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Macerator mystery solved [message #219734] Sat, 24 August 2013 12:03 Go to next message
lance is currently offline  lance   United States
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Registered: December 2004
Location: Vancouver, WA
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OK, If you've been following my thread, here's how it went down. Because I have no gate valve, thanks to a PO, I can't remove the macerator from the drain pipe without a huge mess. I took a three gallon container and cracked loose the macerator assembly and slowly let the black water leak into my container. After dumping that several times, the holding tank was empty and I could remove the macerator. It worked perfectly, but the one thing I've failed to mention in previous posts is the PO also added a shut off valve on the output hose. I guess he had to do this because he removed the gate valve and fluid would just leak through the macerator. This brass shut off valve has a 3/8th inch passageway in the ball valve while the hose has a 3/4 inch inside diameter. it only took a bit of undesolved toilet paper to clog the 3/8 inch passage. I removed the shut off valve and all is well, except I now have to install a new gate valve.

Thanks to all out there so willing to share their advice and experience.


1974 Palm Beach
Re: Macerator mystery solved [message #219737 is a reply to message #219734] Sat, 24 August 2013 12:07 Go to previous messageGo to next message
WD0AFQ is currently offline  WD0AFQ   United States
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Registered: November 2004
Location: Dexter, Mo.
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Senior Member
Good deal Lance. Certainly that is too small a shutoff. I have pumped through 5/8 hose many times. Mine is a 3/4 inch hose but have a 5/8 extension coiled up in gen compartment.
So, life is good.. That is great.
Dan


3 In Stainless Exhaust Headers One Ton All Discs/Reaction Arm 355 FD/Quad Bag/Alum Radiator Manny Tran/New eng. Holley EFI/10 Tire Air Monitoring System Solarized Coach/Upgraded Windows Satelite TV/On Demand Hot Water/3Way Refer
Re: [GMCnet] Macerator mystery solved [message #219738 is a reply to message #219734] Sat, 24 August 2013 12:07 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Robin Hood is currently offline  Robin Hood   United States
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Registered: April 2011
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I can't wait to inflict video of such a procedure on all of you. :)


On Sat, Aug 24, 2013 at 12:03 PM, Lance <lance@vonprum.com> wrote:

>
>
> OK, If you've been following my thread, here's how it went down. Because I
> have no gate valve, thanks to a PO, I can't remove the macerator from the
> drain pipe without a huge mess. I took a three gallon container and cracked
> loose the macerator assembly and slowly let the black water leak into my
> container. After dumping that several times, the holding tank was empty and
> I could remove the macerator. It worked perfectly, but the one thing I've
> failed to mention in previous posts is the PO also added a shut off valve
> on the output hose. I guess he had to do this because he removed the gate
> valve and fluid would just leak through the macerator. This brass shut off
> valve has a 3/8th inch passageway in the ball valve while the hose has a
> 3/4 inch inside diameter. it only took a bit of undesolved toilet paper to
> clog the 3/8 inch passage. I removed the shut off valve and all is well,
> except I now have to install a new gate valve.
>
> Thanks to all out there so willing to share their advice and experience.
> --
> 1976 Palm Beach
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>



--
Robin Hood
Jackson, MS
2013 Subaru Outback "Top Flight"
1968 Pontiac Catalina "The Cheshire Cat"
1978 GMC Royale motorhome "Pinto Bean"
1977 GMC Palm Beach motorhome "Barn Queen"
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Re: [GMCnet] Macerator mystery solved [message #219741 is a reply to message #219737] Sat, 24 August 2013 12:12 Go to previous messageGo to next message
emerystora is currently offline  emerystora   United States
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BUT, bear in mind that that 3/8" was on the INPUT side of the pump. It did not have the pressure that allows pumping through a 5/8" howe on the OUTPUT side.

He could put a 1-1/2" gate valve in the input line to the pump - that might be an easier install than replacing the 3" valve at the tank. RV stores carry the 1-1/2" valves.

Emery Stora

On Aug 24, 2013, at 11:07 AM, Dan Gregg wrote:

>
>
> Good deal Lance. Certainly that is too small a shutoff. I have pumped through 5/8 hose many times. Mine is a 3/4 inch hose but have a 5/8 extension coiled up in gen compartment.
> So, life is good.. That is great.
> Dan
> --
> Dan & Teri Gregg
> Dexter, Mo.
>
> http://danandteri.blogspot.com/
>
>
>
>
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Re: [GMCnet] Macerator mystery solved [message #219745 is a reply to message #219738] Sat, 24 August 2013 12:28 Go to previous messageGo to next message
lance is currently offline  lance   United States
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Location: Vancouver, WA
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Boy! A video of what I just did would not be pretty.

1974 Palm Beach
Re: [GMCnet] Macerator mystery solved [message #219746 is a reply to message #219745] Sat, 24 August 2013 12:37 Go to previous messageGo to next message
roy1 is currently offline  roy1   United States
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Registered: July 2004
Location: Minden nevada
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lance wrote on Sat, 24 August 2013 10:28

Boy! A video of what I just did would not be pretty.

You mean a scene like in the movie Rv with you as the star?


Roy Keen Minden,NV 76 X Glenbrook
Re: [GMCnet] Macerator mystery solved [message #219772 is a reply to message #219738] Sat, 24 August 2013 15:16 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Carl S. is currently offline  Carl S.   United States
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Location: Tucson, AZ.
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Senior Member

Robin Hood wrote on Sat, 24 August 2013 10:07

I can't wait to inflict video of such a procedure on all of you. Smile


On Sat, Aug 24, 2013 at 12:03 PM, Lance <lance@vonprum.com> wrote:

>
>
> OK, If you've been following my thread, here's how it went down. Because I
> have no gate valve, thanks to a PO, I can't remove the macerator from the
> drain pipe without a huge mess. I took a three gallon container and cracked
> loose the macerator assembly and slowly let the black water leak into my
> container. After dumping that several times, the holding tank was empty and
> I could remove the macerator. It worked perfectly, but the one thing I've
> failed to mention in previous posts is the PO also added a shut off valve
> on the output hose. I guess he had to do this because he removed the gate
> valve and fluid would just leak through the macerator. This brass shut off
> valve has a 3/8th inch passageway in the ball valve while the hose has a
> 3/4 inch inside diameter. it only took a bit of undesolved toilet paper to
> clog the 3/8 inch passage. I removed the shut off valve and all is well,
> except I now have to install a new gate valve.
>
> Thanks to all out there so willing to share their advice and experience.
> --
> 1976 Palm Beach
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>



--
Robin Hood
Jackson, MS
2013 Subaru Outback "Top Flight"
1968 Pontiac Catalina "The Cheshire Cat"
1978 GMC Royale motorhome "Pinto Bean"
1977 GMC Palm Beach motorhome "Barn Queen"
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Robin,

It's a good thing watching your videos is not mandatory! Laughing That's one I think I would have to skip. Rolling Eyes


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
Re: [GMCnet] Macerator mystery solved [message #219774 is a reply to message #219772] Sat, 24 August 2013 15:24 Go to previous messageGo to next message
mickeysss is currently offline  mickeysss   United States
Messages: 1476
Registered: January 2012
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Senior Member
No $hit

Sent from my iPhone

On Aug 24, 2013, at 1:16 PM, Carl Stouffer <carljr3b@yahoo.com> wrote:

>
>
> Robin Hood wrote on Sat, 24 August 2013 10:07
>> I can't wait to inflict video of such a procedure on all of you. :)
>>
>>
>> On Sat, Aug 24, 2013 at 12:03 PM, Lance <lance@vonprum.com> wrote:
>>
>>>
>>>
>>> OK, If you've been following my thread, here's how it went down. Because I
>>> have no gate valve, thanks to a PO, I can't remove the macerator from the
>>> drain pipe without a huge mess. I took a three gallon container and cracked
>>> loose the macerator assembly and slowly let the black water leak into my
>>> container. After dumping that several times, the holding tank was empty and
>>> I could remove the macerator. It worked perfectly, but the one thing I've
>>> failed to mention in previous posts is the PO also added a shut off valve
>>> on the output hose. I guess he had to do this because he removed the gate
>>> valve and fluid would just leak through the macerator. This brass shut off
>>> valve has a 3/8th inch passageway in the ball valve while the hose has a
>>> 3/4 inch inside diameter. it only took a bit of undesolved toilet paper to
>>> clog the 3/8 inch passage. I removed the shut off valve and all is well,
>>> except I now have to install a new gate valve.
>>>
>>> Thanks to all out there so willing to share their advice and experience.
>>> --
>>> 1976 Palm Beach
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> GMCnet mailing list
>>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>>> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> Robin Hood
>> Jackson, MS
>> 2013 Subaru Outback "Top Flight"
>> 1968 Pontiac Catalina "The Cheshire Cat"
>> 1978 GMC Royale motorhome "Pinto Bean"
>> 1977 GMC Palm Beach motorhome "Barn Queen"
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
>
>
> Robin,
>
> It's a good thing watching your videos is not mandatory! :lol: That's one I think I would have to skip. :roll:
> --
> Carl S.
> '75 ex Palm Beach
> Tucson, AZ.
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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Re: [GMCnet] Macerator mystery solved [message #220054 is a reply to message #219734] Mon, 26 August 2013 22:12 Go to previous messageGo to next message
USAussie is currently offline  USAussie   United States
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Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
Senior Member
Lance,

A THREE EIGHTS BALL VALVE!

WTH!

Never mind the pictures.

Regards,
Rob M.

-----Original Message-----
From: Lance

OK, If you've been following my thread, here's how it went down. Because I have no gate valve, thanks to a PO, I can't remove the
macerator from the drain pipe without a huge mess. I took a three gallon container and cracked loose the macerator assembly and
slowly let the black water leak into my container. After dumping that several times, the holding tank was empty and I could remove
the macerator. It worked perfectly, but the one thing I've failed to mention in previous posts is the PO also added a shut off valve
on the output hose. I guess he had to do this because he removed the gate valve and fluid would just leak through the macerator.
This brass shut off valve has a 3/8th inch passageway in the ball valve while the hose has a 3/4 inch inside diameter. it only took
a bit of undesolved toilet paper to clog the 3/8 inch passage. I removed the shut off valve and all is well, except I now have to
install a new gate valve.

Thanks to all out there so willing to share their advice and experience.
--
1976 Palm Beach

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Regards, Rob M. (USAussie) The Pedantic Mechanic Sydney, Australia '75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428 '75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
Re: Macerator mystery solved [message #236983 is a reply to message #219734] Wed, 22 January 2014 09:32 Go to previous messageGo to next message
WildBill   Canada
Messages: 232
Registered: January 2014
Karma: 1
Senior Member
Yeah older post but researching and learning about a subject that it don't particularly relish.

Like the install pics and I can see how the 1 1/2" inlet with the offset 3" to 1 1/2" reducer would result with less in the tank when you were done pumping.

I have also read how occasional jams can be cleared with back flushing with water. I pulled up operators manuals and parts manuals for a couple manufacturers macerators and I don't see any reason you couldn't use a DPDT switch to reverse the polarity and spin the pump backwards to attempt freeing a blockage. The impellers should just fold over.

I also like the idea of valve before macerator and emergency 3". My thoughts were I could shut off the valve before the macerator during winter operations..

Thanks for this fantastic knowledge base! Bill
Re: [GMCnet] Macerator mystery solved [message #236993 is a reply to message #236983] Wed, 22 January 2014 10:28 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Ken Henderson is currently offline  Ken Henderson   United States
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
Senior Member
Bill,

Your ideal of reversing the macerator motor's polarity to reverse it is
good in theory, but catastrophic in practice. The impellers will not, as
you hope, "fold over". Most likely, they'll just jam the motor and prevent
rotation. If they do fold over, it's probably because they're so
deteriorated that they'll break off from the unusual stress.

The best option for most macerator jams is to remove the cap (if installed)
from the non-pump end of the motor to reveal the slotted end of the motor
shaft. A screwdriver in that slot may allow you to clear the jam. If it
won't you're probably going to have to remove and disassemble the macerator.

JMHO after using them for 15+ years.

Ken H.
Americus, GA
'76 X-Birchaven w/Cad500/Howell EFI & EBL
www.gmcwipersetc.com


On Wed, Jan 22, 2014 at 10:32 AM, Bill Dolinsky <Wildbillnick@yahoo.com>wrote:

>
> ...
> I have also read how occasional jams can be cleared with back flushing
> with water. I pulled up operators manuals and parts manuals for a couple
> manufacturers macerators and I don't see any reason you couldn't use a DPDT
> switch to reverse the polarity and spin the pump backwards to attempt
> freeing a blockage. The impellers should just fold over.
>
> I also like the idea of valve before macerator and emergency 3". My
> thoughts were I could shut off the valve before the macerator during winter
> operations..
>
> Thanks for this fantastic knowledge base! Bill
>
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Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
Re: [GMCnet] Macerator mystery solved [message #236999 is a reply to message #236993] Wed, 22 January 2014 11:06 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Mr ERFisher is currently offline  Mr ERFisher   United States
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Registered: August 2005
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Senior Member
Or back flush with a water hose

FREE WIFI @ Mickey D





On Jan 22, 2014, at 8:28 AM, Ken Henderson <hend4800@bellsouth.net> wrote:

> Bill,
>
> Your ideal of reversing the macerator motor's polarity to reverse it is
> good in theory, but catastrophic in practice. The impellers will not, as
> you hope, "fold over". Most likely, they'll just jam the motor and prevent
> rotation. If they do fold over, it's probably because they're so
> deteriorated that they'll break off from the unusual stress.
>
> The best option for most macerator jams is to remove the cap (if installed)
> from the non-pump end of the motor to reveal the slotted end of the motor
> shaft. A screwdriver in that slot may allow you to clear the jam. If it
> won't you're probably going to have to remove and disassemble the macerator.
>
> JMHO after using them for 15+ years.
>
> Ken H.
> Americus, GA
> '76 X-Birchaven w/Cad500/Howell EFI & EBL
> www.gmcwipersetc.com
>
>
> On Wed, Jan 22, 2014 at 10:32 AM, Bill Dolinsky <Wildbillnick@yahoo.com>wrote:
>
>>
>> ...
>> I have also read how occasional jams can be cleared with back flushing
>> with water. I pulled up operators manuals and parts manuals for a couple
>> manufacturers macerators and I don't see any reason you couldn't use a DPDT
>> switch to reverse the polarity and spin the pump backwards to attempt
>> freeing a blockage. The impellers should just fold over.
>>
>> I also like the idea of valve before macerator and emergency 3". My
>> thoughts were I could shut off the valve before the macerator during winter
>> operations..
>>
>> Thanks for this fantastic knowledge base! Bill
>>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
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Re: [GMCnet] Macerator mystery solved [message #237023 is a reply to message #236999] Wed, 22 January 2014 14:44 Go to previous messageGo to next message
WildBill   Canada
Messages: 232
Registered: January 2014
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Senior Member
Assumed impeller would be similar to raw water pump on my boat... Thanks, for the info.
Re: [GMCnet] Macerator mystery solved [message #237056 is a reply to message #237023] Wed, 22 January 2014 18:18 Go to previous messageGo to next message
USAussie is currently offline  USAussie   United States
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Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
Senior Member
Bill,

Here's what the macerator looks like inside:

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g6005-macerator-innards.html

Regards,
Rob M.
Sydney, Australia

-----Original Message-----
From: Bill Dolinsky

Assumed impeller would be similar to raw water pump on my boat... Thanks, for the info.
--
Bill

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Regards, Rob M. (USAussie) The Pedantic Mechanic Sydney, Australia '75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428 '75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
Re: [GMCnet] Macerator mystery solved [message #237059 is a reply to message #237023] Wed, 22 January 2014 18:29 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Matt Colie is currently offline  Matt Colie   United States
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Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
Senior Member
WildBill wrote on Wed, 22 January 2014 15:44

Assumed impeller would be similar to raw water pump on my boat... Thanks, for the info.

Bill,

It is Similar to the Oberdorfer pumps used most as raw water pumps on closed cooling boats, but the "blades" do fold more. The braking blades is also true on the boat version. Even though I almost never work on power boats, I get to see it a lot when and older engine shuts down and motors backward a turn or two.

Your best bet with any macerator install is to set it up for weasy removal with a full black tank. That is when it will need to be removed and either cleared or repaired. When ever I had to deal with one for an owner, I charged double plus 10$ for gloves and they pay for time for my wash-up when the job is done. (It still isn't really worth it.)

Matt


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
Re: [GMCnet] Macerator mystery solved [message #237063 is a reply to message #237059] Wed, 22 January 2014 18:46 Go to previous messageGo to next message
emerystora is currently offline  emerystora   United States
Messages: 4442
Registered: January 2004
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Senior Member
Great typo, Matt.
A "weasy" removal. Maybe you should have typed "queasy".

Emery Stora

On Jan 22, 2014, at 5:29 PM, Matt Colie <matt7323tze@gmail.com> wrote:

>
>
> WildBill wrote on Wed, 22 January 2014 15:44
>> Assumed impeller would be similar to raw water pump on my boat... Thanks, for the info.
>
> Bill,
>
> It is Similar to the Oberdorfer pumps used most as raw water pumps on closed cooling boats, but the "blades" do fold more. The braking blades is also true on the boat version. Even though I almost never work on power boats, I get to see it a lot when and older engine shuts down and motors backward a turn or two.
>
> Your best bet with any macerator install is to set it up for weasy removal with a full black tank. That is when it will need to be removed and either cleared or repaired. When ever I had to deal with one for an owner, I charged double plus 10$ for gloves and they pay for time for my wash-up when the job is done. (It still isn't really worth it.)
>
> Matt
> --
> Matt & Mary Colie - Members GMCMI, GMCES Going to MontgomeryThe majestic, once snow covered glacier Chaumière is in for the winter.
> '73 Glacier 23 With 4 Rear Brakes that pull as they should
> SE Michigan - Twixt A2 and Detroit
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Re: [GMCnet] Macerator mystery solved [message #237109 is a reply to message #237056] Thu, 23 January 2014 00:33 Go to previous message
WildBill   Canada
Messages: 232
Registered: January 2014
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Senior Member
Looks like a raw water pump to me, if they break it was time to replace anyway.
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