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Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: Bill & Deanne Brown on May 17, 2011, 09:56:44 pm

Title: No 12v Power to Magnum Opus Vacuum Toilet??
Post by: Bill & Deanne Brown on May 17, 2011, 09:56:44 pm
We have lost power to our Magnum Opus Vacuum Toilet and can't find the fuse in our 2003 U-320.  No lights on cabinet switch or on circuit board (no #16 LED lite).  Couldn't find fuse on bed face and wiring drawing shows a 20 amp breaker but don't know location.  Since we are dry camping at moment, any help locating fuse/breaker would be truly appreciated. ..... Bill
Title: Re: No 12v Power to Magnum Opus Vacuum Toilet??
Post by: Michelle on May 17, 2011, 10:04:25 pm
We have lost power to our Magnum Opus Vacuum Toilet and can't find the fuse in our 2003 U-320. 

Bill,

We also have a Magnum Opus.  If the breaker isn't on the foot of the bed, try the back wall of the bay where the HWH pump is.  Teeny little buttons to reset them, but that might be where it is.

Michelle
Title: Re: No 12v Power to Magnum Opus Vacuum Toilet??
Post by: Bill & Deanne Brown on May 17, 2011, 10:23:19 pm
Michelle,
As you suggested, we found the reference to the vac toilet back wall under cover held with wing nuts.  We see where connection is to power distribution strip (12 RD) but don't see any fuses or breakers.  What do these breakers (with little buttons) look like???.... Bill
Title: Re: No 12v Power to Magnum Opus Vacuum Toilet??
Post by: Michelle on May 17, 2011, 10:34:18 pm
Steve hasn't looked at it in a while, he seems to recall really small white buttons as resets. 

He's off to check ours and get a photo for you.....

-M
Title: Re: No 12v Power to Magnum Opus Vacuum Toilet??
Post by: Bill & Deanne Brown on May 17, 2011, 10:45:51 pm
Wow, appreciate the help!  Due to "Criticality" of issue, we see a dinner for you two in the future at the Jalapeno Tree.  Awaiting the photo.... Bill
Title: Re: No 12v Power to Magnum Opus Vacuum Toilet??
Post by: J. D. Stevens on May 17, 2011, 10:57:19 pm
...  What do these breakers (with little buttons) look like???.... Bill

On our 1997 U295, they look pretty much like a terminal block with a couple of posts. The reset buttons are obscure black buttons on the side of the device. A popsicle stick would be a good tool to reset the breaker. I reset one in the main storage bay behind the white panel in order to fix some basement lights that wouldn't work after a water incident in the water closet.
Title: Re: No 12v Power to Magnum Opus Vacuum Toilet??
Post by: Barry Beam on May 17, 2011, 11:10:19 pm
Wow, appreciate the help!  Due to "Criticality" of issue, we see a dinner for you two in the future at the Jalapeno Tree.  Awaiting the photo.... Bill

Hi Bill,
I hope Steve did not have to go far but since you are in a hurry.
Here is a photo.
Title: Re: No 12v Power to Magnum Opus Vacuum Toilet??
Post by: Michelle on May 17, 2011, 11:11:51 pm

On our 1997 U295, they look pretty much like a terminal block with a couple of posts. The reset buttons are obscure black buttons on the side of the device.

What Dave said.  The cellphone photo didn't come out that great and his description is very good.

If it doesn't do anything with a reset, do you have a multimeter to check to see if the remote switch is getting power?

We've only had issues with a bad circuit board, which caused the flush ball to get stuck open, or "tank full", but both those gave a red "do not flush" light on the remote panel.

I'm assuming the main 12V switch at the entry door didn't accidentally get switched off...

Michelle
Title: Re: No 12v Power to Magnum Opus Vacuum Toilet??
Post by: Michelle on May 17, 2011, 11:13:23 pm

I hope Steve did not have to go far but since you are in a hurry.
Here is a photo.

Thanks, Barry.  He only had to go outside the coach, but took the photo by cellphone and e-mailed it.  Seems the VZW to Gmail link is slow tonight....

-M
Title: Re: No 12v Power to Magnum Opus Vacuum Toilet??
Post by: Bill & Deanne Brown on May 17, 2011, 11:26:10 pm
Steve, Michelle, J.D & Barry,
Thank you!  We found the reset button and the toilet power came back on!  Unfortunately the 15 amp fuse was also blown.  Replaced with a 20 amp temporarily and it blew as well.  Looks like the vacuum pump motor has failed.  Appreciate all your help but llooks like we'll have to leave early and try and get it fixed in Houston.  I know there's a service place in Clear Lake.
Thanks again for all your help!.... Bill
Title: Re: No 12v Power to Magnum Opus Vacuum Toilet??
Post by: J. D. Stevens on May 17, 2011, 11:43:49 pm
Steve, Michelle, J.D & Barry,
...  Looks like the vacuum pump motor has failed.  ... Bill

D'oh! My simple, mechanical, "drop it in the tank" toilet looks pretty good. If the water pump works, we are likely to have a successful flush.

Best wishes for a quick and successful resolution to your flushing woes.
Title: Re: No 12v Power to Magnum Opus Vacuum Toilet??
Post by: Michelle on May 18, 2011, 08:17:43 am
Looks like the vacuum pump motor has failed.  Appreciate all your help but llooks like we'll have to leave early and try and get it fixed in Houston.  I know there's a service place in Clear Lake.

Bummer.  If you haven't replaced the duckbill valves in the last 3 years you might consider getting that done as well if they're already disassembling the vacuum generator. 

Michelle
Title: Re: No 12v Power to Magnum Opus Vacuum Toilet??
Post by: Jerry Whiteaker on May 18, 2011, 10:25:52 am
Seems like somebody forgot about the KISS principle; vacuum toilet in a motorhome???  I remember renting a GMC way back when and the motor on the recirculating toilet quit.  Found a shop in Cheyenne that could repair the motor, but taking it out and putting it back in wasn't much fun.
Title: Re: No 12v Power to Magnum Opus Vacuum Toilet??
Post by: Dave M (RIP) on May 18, 2011, 11:26:34 am
Keep it up!, Next thing OSHA will require would be for each coach to be equipped with a self contained  WWTP (Waste Water Treatment Plant), so if you think you have problems now, just wait  Best enjoy what you have and smile.. ;D
MHO
Title: Re: No 12v Power to Magnum Opus Vacuum Toilet??
Post by: Michelle on May 18, 2011, 11:49:46 am
Seems like somebody forgot about the KISS principle; vacuum toilet in a motorhome??? 

It's needed because of the floorplan configuration relative to the black tank, it's not located directly above the black tank.  They're used in marine applications as well.

It may not be simple, but it sure flushes better than any other RV toilet we've encountered.  So much better that Steve is willing to do the maintenance himself.

Michelle
Title: Re: No 12v Power to Magnum Opus Vacuum Toilet??
Post by: danshiner on May 19, 2011, 03:33:44 pm
Have had both and agree with Michelle that the VacuFlush version works far better.
Title: Re: No 12v Power to Magnum Opus Vacuum Toilet??
Post by: Bill & Deanne Brown on May 28, 2011, 12:25:05 pm
Just to close this out, we had to have the motor/gear replaced on the vacuum generator.  Along with new duckbill valves, the unit is much quieter and runs shorter time.  Unit now pulls only about 8 amps when cycling versus blowing 15 amp fuses occasionally.  Had Lakewood Yacht Service in Clear Lake (Houston) do the work.... Bill
Title: Re: No 12v Power to Magnum Opus Vacuum Toilet??
Post by: Michelle on May 28, 2011, 12:51:00 pm
Just to close this out, we had to have the motor/gear replaced on the vacuum generator.  Along with new duckbill valves, the unit is much quieter and runs shorter time.  Unit now pulls only about 8 amps

Thanks for the update, Bill.  We appreciate having a reference point for current draw on a new motor so we can keep an eye on ours (since it's the same model and age).

Michelle
Title: Re: No 12v Power to Magnum Opus Vacuum Toilet??
Post by: Carol Savournin on May 28, 2011, 12:57:06 pm
......  it's alllllllllways somethin'.  But when it is the hopper, it is a bit worse.
Title: Re: No 12v Power to Magnum Opus Vacuum Toilet??
Post by: Kent Speers on May 29, 2011, 08:52:32 am
My question is, if you have a Magnum Opus toilet do you have also Stradivarius water pump????
Title: Re: No 12v Power to Magnum Opus Vacuum Toilet??
Post by: Brad Metzger (RIP) on May 29, 2011, 03:44:00 pm
       Looks to me --this whole gang needs A refresher in out-house 101  , right before recess begins .  Say it aint so .-------
Title: Re: No 12v Power to Magnum Opus Vacuum Toilet??
Post by: hotonthetrail on May 29, 2011, 04:07:24 pm
I am thinking about going to a composting toilet with carbon vapor filter, if needed, the incinerator type is not practical. jc
Title: Re: No 12v Power to Magnum Opus Vacuum Toilet??
Post by: Michelle on May 29, 2011, 05:03:04 pm
BTW, Bill, for future reference Steve has the manuals in the Files section

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Michelle