Vacuflush vacuum generator filling up

[chesapeakedan]

My head flushes fine and everything seems to work, but I noticed an odor coming from the vacuum generator. When I dissassembled it, the vacuum generator tank was full with toilet paper and you know what. I cleaned out the tank and also cleaned the bellows and duckbills, all of which appeared to be clear. My question is this: How full should the vacuum generator tank get? My understanding is that there should only be an inch or two of "stuff" before it gets pumped through the bellow and into the holding tank. What could be causing this?

 

[caltexfla]

First thing that occurs to me is that the holding tank is full or there is a jam between the vac tank and holding tank. . Did you check the line and duckbills downstream from the vacuum tank? Then the line between the last duck bill and the holding tank? Have you tried flushing lots of clean water through it and see if it fills the vac tank again? While you are at it flushing a healthy dose of distilled white vinegar through first will help as well.

I'll be curious to see the other responses; it seems unlikely the pump is defective; how old is it?

George
possessor of three VFs

 

[chesapeakedan]

Hi George,
Thanks for the reply. I will check the outflow hose to the holding tank, but I don't think it is clogged. The holding tank is about 1/3 full, so that should not be a problem. Am I correct in that the vacuum generator tank should never have more that 1-2 inches in it?

Dan

 

[caltexfla]

That is my understanding, but I have never had one apart. That's the reason I am interested in what others may say, if and when my day ever comes. I know they shouldn't smell; those diaphragm pumps should get everything out of there.
Replacing my little Jabsco macerator overboard pump with one of those SeaLands (or equivalent) is on my list of future improvements.

How do you know how full your holding tank is? Visual or via a gauge? The latter is known to lie on occasion.

 

[Vic Willman]

Hi Dan, I just hung up the phone after having a discussion with a good friend of mine who is a VacuFlush expert and service person. Here's what he said:

1) Be sure you're using the right kind of toilet paper.

2) Use more water when you flush. This is crucial! Be sure the toilet bowl is at least 1/2 full of water before you step on the pedal. Hold the pedal up with your toe until the bowl fills halfway, then step on the pedal.

Now, how to empty the vacuum generator. You're not going to like this...

He said that it will have to be physically removed from the boat and hosed out real well. Then, after cleaning it out and re-installing it, ALWAYS be sure the bowl is at least 1/2 full of water before flushing.