Vacuflush

Christopher Carter

Christopher Carter

Member
Aug 20, 2019
56
Atlanta
Boat Info
2004 SEA RAY 390 SUNDANCER
Engines
8.1 Horizons
I just finished changing out duckbills (all 4) and still had a vacuum leak. After further research it was the pressure switch that failed and was leaking through small pinhole. I Listened for air, and found the leak at the base of pressure switch. The duckbills were worn as well. Nasty job but I found the problem and fixed on my own. Get to know your boat. You can fix more items than you think on your own.overall once I figured out the duckbills it doesn’t take long to complete although nasty lol!
 
Christopher Carter said:
I just finished changing out duckbills (all 4) and still had a vacuum leak. After further research it was the pressure switch that failed and was leaking through small pinhole. I Listened for air, and found the leak at the base of pressure switch. The duckbills were worn as well. Nasty job but I found the problem and fixed on my own. Get to know your boat. You can fix more items than you think on your own.overall once I figured out the duckbills it doesn’t take long to complete although nasty lol!
Click to expand...
Yeah we are having the same issue. Changed out the duckbills, but the vacu flush keeps running. We were thinking the same thing, the pressure switch. Eventually we will look again.
 
Angus said:
Yeah we are having the same issue. Changed out the duckbills, but the vacu flush keeps running. We were thinking the same thing, the pressure switch. Eventually we will look again.
Click to expand...
Yup, sounds like exact same problem. If you turn on the system you can hear the leak at the pressure switch. Is your bowl holding water? If it is that’s your problem. The switch. Part around $200
 
Christopher Carter said:
Yup, sounds like exact same problem. If you turn on the system you can hear the leak at the pressure switch. Is your bowl holding water? If it is that’s your problem. The switch. Part around $200
Click to expand...
Yeah still holds water, toilet works fine, but gotta turn the pump off after every visit.
 
Christopher Carter said:
Yup, sounds like exact same problem. If you turn on the system you can hear the leak at the pressure switch. Is your bowl holding water? If it is that’s your problem. The switch. Part around $200
Click to expand...
 

Attachments

  • IMG_9164.jpeg
    IMG_9164.jpeg
    1.7 MB · Views: 66
I’m not sure we have the same switch. Our boat is a 93 and it might be different. We have a few resident Sea Ray experts at our yacht club. Plus my wife was changing out the duck bills as she is more nimble than me, and saw the switch. I’ll show everyone the pic you sent.
 
We had a leak in one switch. I replace both (Two heads on boat) Located in are designed for 130 pound 6 foot person to fit in and reach. Old switches were original 1989 and were made of cloth that was sealed.
 
Christopher Carter said:
I just finished changing out duckbills (all 4) and still had a vacuum leak. After further research it was the pressure switch that failed and was leaking through small pinhole. I Listened for air, and found the leak at the base of pressure switch. The duckbills were worn as well. Nasty job but I found the problem and fixed on my own. Get to know your boat. You can fix more items than you think on your own.overall once I figured out the duckbills it doesn’t take long to complete although nasty lol!
Click to expand...
2" or 1.5" duckbills?
 
I have leak in one system as well, bowl holds water but changed that 1st (I know, wasn't likely but thought it might be stem seal). I have duckbills ready to change but I may get pressure switch as well to really make it a fun day...
 
Ericinmich said:
I have leak in one system as well, bowl holds water but changed that 1st (I know, wasn't likely but thought it might be stem seal). I have duckbills ready to change but I may get pressure switch as well to really make it a fun day...
Click to expand...
Yeah, I’d bet it’s the pressure switch. There’s a gasket inside that was worn on mine. 3 min install
 
We’re you able to buy just the switch, or did you have to get it with the plastic piece it attaches to also. And where did you get it?
 
Ericinmich said:
I have leak in one system as well, bowl holds water but changed that 1st (I know, wasn't likely but thought it might be stem seal). I have duckbills ready to change but I may get pressure switch as well to really make it a fun day...
Click to expand...

When you changed the bowl seal did you change the o rings on the shaft? If not try them before you buy a vac switch. They are missed a lot when looking for a leak.
 
You guys might gain some insight from the below thread. There are a few more replacement parts worth investigating or replacing while you are up to your elbows in "it" already. I'm certain my issues were a combination of bellow & o-rings and duckbills. Also spend the money and by good duckbills not those cheap asian ones on Amazon.

http://clubsearay.com/index.php?threads/vacuflush-vacuum-leak-repair-success.110815/
 
becnme said:
When you changed the bowl seal did you change the o rings on the shaft? If not try them before you buy a vac switch. They are missed a lot when looking for a leak
Click to expand...

becnme said:
When you changed the bowl seal did you change the o rings on the shaft? If not try them before you buy a vac switch. They are missed a lot when looking for a leak.
Click to expand...


Yes, changes the shaft which had new o rings and a dab of silicon on them. I started there as I had some water leaking out of water supply and thought maybe mucking around in that area had introduced a leak in that area.
 
Before everyone runs out and buys expensive pressure switches......Beware that it is an established fact that the pressure switch is RARELY the culprit. Much more likely duckbills are old, bellows is cracked, O rings on the flush shaft (discussed above), bowl seals....and in my case sanitation hose was old and leaking slightly.
 
Several other components can contribute to vacu-flush problems. Always start with the more common and less costly components like duckbills, bellows, O-rings, and seals before considering replacing the pressure switch.
 
Mine cycles for about 10 seconds every +-30 minutes. I replaced the duck bills and seal, same. It's not a big issue for me except when I'm sleeping in the aft bed at night, wakes me up sometimes.
 
Ericinmich said:
Were you able to hear a leak, and/or would the leak go away (pump cycle time extend or be fixed) while sitting on the throne? I'd be willing to do a long sit on it if that would help isolate the issue...
Click to expand...
I dont recall hearing it. My pump would cycle every so often. I started with the ball, shaft and 2 part bowl seals.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Forum statistics

Threads
113,253
Messages
1,429,338
Members
61,128
Latest member
MinecraftRuSwilm
Back
Top