For lack of a better word, these "bobbins" with a threaded insert in them -- as seen in the pic. What are they for?
Maybe some other sensor scheme (SOB) used these? -- It sure would be a better and more secure method than the aluminum sticky-tape capacitance sensors.
Michael, I believe what you're referring to are actually sensors for another scheme that may have been installed by the previous owner. Something along these lines perhaps...
Don
RV Holding Tank Sensors - Get accurate grey and black holding tank monitor (http://www.rvprobes.com/howitworks.html)
Don,
I'm fairly certain they were there from the tank supplier -- to FT.
Maybe someone else can peer at their tanks from the same approx. vintage (1994-5) and see if they also have them.
That link you sent is very interesting.
Ah - Ha! -- these are the probes that are installed, as seen in this video:
How To Install RV Holding Tank Probes (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9J9I2YBcHA#ws)
I'll try Gary O's method first of applying new aluminum tape over the existing stuff, and then see if that works.
These probes as mentioned in the video were not that reliable, it would appear. AND -- it would require a whole new monitoring package upstairs that I really would rather avoid having to do -- for now.
Mine do.
Those look like the ones in Bill Chaplin's 93 U300. He is installing SeeLevel gauges and strips. But has the same sort of parts on his tanks.
I should clarify that the probes I'm referring to that are on my tanks are the ones in the video that are pre-exisiting -- and these guys are showing a improved design they are mounting next to those. It may be that the OEM supplier to Foretravel made all the tanks with these probes already fitted, but FT elected to go with the Audit aluminum tape route for some reason.
Michael,
My '95 320 does not have them. Probably a PO put them in.
Keith
Those were spun in by the tank manufacturer, to be used by a different type of monitor system. I have found as Gary O said that many times by adding extra foil tape the sensors would work much better
I have tried to find more on Gary O's applying new aluminum tape but found nothing. How does this work and exactly what type of tape did you use?
The aluminum foil duct tape (Home Depot, etc) will work if cut to the same width as the old, but you may have to move the wire connection to the front of the tape and use a dab of Ox-Gard under it to get a good connection. I'd try just putting a new layer of tape on the old first - that's what I did before I recently installed the Seelevel system and it (new foil) cured the fresh tank amnesia.
On our '95 the new tape restored the sensor. As Dave said, it needed to be cut to the same width and then burnished well on the old layer for a good contact. Worked well..