I'm starting to lose my sense of humor with this ("excellent condition") coach we bought in July. It seems that everything I have to check on my list is a problem. After searching for about three hours I finally found out why my fresh water tank wasn't filling and now the fresh water monitor on the dash shows just over 1/2 full when water started coming out of the overflow.
The reason for this post, however, is the toilet. I will never understand why the people at FT thought an electric toilet would be a good idea. From the archived posts I've read, they have been a real problem. My issue is that the bowl won't hold water, despite being only a couple of years old. I tried wiping the contacting surfaces of the flapper valve with very fine sandpaper to no effect. If there is a simple fix, I'd like to hear it, otherwise I will be looking for a conventional unit. If someone has changed theirs out I would be really interested in knowing what model is adaptable and if there were any difficulties with hooking it up.
The microphor when it works is great. Parts are over the top expensive when they don't. lots of posts on the flapper valve leaking and how to avoid if you search microphor and flapper on the forum
At the recommendation of parliament motor coach in St Peteresburgh FL., I stayed with electrical when faced by a second $500 repair on my microphone in 18 months. Below is a link to what I installed and I LOVE IT. no issues to date - it is longer and taller than microphor - much easier to use
note: bolt pattern on floor is different than microphor and you will have two empty holes in the floor unless you have the means to repair the holes with surplus flooring or replace the flooring.
here is my replacement toilette as sold at PPL:
Aria Deluxe RV Toilet by Thetford - PPL Motor Homes (http://www.pplmotorhomes.com/parts/rv-toilets-tanks/rv-toilets-aria-deluxe.htm)
That is what's in our coach also. Haven't had an issue with it in the almost 5 years of ownership.
Our Microphor toilet is working well at 15 years old. Try wiping the gasket with a bit of silicon plumbers grease. We do it once a year or so. Make sure your water level adjustment leaves the entire gasket under water. If you have to replace it then Tim's suggestion looks like a good one.
Sven, it is a 16 year old coach. Things are going to need attention. Take them one at a time and get them fixed. We have had our coach for six years and there is usually something on the fix list and always something on the improvement list. Do the maintenance. Fix what needs to be fixed. Then enjoy your coach.
There are switches installed that set the amount the "flapper" opens and closes when activated. Mine does not hold water because it doesn't close fully and leaks down slowly. I simply, "bump" the flush switch quickly once it closes and it closes a bit further and makes a good seal. Holds water fine. Been doing this simple trick for years now. Easier than trying to adjust the stop limit switch.
I'll try the silicone grease in the morning, Roger. As for the coach's age, I'm very familiar with the things that go wrong. I've been making upgrades like resonator, corrosion mitigation, refinished the A/C condenser, completely re-did the utility cabinet (used fiberglass from my old shower - looks like OEM), replaced both waste water valves (added a third), welded a crack in the base of the passenger "captains chair", put in a Fantastic Vent, replaced the U-line ice maker, put in new dash radio/CD, "cleaned up" cables and wires for the entertainment system, changed all the fluids and filters, replaced the insulation around the generator, replaced gas springs on basement doors, upgraded the clamps on hoses, etc. I'm retired, but feel like I've had a full time job for the last three months! I sold my Safari which needed very little for about 25% of what I paid for this coach, but In the end, I will be way ahead. As Brett Wolfe said, "it has good bones" and is worth the effort. On the positive side, the best way to learn about a new coach is to work on it. I'm fighting the calendar and trying to head up to Idaho and the northwest before the cold weather sets in. I will have to save the tank monitors, toilet, back up camera and who knows what else for after our return. I won't pass up any chance to whine in the meantime. I also appreciate all the help I get on this forum; at some point, I will be one of you guys that have done and seen it all, and be able to help the newbies. ;D
If you are directly over the black tank ... go manual. there is no need for electric gizmos. A commode should not need a "brain" to operate! We went with manual and still maintained our vacuum system, which is separate from the commode, itself. I am MUCH happier! Nothing stops a trip faster than a commode failure.
Hi Sven,
You are right about learning how things work and how to diagnose and fix things when they need fixing by learning as much as possible about how they work and if you can, working on them yourself. Sometimes on these coaches the tool that is missing most often is the confidence to try it yourself. This forum helps immensely with that. Many times I have had no idea where to start only to get a good idea and a little encouragement in the right way from someone who has done it before and it gets fixed. This is a great place to ask for and get help.
If we stayed home until everything was done we probably would never go anywhere. Bring a basic tool kit (that expands over time) and almost anything can be fixed on the road or at least made functional enough until you get home. Have fun in Idaho and the Pacific NW. We were there last summer and will be again next summer.
Sven, I agree with Carol about toilet location. If it's directly over the black tank, why not replace with the manual type.
That's what I'll do when the time comes.
Have you contacted: Mullaney & Associates (http://www.edmullaney.com/) ?
When we have had problems, I have called them and described my problem and they have been very helpful re: replacement parts and even how to troubleshoot the actual problem and best solution(s). Mullaney are the distributors for the Microphor products. I believe that gal we chatted with was named Sue??? We have replaced the timing gear assembly, flapper gasket and the water fill solenoid. None of these repairs were expensive to the point to where we were pushed into replacement. Yet.
Good luck.
Only one ("house" related) - leaky waste water valves!
I like the microphore.
Replaced the seal.
Sven,
The Foretravels from a few years earlier used the Sealand Traveler manual toilet. I believe they are the model 511 low profile. They currently sell for about $250 - $300.
If you are going to be buying gaskets, taking it apart to repair, etc, then weigh the cost/convenience of putting in a new manual toilet with fresh seals.
Take some time to enjoy all that work you've put into your rig. And if you really get down... consider taking a walk through some new Class A's of various price ranges to regain some perspective in terms of fit, finish, cost, etc.
Chris
X2 I like mechanical things and this thing is like a Swiss watch.
Before considering a manual in place of an electric, just a quick heads up: verify that your toilet is located directly over the black tank.
Actually ... the two systems are separate. After consultation and
verification with a Dometic/Sealand representative ... who had 22 years of experience and an intimate knowledge of Foretravels!!! ... I replaced our Sealand Magnum Opus Vacuflush commode with a manual unit. (For a small fee I am willing to share that expert's name and direct phone number. ;-)) The installer had some headscratching to do to keep the status light that indicates a vacuum has built up in the line and that the system is ready to WHOOSH stuff along to the black tank, but he managed it. I think a more important caveat is to make sure that you use plenty of water, a single ply tissue, and keep the seals in good shape.
I occasionally check the Trader and am reminded about what a great price we got on it. If I had to pay someone to do the work, I'd be way up there on the balance sheet. The exterior (paint) is 100% and looks fantastic, the functional part has been like a fixer upper, but as you inferred, there is the up side.
Would this guy be in Arizona?
Nope, actually ... he is in the Dometic Sanitation division in ... Ohio(?) and can be reached using their number. I have his name and number with all the Commode information in the coach. I will fetch it and post it on this thread later today. Kidding about the small fee ... although .... hmmmm. Retired geezers have to be wiley.