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| [GMCnet] The Maceration Debate [message #306701] |
Thu, 08 September 2016 08:15  |
Tony
Messages: 59
Registered: January 2016
Karma: 0
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I am looking at installing a macerator and wondered where others have
located them on the coach.
Also, any thoughts on eliminating the gravity dump and completely relying
on the macerator? I realize this may end up being one of those "points vs.
electronic ignition" threads, but thought I'd ask anyway (as crappy as it
may be).
Any opinions/suggestions are greatly appreciated.
Tony
Bennett
Watkinsville, Georgia
1978 Eleganza II
1973 23' "Transmode" project (seeking a Caddy 500)
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| Re: [GMCnet] The Maceration Debate [message #306704 is a reply to message #306701] |
Thu, 08 September 2016 08:53  |
lqqkatjon
Messages: 2324
Registered: October 2010
Location: St. Cloud, MN
Karma: 5
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Tony,
check out my pictures. The one thing I would change, is to take the time to pull the macerator apart, and flip the mounting over, so I could mount it up a couple more inches toward the floor. Any clearance you can gain back there is beneficial so you do not bottom out on anything and knock the plumbing loose.
The only other thing I personally feel, is I did a bunch of searching for a good discharge hose. There are plenty available in hardware stores, garden hoses, but I just did not like the pliability and size of those choices. After talking with JimK, he sent me a length of the hose he provides in his kits, and it is the perfect size, and really pliable and smooth walled inside and outside. Even in really cold temps. So I recommend his hose, I have not seen it in a store anywhere yet. Shipping was as usual, annoying, but JimK's price on the hose was really fair.
http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/search?q=macerator+install
I personally would not eliminate the gravity dump just for the "just in case", and the last thing you want to deal with is a full load of stank if you run into any problems. I had a ground go bad the other week, and I thought that maybe my pump was bad. It was just before leaving for my vacation, and if the pump was truly bad, I did not have time to change it out and would of had to rely on my gravity dump until I found the time to fix it. Luckily it was just a corroded ground lug and was a 2 minute fix, because I live in MN. It is not that much of a issue or work on the install to leave the gravity dump in place.
Jon Roche
75 palm beach
EBL EFI, manny headers, Micro Level, rebuilt most of coach now.
St. Cloud, MN
http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
[Updated on: Thu, 08 September 2016 08:57] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: [GMCnet] The Maceration Debate [message #306708 is a reply to message #306701] |
Thu, 08 September 2016 09:56 |
jimk
Messages: 6734
Registered: July 2006
Location: Belmont, CA
Karma: 9
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Tony,
Never go with out a back up.
Go to our sight and look at the INSTRUCTION sheet to see how majority of
us do it.
Your more than welcome to call us and we will show you how.
On Thu, Sep 8, 2016 at 6:15 AM, Tony wrote:
> I am looking at installing a macerator and wondered where others have
> located them on the coach.
>
> Also, any thoughts on eliminating the gravity dump and completely relying
> on the macerator? I realize this may end up being one of those "points vs.
> electronic ignition" threads, but thought I'd ask anyway (as crappy as it
> may be).
>
> Any opinions/suggestions are greatly appreciated.
>
> Tony
> Bennett
> Watkinsville, Georgia
>
> 1978 Eleganza II
> 1973 23' "Transmode" project (seeking a Caddy 500)
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Fremont,CA
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
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Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
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| Re: [GMCnet] The Maceration Debate [message #306709 is a reply to message #306708] |
Thu, 08 September 2016 10:52 |
Mr ERFisher
Messages: 7117
Registered: August 2005
Karma: 2
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Read here
http://gmcmotorhome.info/MOUNT.html#macer
On Thursday, September 8, 2016, Jim Kanomata wrote:
> Tony,
> Never go with out a back up.
> Go to our sight and look at the INSTRUCTION sheet to see how majority of
> us do it.
> Your more than welcome to call us and we will show you how.
>
> On Thu, Sep 8, 2016 at 6:15 AM, Tony
> wrote:
>
>> I am looking at installing a macerator and wondered where others have
>> located them on the coach.
>>
>> Also, any thoughts on eliminating the gravity dump and completely relying
>> on the macerator? I realize this may end up being one of those "points
> vs.
>> electronic ignition" threads, but thought I'd ask anyway (as crappy as it
>> may be).
>>
>> Any opinions/suggestions are greatly appreciated.
>>
>> Tony
>> Bennett
>> Watkinsville, Georgia
>>
>> 1978 Eleganza II
>> 1973 23' "Transmode" project (seeking a Caddy 500)
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>>
>
>
>
> --
> Jim Kanomata
> Applied/GMC, Fremont,CA
> jimk@appliedairfilters.com
> http://www.appliedgmc.com
> 1-800-752-7502
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
--
Gene Fisher -- 74-23,77PB/ore/ca
“Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today --- give him a URL and
-------
http://gmcmotorhome.info/
Alternator Protection Cable
http://gmcmotorhome.info/APC.html
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| Re: [GMCnet] The Maceration Debate [message #306736 is a reply to message #306701] |
Thu, 08 September 2016 16:59 |
Ken Henderson
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
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Tony,
I'm chiming in to join the chorus only because we're face-to-face friends.
DO NOT install a macerator without a backup 3" dump capability -- one which
can be used regardless of the status of the macerator. If you have that
capability, you'll likely never need it. If you don't, someone is sure to
drop something indigestible into the toilet. Or the electromechanical
device that is the macerator will fail at an equally inopportune time.
As much as I love my macerator, I wouldn't do without the 3" backup -- even
though I don't carry a hose to fit it.
Ken H.
On Thu, Sep 8, 2016 at 9:15 AM, Tony wrote:
> I am looking at installing a macerator and wondered where others have
> located them on the coach.
>
> Also, any thoughts on eliminating the gravity dump and completely relying
> on the macerator? I realize this may end up being one of those "points vs.
> electronic ignition" threads, but thought I'd ask anyway (as crappy as it
> may be).
>
> Any opinions/suggestions are greatly appreciated.
>
> Tony
> Bennett
> Watkinsville, Georgia
>
> 1978 Eleganza II
> 1973 23' "Transmode" project (seeking a Caddy 500)
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>
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Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
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| Re: [GMCnet] The Maceration Debate [message #306750 is a reply to message #306701] |
Thu, 08 September 2016 19:21 |
Larry
Messages: 2875
Registered: January 2004
Location: Menomonie, WI
Karma: 10
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Senior Member |
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When I brought my coach home the waste system was a plumbers nightmare. So I took a sawsall to it and cut it all out, replaced the grey water tank because it was busted up, Hooked the black and grey together, and installed a macerator without the 3" backup. I put a gate valve between the tank and the macerator so that if I had a problem, I could close the gate and deal with it. Only had to deal with it once, and it was a simple job to close the gate, remove the macerator, replace the impeller, and put it back together. Here are pics of how I handled it.
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/macerator-install/p6697.html
BTW, one correction to the photos is, I removed the conduit for hose storage out of the frame as shown and it is now zip tied to, and running along and outside of the frame. I ended up needing the space in the frame for other modifications that needed the protection provided by the frame. JWID
Larry 
78 Royale w/500 Caddy
Menomonie, WI.
[Updated on: Thu, 08 September 2016 19:22] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: [GMCnet] The Maceration Debate [message #306758 is a reply to message #306701] |
Thu, 08 September 2016 20:41 |
Scott Nutter
Messages: 782
Registered: January 2015
Location: Houston/San Diego
Karma: 4
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Senior Member |
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Tony,
I bought a twist on macerator last year to put on the end of my sewer pipe. I haven't even used it yet after 5000 miles of travel in my coach. It is just easier for me to hook the 3 inch slinky. But I haven't camped where I'm pumping uphill. So far the macerator has only been a back up for me.
Scott Nutter
1978 Royale Center Kitchen, Patterson 455, switch pitch tranny, 3.21 final drive, Quad bags, Dave Lenzi super duty mid axle disc brakes, tankless water heater, everything Lenzi. Alex Ferrera installed MSD Atomic EFI
Houston, Texas
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| Re: [GMCnet] The Maceration Debate [message #306763 is a reply to message #306758] |
Thu, 08 September 2016 21:42 |
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Matt Colie
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
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Senior Member |
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I was not going to get into this thread, but there was one entry that changed that. He had a failure and had the parts to repair it in the coach stores. To this I would caution,"Figure the Odds".
Many that know me and watch me work regard me as paranoid. To them, I always point out that I am Old and Paranoid. Maybe this requires some further evaluation. Listen to KenH who has had a coach of one kind or another for a lot of years.
If you are going to count on a macerator, build in a work around. I have reason for saying this. I work on boats. Great Lakes boats are all holding tank boats. If you go into Canadian water with a usable macerator or other overboard sewer discharge, there is a HUGE fine. But many have them so they can pump the holding tank into a portable carrier to take ashore as many ports still do not have reliable pump out (the marine version of a dump). These devices fail regularly. Who do they call?? Three guesses. (The first two don't count.) If you are going to use a macerator, carry the spares.
Next issue is a big and GMC specific thing. If you plan to attach a macerator and just leave the slide valve open, this is a decision that will come to bite/byte/bight (it don't want this missed) in the ASS.... If it is the original Thetford valve (remember I worked for the company) or a new Valtera part, it will still not like this. The blade path will get filled with solids while it is open and then, when you need to close it (aka Need it most), it will not close well, if at all. Think about that while you are face up under the dump plumbing. You can maybe get away with just the original valve and a basin if you put a bayonet cap on the end of a 3" pipe. Then, when you open the valve and the little s-pump goes "Poof", you can close the valve, get the basin and pop that bayonet cover off. This is where you need the basin the first time. Put on the hose, borrowed or blue and dump. Bump the basin and now remove the pump. This is where you need the basin empty again.
Now, you can fix the S-pump and then take a long hot shower at the campground washrooms.
That is my take on the whole show. Take it to heart if you wish. If you don't, please don't call me. Remember that before I did boat work, I ran a lab at Thetford and saw a lot I would really like to forget.
Matt - at the Tall Ships show using a reciprocal "dockage" to ONP at a yacht club.
Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit
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| Re: [GMCnet] The Maceration Debate [message #306786 is a reply to message #306763] |
Fri, 09 September 2016 08:11 |
Larry
Messages: 2875
Registered: January 2004
Location: Menomonie, WI
Karma: 10
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Senior Member |
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Matt Colie wrote on Thu, 08 September 2016 21:42
Next issue is a big and GMC specific thing. If you plan to attach a macerator and just leave the slide valve open, this is a decision that will come to bite/byte/bight (it don't want this missed) in the ASS.... If it is the original Thetford valve (remember I worked for the company) or a new Valtera part, it will still not like this. The blade path will get filled with solids while it is open and then, when you need to close it (aka Need it most), it will not close well, if at all. Think about that while you are face up under the dump plumbing. You can maybe get away with just the original valve and a basin if you put a bayonet cap on the end of a 3" pipe. Then, when you open the valve and the little s-pump goes "Poof", you can close the valve, get the basin and pop that bayonet cover off. This is where you need the basin the first time. Put on the hose, borrowed or blue and dump. Bump the basin and now remove the pump. This is where you need the basin empty again.
Matt - at the Tall Ships show using a reciprocal "dockage" to ONP at a yacht club.
Thanks for that bit of advise Matt. It was several years ago now that I used that gate valve to fix the pump. IIRC ... to my surprise...it did slide closed somewhat stiffer than I expected, and I just passed it off as lack of use. next chance I get, I'll get under there and check it while the tank is empty.
Just a little side note...when I found that plumbers nightmare and decided on a redo, before I went to work with the sawsall, I pulled the gate valve to make sure the tanks were empty. Pulled the gate and nothing came out, so I assumed that since the coach had not been used for quite some time by PO that the tanks were empty. So I crawled under the coach and went to work with the sawsall. Well....as I found out later, there was a physical plug of sh&t between the tank and the gate. So, when I sawed through the pipe, while laying under it, I got my first shower of the day.  Needless to say, I learned something that day......
Larry
78 Royale w/500 Caddy
Menomonie, WI.
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| Re: [GMCnet] The Maceration Debate [message #306879 is a reply to message #306786] |
Sat, 10 September 2016 14:45 |
powerjon
Messages: 2446
Registered: January 2004
Karma: 5
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Senior Member |
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There are several ways to install a macerator system into your coach and they mostly work very well. You can buy a complete kit to install a macerator from Jim K. http://www.appliedgmc.com/prod.itml/icOid/513 I was not able to find any other suppliers for macerators within the GMC community. There are parts and kits available from several of the RV supply houses.
I would never go back to using the big hose to dump. I have had an macerator since 2002 and the stretch also has one too.
The original 77 Eleganza II had a more conventional layout using the dump lines as a backup. I had put a slide valve to isolate the dump line from the macerator and never in 10 years did I use it.
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g5371-maserator.html
The stretch was a totally different layout as it had both black and grey water tanks. You can see the layout in the pictures. It is a very good layout and installation and I will do the same layout for the 75 Avion, but just the black water side.
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g6973-macerator-ii.html
I am planning on being at the fall GMCMI convention so if anyone wants to see it up close come on over.
JR Wright
Michigan
> On Sep 9, 2016, at 9:11 AM, Larry wrote:
>
> Matt Colie wrote on Thu, 08 September 2016 21:42
>> Next issue is a big and GMC specific thing. If you plan to attach a macerator and just leave the slide valve open, this is a decision that will
>> come to bite/byte/bight (it don't want this missed) in the ASS.... If it is the original Thetford valve (remember I worked for the company) or a
>> new Valtera part, it will still not like this. The blade path will get filled with solids while it is open and then, when you need to close it (aka
>> Need it most), it will not close well, if at all. Think about that while you are face up under the dump plumbing. You can maybe get away with just
>> the original valve and a basin if you put a bayonet cap on the end of a 3" pipe. Then, when you open the valve and the little s-pump goes "Poof",
>> you can close the valve, get the basin and pop that bayonet cover off. This is where you need the basin the first time. Put on the hose, borrowed
>> or blue and dump. Bump the basin and now remove the pump. This is where you need the basin empty again.
>>
>>
>>
>> Matt - at the Tall Ships show using a reciprocal "dockage" to ONP at a yacht club.
>
> Thanks for that bit of advise Matt. It was several years ago now that I used that gate valve to fix the pump. IIRC ... to my surprise...it did slide
> closed somewhat stiffer than I expected, and I just passed it off as lack of use. next chance I get, I'll get under there and check it while the tank
> is empty.
>
> Just a little side note...when I found that plumbers nightmare and decided on a redo, before I went to work with the sawsall, I pulled the gate valve
> to make sure the tanks were empty. Pulled the gate and nothing came out, so I assumed that since the coach had not been used for quite some time by PO
> that the tanks were empty. So I crawled under the coach and went to work with the sawsall. Well....as I found out later, there was a physical plug
> of sh&t between the tank and the gate. So, when I sawed through the pipe, while laying under it, I got my first shower of the day. :( Needless to
> say, I learned something that day......
> --
> Larry
> 78 Royale w/500 Caddy
> Menomonie, WI.
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
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J.R. Wright
GMC GreatLaker
GMC Eastern States
GMCMI
78 30' Buskirk Stretch
75 Avion Under Reconstruction
Michigan
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