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| [GMCnet] This question stinks [message #222530] |
Sun, 15 September 2013 15:02  |
mmmm ka
Messages: 45
Registered: May 2012
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Anyone out there ever have the experience of black tank "smells" being wafted into the cabin while driving. This especially occurs when the toll booth windows are open. It seems we also are getting odor when stationary if the roof vent fan is exhausting. We are religious about emptying and flushing the tank weekly and adding tank treatment. All vent caps seem to be good, and the two vent stacks that I can visually inspect seem solid and intact.
Could the tank have a crack that lets fumes be brought up through the chassis ? (there are no leaks on the tarmac). Could it be the seal around the throne ? (There is no odor in the bathroom)
Any ideas for diagnosis or repair much appreciated.
Mark Kasiewicz & Dawn Koepp
77 Kingsley "Gus Da Bus"
Eau Claire, WI
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| Re: [GMCnet] This question stinks [message #222547 is a reply to message #222545] |
Sun, 15 September 2013 15:57  |
Robin Hood
Messages: 1078
Registered: April 2011
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Could be wafting up the sink drain?
On Sunday, September 15, 2013, Kingsley Coach wrote:
> I'm with Dan on this.
> Put some water in the shower drain.
>
> Mike in NS
>
>
> On Sun, Sep 15, 2013 at 5:27 PM, Jerry Sitzlar <jasitzlar@reagan.com<javascript:;>>
> wrote:
>
> >
> >
> > I used to have the same problem with my Toyota motorhome., especially
> with
> > the front windows down. I was told vacuum was being created inside the
> > coach and it pulled odors up through the john. My problem was a blocked
> > vent pipe. After clearing that, making sure some water was always in the
> > bowl, and replacing the vent cover with one of the spinning airplane
> > looking things my problem went away.
> >
> > Jerry
> > --
> > Jerry Sitzlar....77 Eleganza II .....Lenoir City, TN
> > _______________________________________________
> > GMCnet mailing list
> > Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> > http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
> >
>
>
>
> --
> Michael Beaton
> 1977 Kingsley 26-11
> 1977 Eleganza II 26-3
> Antigonish, NS
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--
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] This question stinks [message #222553 is a reply to message #222552] |
Sun, 15 September 2013 16:41 |
MikeT
Messages: 225
Registered: November 2009
Location: Marine City, Michigan
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Emery, I would like to see the additional pictures. I have the same problem and will change out tank when able.
Thanks
Mike Thomas
Marine City, MI
77 ex Palm Beach
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| Re: [GMCnet] This question stinks [message #222554 is a reply to message #222552] |
Sun, 15 September 2013 16:45 |
k2gkk
Messages: 4452
Registered: November 2009
Karma: -8
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If the bathroom fan is on exhaust and your toilet seal is poor, the fan WILL suck the poop smell into the coach. The "venturi" weather vane attachment to the top of the bathroom vent will help when you are stationary. Any wind at all will suck the smell out the top!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~~ ~ D C "Mac" Macdonald ~ ~~
~ ~ Amateur Radio - K2GKK ~ ~
~ ~ USAF and FAA, Retired ~ ~
~ ~ ~ Oklahoma City, OK ~ ~ ~
~~ ~ ~ "The Money Pit" ~ ~ ~~
~ ~ ~ ~ TZE166V101966 ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ '76 ex-Palm Beach ~ ~ ~
~~ k2gkk + hotmail dot com ~~
~ www.gmcmhphotos.com/okclb ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
______________
*[ ]~~~[][ ][|\
*--OO--[]---O-*
> From: emerystora@mac.com
> Date: Sun, 15 Sep 2013 16:19:11 -0500
> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] This question stinks
>
> Years back I had the same problem. I found that where the kitchen tank drains into the holding tank on my 77 Kingsley, the seal to that pipe had broken and I actually had sewage thrown up onto the floor beneath the cabinet.
>
> Here is how I fixed it:
>
> http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g3276-kitchen-sink-drain-to-holding-tank.html
>
> I also have pictures and a writeup on the drain that goes into the tank from the bathroom in case you have a leak there.
>
> Let me know.
>
> Emery Stora
> 77 Kingsley
> Frederick CO
>
> On Sep 15, 2013, at 3:02 PM, mmmm ka wrote:
>
> > Anyone out there ever have the experience of black tank "smells" being wafted into the cabin while driving. This especially occurs when the toll booth windows are open. It seems we also are getting odor when stationary if the roof vent fan is exhausting. We are religious about emptying and flushing the tank weekly and adding tank treatment. All vent caps seem to be good, and the two vent stacks that I can visually inspect seem solid and intact.
> >
> > Could the tank have a crack that lets fumes be brought up through the chassis ? (there are no leaks on the tarmac). Could it be the seal around the throne ? (There is no odor in the bathroom)
> >
> > Any ideas for diagnosis or repair much appreciated.
> >
> > Mark Kasiewicz & Dawn Koepp
> > 77 Kingsley "Gus Da Bus"
> > Eau Claire, WI
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| Re: [GMCnet] This question stinks [message #222566 is a reply to message #222530] |
Sun, 15 September 2013 18:23 |
skip2
Messages: 544
Registered: September 2011
Location: Winter Haven,FL (center o...
Karma: 3
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I found 2 of the 3 roof vents on my 74 were cut off below the level of the roof flanges and no sealing and the smells were going in between the roof and insulation and head liners.
Skip Hartline
74 Canyon Lands, FiTech,
3.7 FD LSD, Manny Tranny,
Springfield Distributor,
2001 Chevy Tracker Ragtop Towd
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| Re: [GMCnet] This question stinks [message #222568 is a reply to message #222566] |
Sun, 15 September 2013 18:35 |
Neil
Messages: 271
Registered: July 2007
Location: Los Angeles and Magalia, ...
Karma: 1
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We had the some times stinkys and the very sometimes mystery drips.
When it go to the point where the sink was draining... somewhere... other than the tank ... other than under the sink...we had the tanks dropped.
The black tank was cracked on top where the drains/vents go.
This was one job I was very pleased to pay Miguel to do.
By the way, he advised that the macerator never "really" gets the tank completely empty. He knows from experience.
He says 30 year old tanks are all failing for sure.
Neil
76 Eleganza now sold
Los Angeles
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| Re: [GMCnet] This question stinks [message #222571 is a reply to message #222530] |
Sun, 15 September 2013 18:45 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
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Short answer - yeh I have.
Longer answer - The toll windowws are located such that air flows out of them. I'm told adding wind wings reverses this. Anyway, normally the pull air out of the coach. Since we've only one tank, it connects to everything in the plumbing system. A leak in any of the vents, or the loss of tghe water seal in the P trap in any opf the drains (which is what happens to me now and then) lets the fumes pull into the coach. This is why I asled about the wind wings.. I think I'll add a pair and put positive pressure on the interior instead of negative.
--johnny
'76 23' transmode norris
'76 palm beach
--------------------------------------------
On Sun, 9/15/13, mmmm ka <mmmm_ka@yahoo.com> wrote:
Subject: [GMCnet] This question stinks
To: "gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org" <gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org>
Date: Sunday, September 15, 2013, 8:02 PM
Anyone out there ever have the
experience of black tank "smells" being wafted into the
cabin while driving. This especially occurs when the toll
booth windows are open. It seems we also are getting odor
when stationary if the roof vent fan is exhausting. We are
religious about emptying and flushing the tank weekly and
adding tank treatment. All vent caps seem to be good, and
the two vent stacks that I can visually inspect seem solid
and intact.
Could the tank have a crack that lets fumes be brought up
through the chassis ? (there are no leaks on the tarmac).
Could it be the seal around the throne ? (There is no odor
in the bathroom)
Any ideas for diagnosis or repair much appreciated.
Mark Kasiewicz & Dawn Koepp
77 Kingsley "Gus Da Bus"
Eau Claire, WI
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Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
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| Re: [GMCnet] This question stinks [message #222589 is a reply to message #222571] |
Sun, 15 September 2013 19:51 |
Ken Henderson
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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Yes, opening the cockpit windows while under way will suck fumes from the
holding tanks through the coach and out those windows. Properly
positioned, wind wings can reverse the flow.
Tank chemicals are NOT, IMHO, the way to reduce septic odors. I've been on
the road for about 4-1/2 months now, usually with one companion. The only
chemicals I've used are a couple of precautionary small doses of Rid-X --
same stuff septic tank owners use -- in the 16 gallon black water tank.
Nothing except soap & water in the 30 gallon gray water tank. I've had NO
odor problems.
I am careful to keep water in the traps, and religiously turn the Fantastic
Fan Off (and allow air movement to stop) before flushing the toilet.
Some "organic odor control" advocates say never flush 'the black water
tank. I don't subscribe to that theory. When I installed new tanks in
'98, I made a flusher from a capped 1/2" PVC pipe long enough to reach from
the right top to the left top inside the black tank. I mounted that pipe
through the tank wall with an ordinary back-flow preventer equipped H2O
service port. Silicone sealer has never allowed any leakage. A series of
small (1/32"-3/64") holes aimed toward the tank exit serve as nozzles to
encourage debris toward the macerator -- very effectively, as I can observe
through the clear drain tube. Using the rear chassis mounted
quick-disconnect plumbed to the flusher, I rinse the tank every 3rd or 4th
dump, if convenient. To those who claim frequent flushing will "destroy
the bacterial colony", I say there are plenty of uncleaned nooks and
crannies in which the strong will/do survive. Maybe the occasional Rid-X
helps them; maybe not.
When I store the coach, I'll flush the tank and leave a few gallons of
(dirty) water in it to "keep the colony alive".
Works for me (after 55 years of RVing) and I don't damage our home septic
system with toxic chemicals. Others' results may vary.
Ken H.
On Sep 15, 2013 6:45 PM, "Johnny Bridges" <jhbridges@ymail.com> wrote:
> Short answer - yeh I have.
> Longer answer - The toll windowws are located such that air flows out of
> them. I'm told adding wind wings reverses this. Anyway, normally the pull
> air out of the coach. Since we've only one tank, it connects to everything
> in the plumbing system. A leak in any of the vents, or the loss of tghe
> water seal in the P trap in any opf the drains (which is what happens to me
> now and then) lets the fumes pull into the coach. This is why I asled
> about the wind wings.. I think I'll add a pair and put positive pressure on
> the interior instead of negative.
>
> --johnny
> '76 23' transmode norris
> '76 palm beach
> --------------------------------------------
> On Sun, 9/15/13, mmmm ka <mmmm_ka@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
> Subject: [GMCnet] This question stinks
> To: "gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org" <gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org>
> Date: Sunday, September 15, 2013, 8:02 PM
>
> Anyone out there ever have the
> experience of black tank "smells" being wafted into the
> cabin while driving. This especially occurs when the toll
> booth windows are open. It seems we also are getting odor
> when stationary if the roof vent fan is exhausting. We are
> religious about emptying and flushing the tank weekly and
> adding tank treatment. All vent caps seem to be good, and
> the two vent stacks that I can visually inspect seem solid
> and intact.
>
> Could the tank have a crack that lets fumes be brought up
> through the chassis ? (there are no leaks on the tarmac).
> Could it be the seal around the throne ? (There is no odor
> in the bathroom)
>
> Any ideas for diagnosis or repair much appreciated.
>
> Mark Kasiewicz & Dawn Koepp
> 77 Kingsley "Gus Da Bus"
> Eau Claire, WI
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
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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] This question stinks [message #222670 is a reply to message #222530] |
Mon, 16 September 2013 10:54 |
lqqkatjon
Messages: 2324
Registered: October 2010
Location: St. Cloud, MN
Karma: 5
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Senior Member |
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I have had the same experience. I have no wind wings yet.
i have also found that sometimes when i have the fantastic fan set to exhaust, it sucks the smell from somewhere. I usually set that to blow in, and open a rear window a crack.
I was able to open up some other windows, and change something that made the oder problem go away.
Had an issue with the tank this last weekend, trying to "dry camp" with Wife and kids, and the "one too many" Sunday morning shower must of filled the tank and sent water over the top of the tank. So that now confirms what I figured was the case of my 38 year old tank. Something is not right on the top side.
Luckily i was camping in an open field, and the party was over, and we were just about to leave. i am glad, that i was not on a concrete pad, or other more modern camping location. Also i was out packing things up and heard the funny water sound, and was able to get her to shut down the water usage.
so I would guess you have something not "right" on the top side of the tank that is hidden. or you need to get water in the traps.
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] This question stinks [message #223017 is a reply to message #223016] |
Wed, 18 September 2013 15:31 |
roy1
Messages: 2126
Registered: July 2004
Location: Minden nevada
Karma: 6
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Senior Member |
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| emerystora wrote on Wed, 18 September 2013 12:52 |
Someone asked for more pictures when leaks occur.
Here is how to fix the slip in joint on the top of the holding tank where the bath sink and shower drain into the tank.
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g4986-holding-tank-top-fitting.html
You have to remove the water tank to get to it.
The original slip in fitting always leaks. If you use this rubber coupling when your raise the tank you may have to trim a little from the bottom of the pipe so that it slips into the rubber coupler and you clamp it in with a stainless steel "spiral" band clamp.
Emery Stora
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I'm going to have to do that modification to mine too Emery as it lleaks when it is full .. I know it is coming from the loosely fitting vent. My tank is about an inch or so lower then stock due to the replacement body pads that caused a misalignment with the dump pipe going thru the frame . How do you tighten the clamp where it connects to the vent pipe or is it a snug fit only?
Roy Keen
Minden,NV
76 X Glenbrook
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| Re: [GMCnet] This question stinks [message #223071 is a reply to message #222530] |
Wed, 18 September 2013 22:10 |
rickmike
Messages: 252
Registered: September 2011
Location: United States
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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On our first trip to Florida in the "General" we experience the nose insult of the holding tank.
I tried the things suggested in this thread to no avail.
When we got home, I was determined to find the cause.
I took the toilet out and removed the flange.
I dropped the tank and found something rather amazing.
The top of the tank was split wide open. The down pipe from the flange was 3 inches too long and they pushed the flange down to the floor to secure it. This caved in the top of the tank and cracked it almost all the way across it.
Sewage came through the crack and layed on top of the tank. Fumes came into the coach through the hole under shower trap driven by the negative pressure caused by driving the coach with windows open.
I had to replace the tank.
Problem solved.
Rick M.
1974 26' Canyonlands
aka "The General"
Clinton, TN
[Updated on: Wed, 18 September 2013 22:12] Report message to a moderator |
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