Macerator Revisited

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Resolve C42 MKII	Macerator Revisited		Lead	[-]
Posts: 11 04/22/08 12:03:21	Tags : None I may have a problem with the aft macerator on my new to me C42. A couple of weeks ago, during the haul out for the survey, it was noticed that the thru-hull for the aft macerator was open. The surveyor assumed that during our trip back to the marina, the holding tank filled with seawater and suggested I macerate it out with good concience since the tank had been pumped out in the fall and not used since. So last Saturday night, we finally got our stuff organized enough to get access through the aft stateroom. I opened the thru-hull and turned the switch on. The pump did not sound normal (although I don't know how normal is supposed to sound since this is the first boat I've owned with a macerator) and in a matter of seconds the circuit breaker tripped. Now I am wondering if there is a blockage. Can this be just that the tank was really dry? Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Mike Vaccaro "Resolve" 1995 C 42 MKII #483 WK 2 Cabin Pullman Sailor's Wharf, Mill Creek Annapolis, MD USA
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captrick		#1	[url]	[-]
Posts: 195 04/22/08 14:52:04	The macerator makes a hi-pitched sound and chugs when the tank is empty. You'll also hear air bubbling out the thru hull. When it's pumping, the pitch is lower and more regular. If you run it empty, the impeller will quickly bind and eat itself as I discovered. For insurance, put a few gallons of water in the tank and listen for the pitch change. You might also open the deck fitting in case the vent is clogged. Rick 704-3
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lakandjc		#2	[url]	[-]
Posts: 144 04/22/08 15:08:53	Mike: On my 1994 2 cabin, the macerators, when pumping, had a very rough and aggressive sound. That smoothed out and became a quieter hum when the tank was empty and I could hear the pump shifting between the two sounds as the tank got near empty and it no longer had a steady stream of fluid to pump. RE the circuit breaker, running empty for a few seconds or more should not cause it to break. So other possibilities are: that the pump is old and tired and, while it still runs, it's working way too hard so trips the breaker; or some wiring is corroded and is causing problems; or there WAS water in the tank and some hardened material came loose and blocked the pump impeller. On many of these pumps, there is a nut or hex fitting on the end where the pump can be turned manually so you can see it is stopped or very stiff. I used to turn mine when preping the boat at the beginning of the season in case they had frozen up (sometimes, they had). Good luck with it all... James
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Resolve C42 MKII		#3	[url]	[-]
Posts: 11 04/23/08 01:53:38	Thanks you both for the tips. I'll check it out this weekend. I did notice a large current draw when I turned it on after resetting the breaker. I then shut it right down.... Mike Vaccaro "Resolve" 1995 C 42 MKII #483 WK 2 Cabin Pullman Sailor's Wharf, Mill Creek Annapolis, MD USA
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pwinterfeld	Macerator Pump	#4	[url]	[-]
Posts: 107 04/23/08 05:20:12	I noticed your hull number - mine is #746 and each macerator pump has been changed twice since I bought the boat. When I first bought the boat it had vey little use as evidenced by condition and engine hours - both macerator pumps were "frozen" I supect lack of use and they were replaced - the circuit breakers tripped everytime I turned the macerators on. Yes, I manually turned them just to be sure there was nothing blocking the impellers.So I replaced both pumps. - I spent a little more for the 3rd set of macerators this time (Defender) and noticed they run with very little vibration. I am hoping these pumps are better quality and last a little longer (2+ years). Peter C'est la Vie Hull #746
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dbnonsense	Macerator	#5	[url]	[-]
Posts: 138 04/23/08 06:01:21	It sounds like the pump impeller is "frozen" . What happens is that after sitting all winter the little bit of gook that remains in the piping and around the impeller drys out and solidifies .After lay up we always insert a screw driver in the slot in the shaft that protrudes thru the motor I turn it back and forth a few times to free it up .Try that and if it frees up ,turn it on at the breaker If it is free shut it down and put afew gallons of water in the tank and turn it on again for a few moments the water will lubricate the impeller. If it does not free up with the screw driver , replace the pump . Disassemble the old one and if rebuildable with a kit from Defender or west Marine keep it on board for a spare. Dave Zeuli Common Sense #810
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Resolve C42 MKII		#6	[url]	[-]
Posts: 11 04/23/08 08:06:10	Peter & Dave...sounds like excellent advise. I'll check it out this weekend. Mike Vaccaro "Resolve" 1995 C 42 MKII #483 WK 2 Cabin Pullman Sailor's Wharf, Mill Creek Annapolis, MD USA
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symandalay		#7	[url]	[-]
Posts: 127 04/24/08 14:35:47	The West Marine/Johnson macerator pumps are well made and easily serviced with a kit. Not the most pleasant job, but O.K. You do not even need to remove the hoses.....just undo the three nuts that hold the pump assembly together and a hose will remain attached to each half when. One of the rubber pads under my toilet seat fell off into the head unnoticed and caused the macerator pump to jam up. The pump stopped and the breaker tripped. It also damaged the mechanical chopper which is not part of the repair kit.....so a new macerator was required. The original post here sounds like a jammed pump. Could be that the screwdriver trick would unjam it. Colin Mandalay Guide to Cruising here http://symandalay.googlepages.com/home
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