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Topic: Need to operate on vacuum generator of the VacuFlush Toilet - need advice (Read 850 times) previous topic - next topic

Need to operate on vacuum generator of the VacuFlush Toilet - need advice


Once yesterday and once today the vacuum generator failed to pull the water out the toilet bowel, with standing water in the drop pipe and up into the bowel.  It also seems to make slightly different sound then before, starting about 4-5 days ago. 

Both times it failed to evacuate water from the toilet and pipe, I was able to over ride with the control system to open the seal ball in the toilet, wait a few minutes, and eventually the vacuum generator pulled the water out 3-5 minutes).

Is this likely only the duckbills needing replacement, or a motor issue? Or something else? Note: I have not yet cleaned all electrical connectors.

I'll start researching older posts and documents today, and attempt R&R as needed Wednesday or Thursday.  (We have new duckbills provided by previous owners).

Dan - Full timing since 2009
2003 U320 40' Tag 2 slide

Re: Need to operate on vacuum generator of the VacuFlush Toilet - need advice

Reply #1 –
Dan, we are traveling, but are you getting the green light that vacuum is good to flash,  but when the flush ball opens nothing goes down?

We have experience with the vacuum generator.  I will send link with rebuild info later.  Sounds like either motor or bellows, possibly.
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Need to operate on vacuum generator of the VacuFlush Toilet - need advice

Reply #2 –
Quote from: Michelle –
Dan, we are traveling, but are you getting the green light that vacuum is good to flash,  but when the flush ball opens nothing goes down?

We have experience with the vacuum generator.  I will send link with rebuild info later.  Sounds like either motor or bellows, possibly.


Hi Michelle.

"flush ball opens nothing goes down? " Yes, but only twice. Once yesterday once today.  I've been reading and agree probably either motor and/or bellows, or even just a temporary blockage that has since cleared.


We have steady green light at all other times, and it only failed to drain water twice upon normal flush  (and even  then it drained if I put it in service mode for a few minutes, and vacuum generator eventually pulled it out). 

Possibly it was a temporary blockage.  We'll see if it happens again.  It's flushed successfully about 30 times today as I have been testing it. 

If it fails to drain again, I will likely do motor, bellows,  and duckbills on the vac generator.

 I found Steve's great write-up here: VacuFlush Pump Rebuild 

I need to figure out which kit to buy here if I decide to proceed with a rebuild/maintenance: Vacuflush Maintenance Kits  (or elsewhere) 

Safe travels, and say hello to Steve for us.



Dan - Full timing since 2009
2003 U320 40' Tag 2 slide

Re: Need to operate on vacuum generator of the VacuFlush Toilet - need advice

Reply #3 –
I'm thinking of ordering this kit to have on hand in case of more issues. 

This one to have a spare motor as well
Whisper Motor Upgrade Kit 12 Volts w/ 1 1/2" Duck Bill Valves - Seacoast... 

Or this one without the motor: S Series Vacuum Pump Rebuild Kit ( bolt style ) - Seacoast Services, Inc. 
Dan - Full timing since 2009
2003 U320 40' Tag 2 slide

Re: Need to operate on vacuum generator of the VacuFlush Toilet - need advice

Reply #4 –
Dan,

I found these good resources on VacuFlush as well:

Boat & Yacht Maintenance and Repair: Vacuflush F.A.Q.'s

and this one sounds like it describes what you're experiencing

Vacuflush - How to Find/Fix/Troubleshoot a Clog - Cruisers & Sailing Forums
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Need to operate on vacuum generator of the VacuFlush Toilet - need advice

Reply #5 –
Quote from: Michelle –
Dan,

I found these good resources on VacuFlush as well:

Boat & Yacht Maintenance and Repair: Vacuflush F.A.Q.'s

and this one sounds like it describes what you're experiencing

Vacuflush - How to Find/Fix/Troubleshoot a Clog - Cruisers & Sailing Forums


Thanks Michelle.

I will be replacing the duckbills and bellows within the next month just to be "sure".  After much reading on internet sources, I'd say with 95% surety that either a temp clog, or aging bellow/duckbills are the issue (or a combination of both).  Easier to replace duckbills and bellows on our schedule when stationary, than have a problem at an inconvenient time later.

I'd say 5% or less it needs a new motor.  Just doesn't seem the motor would get that much work load to degrade performance since 2011 when it was replaced.  That said I may still buy the kit with the motor as the package pricing with it is pretty good considering the price of just the motor.

Thanks for those 2 links, Very good info.
Dan - Full timing since 2009
2003 U320 40' Tag 2 slide

Re: Need to operate on vacuum generator of the VacuFlush Toilet - need advice

Reply #6 –
Having a greater intimate knowledge with that Turbo Turd 3000 Commode that I would ever wish on anyone ... I would bet that your guess of aging duckbills is the answer to some of it. But they are more likely to cause a lack of vacuum than trouble flushing. We experienced a temporary clog a time or two, and usually one person "taking one for the team" was able to finally clear the offending matter and get the system working. Once, we had to ask for help from a tech ... who opened the clean-out location in the bay, kept the ball valve open with his snake and used a massive shop vac to clear the line.  It was not pretty, and generous tips to the working men were dispensed. NOTHING stops a great trip dead in it's tracks like a clogged terlet!!  More dietary fiber immediately purchased and implemented. I also got tired of fiddling with a commode that required a circuit board. I replaced it (Listen to me!!  Like I did the work myself! I am hilarious!)  with a simpler foot pedal model that gave me peace of mind. The vacuum system is seperate and apart from the vacuum system. We were unable to have the Red light (no vacuum) reactivate, but the Green light tells you that all is well. Good luck in your repair efforts and troubleshooting!  May the Force be with you!! 
Carol & Jeff Savournin
Usta have a '93 U225 36', Usta have a '95 U320 40', Usta have a '02 U320 40'
Usta have a 2006 Born Free, Usta have a 2011 Phoenix Cruiser
Usta have a 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4dr
"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life."  Steve Jobs

Re: Need to operate on vacuum generator of the VacuFlush Toilet - need advice

Reply #7 –
Quote from: Carol Savournin –
Having a greater intimate knowledge with that Turbo Turd 3000 Commode that I would ever wish on anyone ... I would bet that your guess of aging duckbills is the answer to some of it. But they are more likely to cause a lack of vacuum than trouble flushing.

I'm still trying to find the records.  I know we replaced the duckbills in 2011 and 2014.  I think we also replaced them right before Dan and Sandy bought the coach since we wanted them to start off with everything "fresh and shiny"... 
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Need to operate on vacuum generator of the VacuFlush Toilet - need advice

Reply #8 –
Quote from: Michelle –
I'm still trying to find the records.  I know we replaced the duckbills in 2011 and 2014.  I think we also replaced them right before Dan and Sandy bought the coach since we wanted them to start off with everything "fresh and shiny"... 

Since we are in a stable location for one to two months, I just ordered this kit: S Series Vacuum Pump Rebuild Kit ( bolt style ) - Seacoast Services, Inc. 

With Steve and Michelle's write-up and photos, it makes it pretty clear.  VacuFlush Pump Rebuild    I'll need to buy a small tube of silicone grease as well, mine has disappeared. 

I figure replace the bellows, clean the area the bellows are located of any deposits, and since I'm in there replace the duckbills.  There are already 4 duckbills in the "spares", but I'd like to always have a set on hand.

Even though this looks like probably a temporary blockage, this is a good time to set a new baseline and become familiar with the system.





Dan - Full timing since 2009
2003 U320 40' Tag 2 slide

Re: Need to operate on vacuum generator of the VacuFlush Toilet - need advice

Reply #9 –
Just found this in a Sept 2016 email: The duckbills in the vacuum generator (down in the basement) are new this season (which is recommended every 3 years) so you're good there for another few years.

I'll still buy the kit above, but may or may not operate to replace the bellows.  Looks like motor and bellows were done in 2011. 
Dan - Full timing since 2009
2003 U320 40' Tag 2 slide