Macerator getting weaker

L

lw8000

Member
Jul 30, 2012
217
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18
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
 
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

> 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:
>
 
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

>
> 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
>

>>
>> 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:
 
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!

> 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
 
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
 
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
 
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

> 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:
>
 
> 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!

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
 
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
 
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 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 so I think that it 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
 
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