow you to get at the top of the holding tank to pull out the the measuring level instrument - the top of the tank is very close to the underneath side of the aft deck.

Any ideas on the fix?

Thanks,

Bud :huh:

 

[tobnpr]

I don't think you'd get a "green" light if you weren't getting voltage to the sender. But to be sure, if you can reach the sender with the leads from a multimeter you can make certain.

Sounds like you're going to need to remove the tank and whatever else you might need to that might be in the way. No shortcuts for this one.

Usually the float or sensor is just "crapped" up- in your case stuck in the lowest position, a cleaning takes care of it. Worst case is sender replacement. Either way, the tank needs to come out.

 

[sbw1]

He could install a Tank Tender and be done with all of the maintenance issues. They are very accurate and pay for themselves by not having to pump out when you believe your tank is close to full.

 

[jpk33]

Sounds like this "Usually the float or sensor is just "crapped" up- in your case stuck in the lowest position, a cleaning takes care of it." Is there any way to open the top of the tank? I understand your limited head room to pull the sensor, but if you can open a port you might be able to rinse the sender off with water pressure from a garden hose. If it works, a couple of good "rinses" after pumping out usually reduces its reoccurance.

 

[fwebster]

Before you start tearing your boat apart, here is a cheap "try it; it might work" fix.

Pump your holding tank completely dry and flush it with fresh water several times, then be sure it is empty. Next flush several gallons of white vinegar down the system and run the boat for an hour in choppy conditions...of just anchor near a channel where you get some wake activity. Don't flush anything down the system while you are doing this. Pump it out and if you are lucky, you may fix the stuck float. If not, all you lost was $10 worth of vinegar and an afternoon on the water.

Good luck with it............

 

[Ray 40]

Thanks to you all.

Frank - Should I 'flush' the vinegar or pour it in through the pump out orfice?

Bud

 

[carterchapman]

Bud,

Frank will have the definitive answer, but in our airplanes with vacuflush lavs, we pour it in the bowl and flush it....

 

[Redhook98]

You can also put a bunch of ice cubes in you system via the pump-out. As they melt in the water/waste, they will shake around with the boats movement and will usually clear off debris from the switches (if they are in fact "stuck" from waste). I used this method on 2 different boats, and both were successful. You have to be a little patient and use lots of cubes though.