Microphor Toilet won't flush (flapper doesn't open)

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Microphor Toilet won't flush (flapper doesn't open)

April 09, 2022, 10:06:00 pm

My Aquaphor toilet isn't flushing. The flapper isn't opening. It is adding water to the bowl each time the lever is pulled but it doesn't open. I did check the wires. I need to go back and clean the contacts. Where is the first place to investigate?

Re: Microphor Toilet won't flush (flapper doesn't open)

Reply #1 – April 09, 2022, 10:49:16 pm

Fred I changed my before it ever failed. Way to fancy and twenty year old plastic parts and cams preparing to fail. Yours is a much easier change out than mine was being a 36 footer. Sorry I can't help with your problem but I do have the resolution. 100% happy with the new commode.
2001 U320 3610 microphor toilet mod to Dometic 320

Re: Microphor Toilet won't flush (flapper doesn't open)

Reply #2 – April 09, 2022, 11:08:07 pm

It is probably the plastic cam that rotates and pulls the flapper open.

I was like Scott, although I waited until the cam broke on mine before I replaced.

No regrets. A big advantage of changing out the Microphor if you boondock much. Much lower water usage per flush. The Microphor uses 2 quarts per flush

Re: Microphor Toilet won't flush (flapper doesn't open)

Reply #3 – April 10, 2022, 12:11:20 am

Stevec22
What did you change out yours to! Looking at the aria deluxe 2

Re: Microphor Toilet won't flush (flapper doesn't open)

Reply #4 – April 10, 2022, 07:57:14 am

I changed mine to a Sealand foot operated toilet. Purchase an extra spring cartridge with it as that part is its weak link.

BUT, even with a broken spring cartridge which causes the foot lever to not return to close, the toilet still operates. One just lifts the foot lever up closing the toilet. It never fails to be a usable toilet.

AND, it is easy to replace the cartridge without having to dismount the toilet.

Re: Microphor Toilet won't flush (flapper doesn't open)

Reply #5 – April 10, 2022, 09:03:06 am

Dometic 320 direct deposit manual foot operation is what we replaced ours with. Manual is good.

Re: Microphor Toilet won't flush (flapper doesn't open)

Reply #6 – April 10, 2022, 03:27:45 pm

I agree that your plastic cam has probably broken.
You can replace the cam with another plastic cam ( made this way to be sacrificial).
Mine broke and I ordered a plastic replacement and a metal cam off Ebay. I installed the metal cam. If there is a problem because the metal cam does not shear in an emergency malfunction I will take it as a sign to replace the entire toilet.

Re: Microphor Toilet won't flush (flapper doesn't open)

Reply #7 – April 10, 2022, 03:32:21 pm

Quote from: dicksop – April 10, 2022, 12:11:20 am

Stevec22
What did you change out yours to! Looking at the aria deluxe 2

I think it was the Dometic 320

Re: Microphor Toilet won't flush (flapper doesn't open)

Reply #8 – April 10, 2022, 06:16:56 pm

I replaced our Microphor with an Aria Deluxe II and we've been pleased with the results.

Re: Microphor Toilet won't flush (flapper doesn't open)

Reply #9 – April 10, 2022, 06:32:11 pm

We're happy with the Aqua Magic with the sprayer. Easy swap out too.
Amazon.com: Thetford 34431 Aqua Magic Residence Modern Style RV Motor Home...

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Re: Microphor Toilet won't flush (flapper doesn't open)

Reply #10 – April 12, 2022, 08:13:03 am

I don't think my cam is broken. It looks intact. I am not hearing the motor engage.

Re: Microphor Toilet won't flush (flapper doesn't open)

Reply #11 – April 12, 2022, 11:41:55 am

Fred, you are enduring what I never wanted to deal with. I was so concerned of its future failure I carried plastic cups that would fit in the dump opening to manually close after flushing to close off drop. Check for power going to motor. If you can verify that you have power then you are correct in assuming motor is bad. It is very space limited to work on so removing probably would help a lot. When I removed mine I found the wax seal had melted over the years and mostly disappeared. I would recommend changing the seal to a rubber seal to prevent from happening. The cost of the motor will probably be more than the cost of the manual Dometic 320 delivered to your house. On my coach the PO had three extra timers also so I suspect they are problematic also. The Dometic 320 comes with a permanent seal so no wax seal is ever needed. Sorry this is not much help. I never give it a thought any more since it was changed to a manual toilet.
Scott

Re: Microphor Toilet won't flush (flapper doesn't open)

Reply #12 – April 12, 2022, 12:48:24 pm

Fred, if you are handy you might take the motor apart as I did on my Monaco with the same toilet. I cleaned up the commutator and oiled the bushings and got it to work long enough to sell the coach. I spent more time and money fixing that toilet than I even want to think about.

Re: Microphor Toilet won't flush (flapper doesn't open)

Reply #13 – July 18, 2022, 10:37:46 pm

I did order 2 replacement Cam Limit Switches. I pulled out the old one and replaced it. No luck. Even manually operating the Cam Limit Switch did not get the motor to engage and the flapper to open. I do get water in the tank.

Next Step: According to the manual, the wiring is the next place to look. I do have the manual that shows the wiring diagram. I think I'll just buy the colored wire and the connectors and see if that will fix it. The original wiring is pretty thin.

I am not interested in replacement in this thread, just the repair. Thanks in advance.

Re: Microphor Toilet won't flush (flapper doesn't open)

Reply #14 – July 18, 2022, 10:54:27 pm

I think you need to replace the cam.
I replaced mine with a metal cam bought on Ebay.

Re: Microphor Toilet won't flush (flapper doesn't open)

Reply #15 – July 19, 2022, 11:16:16 am

So Fred if you think the wiring is bad, take volt ohm meter and check them for continuity.

FLUKE-101 Digital Multimeter: Amazon.com: Tools & Home Improvement

If there good jump the control and see if motor operates. If it doesn't go past control circuits and apply power to the motor directly and see if it operates. As I recall the replacement motor cost more than a replacement Commode. Good luck on your adventures
Scott

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Re: Microphor Toilet won't flush (flapper doesn't open)

Reply #16 – July 19, 2022, 06:03:19 pm

Can we still buy parts for Microphor? I thought the New Jersey company is no longer in business. Where do you guys buy parts?

Re: Microphor Toilet won't flush (flapper doesn't open)

Reply #17 – July 19, 2022, 07:13:54 pm

Quote from: GleamB – July 19, 2022, 06:03:19 pm

Can we still buy parts for Microphor? I thought the New Jersey company is no longer in business. Where do you guys buy parts?

I replaced our Microphor with a Thetford Aria II and have been extremely pleased with the change.

Re: Microphor Toilet won't flush (flapper doesn't open)

Reply #18 – July 19, 2022, 09:12:57 pm

Quote from: GleamB – July 19, 2022, 06:03:19 pm

Can we still buy parts for Microphor? I thought the New Jersey company is no longer in business. Where do you guys buy parts?

It takes one, maybe two repairs to pay for an entire replacement toilet. They aren't worth repairing. I say this as someone that fought that realization tooth and nail for quite a while.

Re: Microphor Toilet won't flush (flapper doesn't open)

Reply #19 – July 19, 2022, 09:48:05 pm

Quote from: ViewRVs – July 18, 2022, 10:37:46 pm

I did order 2 replacement Cam Limit Switches. I pulled out the old one and replaced it. No luck. Even manually operating the Cam Limit Switch did not get the motor to engage and the flapper to open. I do get water in the tank.

Next Step: According to the manual, the wiring is the next place to look. I do have the manual that shows the wiring diagram. I think I'll just buy the colored wire and the connectors and see if that will fix it. The original wiring is pretty thin.

I am not interested in replacement in this thread, just the repair. Thanks in advance.

Sound like you Elliot , the old you

Re: Microphor Toilet won't flush (flapper doesn't open)

Reply #20 – July 19, 2022, 09:51:50 pm

Quote from: dsd – July 19, 2022, 09:48:05 pm

Sound like you Elliot , the old you

Elliott strong like bull, smart like truck.

Re: Microphor Toilet won't flush (flapper doesn't open)

Reply #21 – July 20, 2022, 09:20:57 am

You can still order parts, but remember, not only is your commode not working now, parts are not cheap through the only company that I know that still has the parts that fit properly.
Replace our's with the Dometic 320. A no brainer and it works!

Re: Microphor Toilet won't flush (flapper doesn't open)

Reply #22 – July 20, 2022, 12:07:25 pm

If water is going into the bowl then there is 12V DC going to the toilet. Instead of replacing parts you should troubleshoot to find the defective part. The first thing to check is the power supply ie 12VDC. From what I remember there is a fuse in that compartment (what in a normal toilet is the water tank). First thing to check. When you flush the toilet you are applying 12VDC to the components that make the thing work. Very little current is required to make this thing function ergo "skinny wires". I don't have the wiring diagram in front of me but from what I remember when you hit the flush switch 12VDC is applied to a motor with a nylon cam. So the first place to go is to follow that path. Is the motor getting 12V? Is the ground wire loose? If those two things check out OK and it's not running then the motor is bad. If it's running and the cam isn't turning then the shaft is spinning. Then your problem is a lose set screw or a split cam. That set screw is a real pisser, I have had issues with that little sucker. If ya tighten it to much you split the cam, don't ask how I know that. If it's loose you have to make certain the flat portion of the shaft is under the set screw before you tighten the set screw. If the motor is not turning I would apply 12VDC directly to the motor using jumper wires too make absolutely certain it's the motor that is bad an that there is not a break in the harness. I wouldn't not purchase a new harness if it costs more then 50Cents, and that includes shipping. You can easily run a wire from the switch to the motor. I've had my issues with the Microphone toilet but I still wouldn't switch it out. Happy troubleshooting.

Roland

Re: Microphor Toilet won't flush (flapper doesn't open)

Reply #23 – December 18, 2022, 12:41:59 pm

Just to close the loop, I did call Mullaney and get a new motor shipped to me. That solved the flapper problem! Yeah! Thanks for all of the assistance.

Yes, you can still get parts.
https://mullaney-associates.com/our-products/?term_id=39

Re: Microphor Toilet won't flush (flapper doesn't open)

Reply #24 – December 18, 2022, 04:27:02 pm

For those that replaced the toilet. Did you have the vacuflush system in the basement? Hamper door behind the toilet?

If and when we have to replace our toilet it has to be compatible with the vacuflush system and low enough to continue to use the hamper.

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