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Topic: BIG problem: Microphor toilet removal.... (Read 431 times) previous topic - next topic

BIG problem: Microphor toilet removal....

I am trying to remove my toilet.
The toilet is held down by 4 cap screws or lag screws.
3 have 5/16" heads, 1 has a 9/16" head.
The 9/16" head is a lag screw, it was easy to remove.
The 3 remaining appear to be cap screws. They turn easily but they will not come out.
I have looked for a way to get under the toilet; no joy.

Does anyone have any ideas other than dismantling the coach or destroying the toilet?

Thx Tim
Tim Dianics
Pam Sapienza
Vader PupZilla Labrador Canine Beast (AKA Pup)
Columbia, MO
1996 U320 4000
2021 Jeep Gladiator, Diesel

Re: BIG problem: Microphor toilet removal....

Reply #1 –
The screws or bolts are spinning in the anchor. Try prying up under the toilet at one of the bolts with something plastic. I have body pry tools that work but you can find something then put a shim under the toilet at that point then do the other 2 the same way. They will probably pull straight out and you will have to use lag bolts or figure some other way to put it back down.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: BIG problem: Microphor toilet removal....

Reply #2 –
I think Craneman has the right ideas for removing the bolts. We used to have a Microphor but replaced it after it literally broke due to rough highways. I've been very pleased with our Thetford replacement. Please tell us more about your issues.
David and Carolyn Osborn
1995 U320C SE 40' Build 4726 Feb 1995
FMCA 147762
Motorcade 17186

Re: BIG problem: Microphor toilet removal....

Reply #3 –
Craneman,
I had used an awl to get between the bolt head and its washer; no joy. I used your method to raise the toilet, the bolts continued to turn without result. I was able to get a hacksaw blade under the toilet. It takes forever to cut, by hand, a 1/4" bolt from an awkward position next to the toilet. The remaining two were cut with a sawzall. Thanks for your help.

David,
What model Thetford are you using?

What is the connection of the toilet down pipe at the tank?
I would like to clean up some wood issues under the toilet that will require pulling the down pipe. I would like to know what I'm getting into.

Thanks to all..
Tim
Tim Dianics
Pam Sapienza
Vader PupZilla Labrador Canine Beast (AKA Pup)
Columbia, MO
1996 U320 4000
2021 Jeep Gladiator, Diesel

Re: BIG problem: Microphor toilet removal....

Reply #4 –
The toilet pipe to the holding tank goes in a rubber grommet. I had issues with a rotten floor under the Microphor in my Monaco. Found a product that soaks into the wood and makes it stiff as fiberglass. I drilled shallow holes all over the bad area then poured the product over that area and when done was hard enough to re-anchor the toilet. I don't know if this is the same as I used but looks like it does the same job.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/PC-Products-16-oz-PC-Petrifier-Wood-Hardener-164440/100649629?source=shoppingads&locale=en-US&srsltid=AfmBOoqNRa2s_CgklPJNSDke0T4_FBi0gA-tNzMxQhGbbz6nHlPnyKYMZnQ
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: BIG problem: Microphor toilet removal....

Reply #5 –
Craneman, that's a great product!
Richard & Betty Bark & Keiko our Golden Doodle
2003 U320T 3820 PBDS
Build # 6215
MC # 16926
2016 Chevrolet Colorado 4X4 diesel

Re: BIG problem: Microphor toilet removal....

Reply #6 –
Quote from: craneman –
The toilet pipe to the holding tank goes in a rubber grommet. I had issues with a rotten floor under the Microphor in my Monaco. Found a product that soaks into the wood and makes it stiff as fiberglass. I drilled shallow holes all over the bad area then poured the product over that area and when done was hard enough to re-anchor the toilet. I don't know if this is the same as I used but looks like it does the same job.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/PC-Products-16-oz-PC-Petrifier-Wood-Hardener-164440/100649629?source=shoppingads&locale=en-US&srsltid=AfmBOoqNRa2s_CgklPJNSDke0T4_FBi0gA-tNzMxQhGbbz6nHlPnyKYMZnQ
That's a lot cheaper than the Git-Rot product I used from West Marine

Re: BIG problem: Microphor toilet removal....

Reply #7 –
Try using a impact driver and a large pair of diagnal cutters holding the bolt and pull up at the same time.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: BIG problem: Microphor toilet removal....

Reply #8 –
Quote from: John44 –
Try using a impact driver and a large pair of diagnal cutters holding the bolt and pull up at the same time.

The anchor won't come out through the hole in the flange of the toilet, it has to come up with the toilet or cut the bolt off under the toilet as he did.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: BIG problem: Microphor toilet removal....

Reply #9 –
The Microphor toilet in our 1995 Foretravel U320 served us well for a number of years, but the rough freeways on our route to Florida finally took their toll a few winters ago and the base of the toilet cracked around one of the mounting holes. The crack then proceeded up into the main body of the toilet. Thankfully it still held water and was functional during the trip. As far as I could determine Microphor no longer manufactured this type of toilet and so I replaced it with a Thetford Aria Deluxe II model 19766 toilet. The Aria Deluxe II had a smaller footprint than did the Micophor and the mounting holes are different and so a new floor covering was in order. I liked the electric-flush toilet but the mechanism was rather loud and then eventually stopped functioning. Thetford no longer manufactures the model 19766 toilet and so I replaced it with a Thetford Aqua-Magic Style Plus (China Bowl on a Polymer Base) model 34430. The model 3440 is a foot-operated manual flush but it is quiet and very easy to flush. We are very pleased with it, and the manual operation will be a plus for conserving power when we are boondocking.
David and Carolyn Osborn
1995 U320C SE 40' Build 4726 Feb 1995
FMCA 147762
Motorcade 17186