Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Macerator getting weaker
| Macerator getting weaker [message #365140] |
Wed, 30 June 2021 22:53  |
lw8000
Messages: 201
Registered: July 2012
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 1
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Hello all. Had a puzzling question regarding our macerator. We installed it new about 7 years ago and directly draws from the house battery circuit. It might be used 3-5 times per year on average. Last year, in year 6 or so, it seemed to get weaker and on occasion, it would not run at all and sometimes pop the breaker that we installed for it, when trying to empty a full black tank. After turning the shaft screw with a screwdriver, it would run for a bit, then shut off again. Turning the screw again would get it going again and the process would repeat. We've also tried with the engine running, and also hooked to shore power, which seem to help a little but on occasion we still need to use the shaft screw.
So now I'm wondering if we are needing a new macerator, or if this is normal as the pump ages. I know the model we have (Jabsco) has dry run protection which appears to work when we are on shore power, as it shuts off when the level is low (after I rinse out the tank a few times with the wand).
My next step is to possibly replace our house battery as it is 7 years old and also seems to be getting weaker and is starting to swell at the terminals. At first I thought the macerator issue was only on battery but even on shore power it still isn't 100% working.
I know this may not be an easy answer but looking for suggestions, thank you!!
Chris
Chris S. -
77 Kingsley, 3.70 FD, mostly OEM -
S.E. Michigan
[Updated on: Wed, 30 June 2021 22:54] Report message to a moderator |
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| [GMCnet] Re: Macerator getting weaker [message #365141 is a reply to message #365140] |
Wed, 30 June 2021 22:57  |
James Hupy
Messages: 6806
Registered: May 2010
Karma: -62
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As in all things electrical, test for voltage with the mascerator running,
as well as not running. That will verify if it is voltage or the
mascerator. Fairly simple matter to remove it, and service or replace it.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Oregon
On Wed, Jun 30, 2021, 8:53 PM Chris S. wrote:
> Hello all. Had a puzzling question regarding our macerator. We installed
> it new about 7 years ago and directly draws from the house battery circuit.
> It might be used 3-5 times per year on average. Last year, in year 6 or
> so, it seemed to get weaker and on occasion, it would not run at all and
> sometimes pop the breaker that we installed for it, when trying to empty a
> full black tank. After turning the shaft screw with a screwdriver, it
> would run for a bit, then shut off again. Turning the screw again would
> get it going again and the process would repeat. We've also tried with the
> engine running, and also hooked to shore power, which seem to help a
> little but on occasion we still need to use the shaft screw.
> So now I'm wondering if we are needing a new macerator, or if this is
> normal as the pump ages. I know the model we have (Jabsco) has dry run
> protection which appears to work when we are on shore power, as it shuts
> off when the level is low (after I rinse out the tank a few times with the
> wand).
> My next step is to possibly replace our hose battery as it is 7 years old
> and also seems to be getting weaker. At first I thought the macerator issue
> was only on battery but even on shore power it still isn't 100% working.
> I know this may not be an easy answer but looking for suggestions, thank
> you!!
> Chris
> --
> Chris S. -
> 77 Kingsley, 3.70 FD, mostly OEM -
> S.E. Michigan
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>
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| [GMCnet] Re: Macerator getting weaker [message #365147 is a reply to message #365141] |
Thu, 01 July 2021 07:29 |
stu@97381.com, Emery
Messages: 232
Registered: June 2020
Karma: 2
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It probably has something wound around the impeller. Take it apart and clean it out and it’ll probably work again.
Emery Stora
77 Kingsley
Frederick CO
> On Jun 30, 2021, at 9:58 PM, James Hupy wrote:
>
> As in all things electrical, test for voltage with the mascerator running,
> as well as not running. That will verify if it is voltage or the
> mascerator. Fairly simple matter to remove it, and service or replace it.
> Jim Hupy
> Salem, Oregon
>
>> On Wed, Jun 30, 2021, 8:53 PM Chris S. wrote:
>>
>> Hello all. Had a puzzling question regarding our macerator. We installed
>> it new about 7 years ago and directly draws from the house battery circuit.
>> It might be used 3-5 times per year on average. Last year, in year 6 or
>> so, it seemed to get weaker and on occasion, it would not run at all and
>> sometimes pop the breaker that we installed for it, when trying to empty a
>> full black tank. After turning the shaft screw with a screwdriver, it
>> would run for a bit, then shut off again. Turning the screw again would
>> get it going again and the process would repeat. We've also tried with the
>> engine running, and also hooked to shore power, which seem to help a
>> little but on occasion we still need to use the shaft screw.
>> So now I'm wondering if we are needing a new macerator, or if this is
>> normal as the pump ages. I know the model we have (Jabsco) has dry run
>> protection which appears to work when we are on shore power, as it shuts
>> off when the level is low (after I rinse out the tank a few times with the
>> wand).
>> My next step is to possibly replace our hose battery as it is 7 years old
>> and also seems to be getting weaker. At first I thought the macerator issue
>> was only on battery but even on shore power it still isn't 100% working.
>> I know this may not be an easy answer but looking for suggestions, thank
>> you!!
>> Chris
>> --
>> Chris S. -
>> 77 Kingsley, 3.70 FD, mostly OEM -
>> S.E. Michigan
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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| [GMCnet] Re: Macerator getting weaker [message #365151 is a reply to message #365140] |
Thu, 01 July 2021 11:13 |
w schurman
Messages: 49
Registered: June 2015
Karma: 1
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Had paper towel wound around the impeller on mine . Has worked fine since I
cleaned it out. Then it was on to find out which child was responsible by
flushing down the paper towel!
On Wed, Jun 30, 2021 at 9:53 PM Chris S. wrote:
> Hello all. Had a puzzling question regarding our macerator. We installed
> it new about 7 years ago and directly draws from the house battery circuit.
> It might be used 3-5 times per year on average. Last year, in year 6 or
> so, it seemed to get weaker and on occasion, it would not run at all and
> sometimes pop the breaker that we installed for it, when trying to empty a
> full black tank. After turning the shaft screw with a screwdriver, it
> would run for a bit, then shut off again. Turning the screw again would
> get it going again and the process would repeat. We've also tried with the
> engine running, and also hooked to shore power, which seem to help a
> little but on occasion we still need to use the shaft screw.
> So now I'm wondering if we are needing a new macerator, or if this is
> normal as the pump ages. I know the model we have (Jabsco) has dry run
> protection which appears to work when we are on shore power, as it shuts
> off when the level is low (after I rinse out the tank a few times with the
> wand).
> My next step is to possibly replace our hose battery as it is 7 years old
> and also seems to be getting weaker. At first I thought the macerator issue
> was only on battery but even on shore power it still isn't 100% working.
> I know this may not be an easy answer but looking for suggestions, thank
> you!!
> Chris
> --
> Chris S. -
> 77 Kingsley, 3.70 FD, mostly OEM -
> S.E. Michigan
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>
--
William S. Schurman
box 772806
Steamboat Springs, CO
80477
1978 Palm Beach
TZE168V100258
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| Re: Macerator getting weaker [message #365152 is a reply to message #365140] |
Thu, 01 July 2021 11:53 |
Carl S.
Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.
Karma: 13
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Your batteries may have something to do with the problem, but more likely it needs o just be taken apart and cleaned. The impeller shaft tends to collect hair and that binds it up.
I did end up replacing mine after about 12 years of pretty frequent use, plus whatever use the PO had put on it. I think they just tend to become weaker over time, but yours should not have gotten to that point yet from the usage you describe.
Carl Stouffer
'75 ex Palm Beach
Tucson, AZ.
Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles, Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member
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| Re: Macerator getting weaker [message #365154 is a reply to message #365140] |
Thu, 01 July 2021 15:57 |
lw8000
Messages: 201
Registered: July 2012
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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Thank you very much for the suggestions. Sounds like I may need to remove it to double check the impeller.
One last question, I noticed that when turning the screw for the motor shaft, it had a fair amount of resistance. I could turn it, but it wasn't spinning freely. Should it be really easy to turn, or should there be some resistance to it? That may help decide whether we need to remove it for further inspection.
Thank you!
Chris S. -
77 Kingsley, 3.70 FD, mostly OEM -
S.E. Michigan
[Updated on: Thu, 01 July 2021 15:58] Report message to a moderator |
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| [GMCnet] Re: Macerator getting weaker [message #365155 is a reply to message #365154] |
Thu, 01 July 2021 16:19 |
sgltrac
Messages: 2797
Registered: April 2011
Karma: 1
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It should drop off there with removal of a couple hose clamps and like two
bolts. Pull it (tanks clean and empty ) and take it apart.
Sully
Bellevue wa
On Thu, Jul 1, 2021 at 1:58 PM Chris S. wrote:
> Thank you very much for the suggestions. Sounds like I may need to remove
> it to double check the impeller.
>
> One last question, I noticed that when turning the screw for the motor
> shaft, it had a fair amount of resistance. I could turn it, but it wasn't
> spinning freely. Should it be really easy to turn, or should there be
> some resistance so it? That may help decide whether we need to remove it
> for
> further inspection.
>
> Thank you!
> --
> Chris S. -
> 77 Kingsley, 3.70 FD, mostly OEM -
> S.E. Michigan
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>
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Sully
77 Royale basket case.
Future motorhome land speed record holder(bucket list)
Seattle, Wa.
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| Re: Macerator getting weaker [message #365157 is a reply to message #365154] |
Thu, 01 July 2021 18:26 |
Carl S.
Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.
Karma: 13
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Senior Member |
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lw8000 wrote on Thu, 01 July 2021 13:57Thank you very much for the suggestions. Sounds like I may need to remove it to double check the impeller.
One last question, I noticed that when turning the screw for the motor shaft, it had a fair amount of resistance. I could turn it, but it wasn't spinning freely. Should it be really easy to turn, or should there be some resistance to it? That may help decide whether we need to remove it for further inspection.
Thank you!
There is some resistance due to the rubber impeller contacting the inside of the pump housing. It shouldn't be TOO hard to turn, but that is kind of subjective. You can get gaskets for the pump from one of the vendors (I know Applied has a kit) or on Amazon or Ebay if you trust them to get you the right parts.
It's an easy fix, somewhat smelly, but if you've ever changed a diaper, it will be a piece of cake.
Carl Stouffer
'75 ex Palm Beach
Tucson, AZ.
Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles, Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member
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| Re: Macerator getting weaker [message #365168 is a reply to message #365140] |
Fri, 02 July 2021 07:12 |
Tilerpep
Messages: 404
Registered: June 2013
Location: Raleigh, NC
Karma: 7
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Senior Member |
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Being under the coach and subject to corrosion, check for a good positive and ground connections. Cleaning rust off the wire connection to the frame is less messy than opening the black tank!
1975 Glenbrook, 1978 Royale rear bath
Raleigh, NC
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| Re: Macerator getting weaker [message #365226 is a reply to message #365140] |
Sat, 03 July 2021 10:15 |
lw8000
Messages: 201
Registered: July 2012
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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Thank you again for all of the replies on this.
I think I solved our mystery, or maybe some of it. While underneath the coach I discovered I had totally forgotten about a valve that we had at the back of the black tank that sits between the tank and the tee that the macerator hooks to. It had vibrated mostly closed over time and probably wasn't allowing enough contents to get to the macerator and I think was causing the macerator dry run protection to kick on prematurely and turn it off. Once I opened that valve all the way and flushed some water through it, it seems to be running just like normal. Just yesterday I also discovered an external battery charger will no longer charge the house battery to its max, so I think that it is compounding the problem.
On inspecting the macerator I found that one of the bolts that holds the impeller housing to the motor was loose and sticking out. In looking at the schematic (Jabsco 18590-2092) and trying to tighten it , it appears the threads in the inside are stripped where it bolts to the motor housing. Since the other 3 bolts are tight, and it's sealed good still, I think I'm going to leave it and see how much life we can get out of it.
Thanks again, even after 8 years we are always learning.
Take care,
Chris
Chris S. -
77 Kingsley, 3.70 FD, mostly OEM -
S.E. Michigan
[Updated on: Sat, 03 July 2021 10:17] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: Macerator getting weaker [message #365972 is a reply to message #365140] |
Sun, 08 August 2021 14:28 |
lw8000
Messages: 201
Registered: July 2012
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 1
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Well we had some other instances of the macerator not working while out on a trip. I was about the pull out the slinky and do it the old fashioned way when I turned the screw on the macerator and after flipping the switch several times with the engine running, it went and pumped out almost completely. When we got home I decided it was time to figure out the problem so I disconnected it and opened it up. There were gobs of hair tangled on the metal blade portion of it. After cleaning that mess off and putting it back to together it's running as strong as it was when it was new. A few things I learned:
1) A running engine gives the macerator a little bit of a boost compared to straight battery
2) The impeller really only spins one direction with the screw (it has rubber flaps that are nearly impossible to turn the other direction)
3) Get a better sink drain cover so hair doesn't get down it! (we don't use the shower)
Thanks again and hope this may help others in the same situation someday!
Chris
Chris S. -
77 Kingsley, 3.70 FD, mostly OEM -
S.E. Michigan
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| [GMCnet] Re: Macerator getting weaker [message #365982 is a reply to message #365976] |
Sun, 08 August 2021 16:32 |
jimk
Messages: 6734
Registered: July 2006
Location: Belmont, CA
Karma: 9
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Every RV publication address that one should use paper that can be sheared
easily made of fibers that can be sheared by the blades.
On Sun, Aug 8, 2021 at 1:12 PM Emery Stora via Gmclist <
gmclist@list.gmcnet.org> wrote:
> Why not just ban anyone from using the bathroom that has hair longer than
> 3”?
> Emery Stora
> emerystora@mac.com
>
>
>
>> On Aug 8, 2021, at 1:28 PM, Chris S. wrote:
>>
>> Well we had some other instances of the macerator not working while out
> on a trip. I was about the pull out the slinky and do it the old fashioned
>> way when I turned the screw on the macerator and after flipping the
> switch several times with the engine running, it went and pumped out almost
>> completely. When we got home I decided it was time to figure out the
> problem so I disconnected it and opened it up. There were gobs of hair
> tangled
>> on the metal blade portion of it. After cleaning that mess off and
> putting it back to together it's running as strong as it was when it was
> new. A
>> few things I learned:
>>
>> 1) A running engine gives the macerator a little bit of a boost compared
> to straight battery
>> 2) The impeller really only spins one direction with the screw (it has
> rubber flaps that are nearly impossible to turn the other direction)
>> 3) Get a better sink drain cover so hair doesn't get down it! (we don't
> use the shower)
>>
>> Thanks again and hope this may help others in the same situation someday!
>>
>> Chris
>> --
>> Chris S. -
>> 77 Kingsley, 3.70 FD, mostly OEM -
>> S.E. Michigan
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>
--
Jim Kanomata ASE
Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
http://www.gmcrvparts.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: Macerator getting weaker [message #365984 is a reply to message #365140] |
Sun, 08 August 2021 17:10 |
lqqkatjon
Messages: 2324
Registered: October 2010
Location: St. Cloud, MN
Karma: 5
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Senior Member |
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My macerator had similar issue. Was maybe 8-9 years old. Had to wack it once. And that was enough for me.
This is one system I rely on to work! I have 3” outlet if needed but this is still one of
My most important systems and I do not ever want to deal with when the tank is making my shower floor wet!. I dont want to not do I have time to troubleshoot a sewer pump. First sign of it acting erratically, $161 and maybe an hour of my time to install a new one.
My problem in the end was the power feed wire, had somehow gone bad. Solder joint had broke loose a bit and probably had high resistance. My old macerator had looked like it had better days and even though might have been fine to reinstall…. Was not worth my time not to have a new macerator that i hope
To count on for many years. If the old one was worth saving,
Can aways keep
It for a spare.
Jon Roche
75 palm beach
EBL EFI, manny headers, Micro Level, rebuilt most of coach now.
St. Cloud, MN
http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
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| Re: [GMCnet] Re: Macerator getting weaker [message #365985 is a reply to message #365976] |
Sun, 08 August 2021 17:50 |
rjw
Messages: 697
Registered: September 2005
Karma: 4
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Senior Member |
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Emery Stora wrote on Sun, 08 August 2021 16:11Why not just ban anyone from using the bathroom that has hair longer than 3”?
Emery Stora
If I had that rule in place, my wife would never go with me on trips. We use the toilet/shower that we bring with us to all of our camping trips. Even places with clean showers.
I would hate to be without our macerator. Almost the greatest thing since sliced bread. Our first one lasted better of 17 years before we replaced it 5 years ago with a new one.
Richard
76 Palm Beach
SE Michigan
www.PalmBeachGMC.com
Roller Cam 455, TBI+EBL, 3.42 FD, 4 Bag, Macerator, Lenzi (brakes, vacuum system, front end stuff), Manny Tranny, vacuum step, Tankless + OEM water heaters.
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