| Interesting problem with CCV macerator. [message #305281] |
Thu, 11 August 2016 11:03 |
 |
Matt Colie
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
|
Senior Member |
|
|
A CCV macerator had a problem with popping its breaker. I got called because I installed the CCV macerator as the owner selected that as opposed to a Jabsco at more than twice the price.
Short story: The center section gasket had swollen and so was putting too high a side load on the impellor. When I cut away most of the gasket that was pushing on the side plate for the rubber impellor and lubricated the impellor with dish detergent (SOP - never ever spin a rubber impellor dry). The pump then ran on the rated breaker. We went sailing.
Longer version: I had installed a macerator a couple of seasons back. (Yes, this is the lakes, but he had plans to take her down the coast.) He made a mistake, and while thinking he was filling the potable tank, he was filling the holding tank from the deck fitting. (Yes, they are identical except for print too small to read easily.) He realized his mistake and called me when the macerator popped its breaker when he tried to pump the fresh water with antifreeze overboard. I measured the current draw as over twice rated and knew it was the pump. So, I removed the pump and we broke it down. There was minor fouling, but when assembled, the internal friction was still way too high. With the pump open, the friction was much lower. On close inspection, it was noticed that the center gasket was swollen where it clamps the side plate for the rubber impellor. So, the swollen gasket where the cutter back plate clamps the impellor side plate was cut away and the reassemble unit ran on the rated breaker.
My bet why is that the rubber gasket sat in the RV antifreeze all winter and soaked it up. All elasomers absorb some of everything. The degree varies with the materials involved. In this case, the gasket material absorbed enough to jam the impellor. So, if you have installed a CCV (Cheap Chinese Version) of a macerator and suddenly it doesn't run, after you get it out from under your coach, check that center gasket. Just trim away most of the swollen part. I have never seen this problem with a Jabsco macerator. (I have seen issues - most user caused.)
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
|
|
|
|
GMCforum
Search
Help
Register
Login
Home
