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Sensa Tank Monitor

A previous owner installed our Sensa Tank RV100 tank monitor. When we first got the coach, all was fine. Lately, the gray tank reads 1/2 full, but the water backs out of the shower base. I mentioned this in a previous post, but no one seemed to offer a "fix". I DID replace the two vent caps with the expensive brand ( not the white ones that were on them ). I first thought it was a venting issue. I now think that MAYBE the top sensors aren't operating for some reason.
MY QUESTION IS: how do I access the grey tank? How did the installer get to them??  I have a 2001 U 320, and I KNOW that there are others out there ( Roger ??) . Is it worth the effort to try and get this repaired??
Thanks
Glenn and Amy Beinfest
2001 36' U320
#5812
2014 Honda CRV

No Whining on the YACHT

Re: Sensa Tank Monitor

Reply #1 –
Mine was still using the Javalina system which in 2001 had three pressure transducers, one in the gray tank 3" line before the valve, one in the black tank 3" line before the valve and the fresh tank sensor was over near the water pump.  The fresh tank was OK but neither of the others were reliable.  The transducers were full of slimey goo.

I went with a SeeLevel tank monitor kit with three strips.  You need two strips to do the entire height of the tanks and three extra strips were about the same price as a second kit which gives you two displays and the six strips you need.  One display in the wet bay and one in the bathroom.  They work wonderfully.  Accurate for our needs.

You can get at the fresh tank and both the gray and black tank from the water manifold end of the wet bay.  Take the back panel above the shelf above the water pump to get to the fresh.  pull the panel covering the manifold off to get at the black/gray tanks.  The panel above the water pump has the thermostat for the AH heat exchangers (2) in the wet bay.  Mark and cut the wires.  I put in a three wire disconnect plug/socket.  I ended up redoing that whole wall moving it back towards the tank and adding a hinge so it is easy to open up.  Gained a bunch of useful storage space. 
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Sensa Tank Monitor

Reply #2 –
Along the lines of Roger & Susan mods, we removed the carpeted outer wall and never replaced it. We have visual access of the manifold to catch drips or any other problems. Uncovering all plumbing is a great way to keeping an eye on things. This includes angled trim blocking the top of the water tank and upper wall covering the other side of the holding tanks.

Re: Sensa Tank Monitor

Reply #3 –
Thanks, guys.....you are always helpful. I will take a look at it tomorrow.
Glenn and Amy Beinfest
2001 36' U320
#5812
2014 Honda CRV

No Whining on the YACHT

Re: Sensa Tank Monitor

Reply #4 –
i used see level also. works good. i used one kit and put the grey and black strips a inches off the bottom of the tanks and put the fresh water tank strips a few inches from the top. can't remember what combination of strips i used.  my thought was i need to know when the waste tanks are nearing full and when the fresh tank is nearing empty.  works for me.  think i used single 16s  on black and grey and two 12s on fresh.

Re: Sensa Tank Monitor

Reply #5 –
When I took the panels off in front of the water manifold and the shelf and panel above the water pump I put all of the screws in my spare screw box and reattached those parts with velcro.  Much easier to access for any reason especially winterizing.  Adding hinges to the top panel above the the shelf gives quick access too.

Stu's plan works well for just one set of strips.  Leave the strips down a couple inches from the top of the tanks no matter how you do it.  You want a little warning room.  Same at the bottom of the fresh tank.  Up a bit means when it says zero % you will still have a few gallons left.

On 2001 and earlier coches with a solonoid fill valve you can add an external sensor to detect a tank filled to the level you want and close the fill valve automatically.  You will never over fill the tank and have an overflow again. 

Water Fill Valve Auto Shut-off
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Sensa Tank Monitor

Reply #6 –
I have the Sensa Tank also.  I've taken off the carpeted cover at the manifold to check the sensors and found one detached in the past.  Reattached it with silicone and it seems to work fine.  We did have a situation once with the water gurgling up in the shower with the sensor showing only half full.  We had done quite a few dishes and the kitchen sink was very full.  When we drained that full sink it caused it to happen in the shower.  Never had it happen in any other situation.  Our sensors seem to work.  It takes awhile to fill up those holding tanks for just the two of us.

Glen
Glen & Suzie
1998 U320 36'
Build #5366
2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland
2015 ATC Aluminum 20' Trailer
Previous 1996 U295 40'
Motorcade #17546
Stephenville, TX

Re: Sensa Tank Monitor

Reply #7 –
Opened up the manifold cover....TWO sensors were hanging loose!!!
Thanks fgor helping me locate the problem. I had modified the shelf area at the pump, this past summer, for easier access and more storage room.
Glenn and Amy Beinfest
2001 36' U320
#5812
2014 Honda CRV

No Whining on the YACHT

Re: Sensa Tank Monitor

Reply #8 –
Reattached the two sensors
Monitor read " 3/4 full ".....GOOD
Emptied tank
MONITORS STILL READ 3/4 FULL !!!!!?????? .......BAD!!
I am one unhappy camper. Amy ideas why?? I sent a message the the parent company, but, so far no response.
Glenn and Amy Beinfest
2001 36' U320
#5812
2014 Honda CRV

No Whining on the YACHT

Re: Sensa Tank Monitor

Reply #9 –
Not sure if you have the instructions or not but, here's a link:  SensaTank RV 2008 PDF | Electrical Connector | Sensor
In the manual for the marine version it says:  "The Detector Cells must be in full contact with the tank wall, so press hard over entire area of detector.  Any air gaps between the detectors and the tank wall will negatively affect proper operation. 

Glen
Glen & Suzie
1998 U320 36'
Build #5366
2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland
2015 ATC Aluminum 20' Trailer
Previous 1996 U295 40'
Motorcade #17546
Stephenville, TX

Re: Sensa Tank Monitor

Reply #10 –
In 2017 Foretravel replaced our OEM tank monitoring system with the Sensa Tank RV 100 system by LevelGuard. All has worked well until our last dump when the grey tank still read ½ full after dumping. A search of the forum led me to this Forum post. I verified that no connection to the system was loose and that all sensors were attached to the tank. I dumped a bucket of water in the sink to verify that the valves were open and that the grey tank was empty.  The monitor still read ½ full. I emailed LevelGuard and received no response. I then called LevelGuard and talked with their tech support. I was given a brief overview about how the system worked. The most surprising thing I learned was that grease and other containments could accumulate on the inside of the grey tank and degrade the sensor's ability to register the water level in the tank. I thought locating the sensors on the outside of the tank was the benefit of this system.  I was told to check to see that there were no medal wires or connections close to any sensor. I was told how to determine which sensor was at fault. (Sorry I have forgotten).  Finally, he recommended adding the chemical I normally use to treat the black tank to the grey tank. I did that and let the grey tank sit 100% filled overnight. I also added some dish detergent during the fill process. This morning, I dumped the grey tank and now the monitor shows empty!
As a side note, after talking to the tech, I suggested that LevelGuard add the troubleshooting tip we discussed to their very limited FAQ. He said the Sensa Tank system represents a very small part of their business and that they are too busy to do that!

Bob
Winter: Texas Rio Grande Valley or Foley, AL
Summer: The Gardens RV Community of Crossville, TN
2000 40 FT U270, Xtreme FBP
2017 C-Max Towed

Re: Sensa Tank Monitor

Reply #11 –
Quote from: BobW –
As a side note, after talking to the tech, I suggested that LevelGuard add the troubleshooting tip we discussed to their very limited FAQ. He said the Sensa Tank system represents a very small part of their business and that they are too busy to do that!
Just another example of a sorry company more concerned with padding the bottom line than supporting their established customer base.

Glad you got the sensor working again.  When we took possession of our coach. among the many helpful tips given by the PO was this:  Once a month, mix 1/2 cup of Dawn and 1 cup of Calgon in a gallon of hot water until completely dissolved, then pour into the holding tank.  One gallon in each holding tank.  Let it percolate for several days before you dump the tank.

This treatment seems to work for us.  Never had any problem with gunked up level sensors.

There are many variations on this basic formula - you can experiment with them if you desire.

Calgon plus Dawn for holding tanks - success
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"
 

Re: Sensa Tank Monitor

Reply #12 –
I replaced my dead Javelina with two seeLevel units to get sensor coverage from top to bottom of each tank. I installed one control unit in the wet bay and one in the bathroom. Works great.

As a bonus I also get readings for my house batteries and propane tanks
1993 U300 40ft GV SE
Build # 4344