www.iFourWinns.com

I have been using my vacuflush for 3 seasons without any trouble at all. Suddenly, it wont flush the water from the toilet even. I DO know that there is power to the pump. I dont hear the normal kachunk sound it makes when the vacuum is building pressure and that is why I checked for power. I recently had the tank pumped out at a new pump out station and it has only been used once by my daughter since being pumped out. Is it possible that it could be clogged, and if so, what is the best procedure for unclogging these??

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2006 Vista 278
First Boat:
2005 Sundowner 205
Columbus, OH

Hold the ball valve open and try a plunger.

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2004 Vista 298
Twin 5.7L Volvo Penta GXi-E

I havent tried this yet, I was worried that it might hurt the duck bills if pressure was applied like that. Also, is it normal that if it were plugged up that the pump wouldnt even make a sound?? I guess if it already has pressure built up, then it wouldnt run the pump.......

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2006 Vista 278
First Boat:
2005 Sundowner 205
Columbus, OH

I don't know these systems but I am pretty fimilar with pumps.

Check to make sure you are getting power to the pump ie. Fuses and breakers.

I would suggest once you have done that pull the pump out. if it's jamed you likely burned it out already, but my guess is the pump failed all on its own.
I hope it's a breaker or fuse, but if not the quickest resolve is to pull it out.

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2004 - 288 Vista
Twin - 5.0 Volvo Penta GXi DP

I have checked power and have it at the pump ahead of the switch. I sure hope the pump isnt bad, but I wont know until I try to unclog it.

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2006 Vista 278
First Boat:
2005 Sundowner 205
Columbus, OH

I doubt that duck bills will be damaged from a plunger. I used a plunger a few weeks ago when an inexperienced guest stopped up my vacu-flush, most likely caused by toilet paper. Now, I will keep a plunger on board all the time since I couldn't use my head until I returned to the marina to find a plunger.

No, the pump won't run because there is still a vacuum with the clog. I believe the pump only runs when vacuum is lost, which is caused during flushing or if there is a leak in the system.

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2004 Vista 298
Twin 5.7L Volvo Penta GXi-E

That sounds promising... The Pump not kicking on because of the vacuum part that is.

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2004 - 288 Vista
Twin - 5.0 Volvo Penta GXi DP

Here are some excerpts from the manual that may be of interest:

Here is how the pump knows when to turn on.

Vacuum Tank: The vacuum tank stores vacuum energy. System vacuum level is monitored by a vacuum switch located on the vacuum tank. When this switch senses a drop in vacuum in the system, it automatically signals the pump to energize and bring the vacuum to operating level. This process is normally completed in less than one minute. In a properly operating system, the stored vacuum will slowly dissipate between flushes, permitting the vacuum pump to quickly renew the vacuum.


Toilet will not flush. There is a blockage in the system.

Open flush ball and check the 1-inch (25mm) orifice at the bottom of the base for blockage and dislodge it. Never use drain-opening or other household plumbing chemicals. If blockage is not in base, it may be found in these locations:
• outlet of vacuum tank
• inlet of vacuum generator
• diptube of vacuum generator
• inlet of vacuum pump

It doesn't say you can't use a plunger but it implies you might need to take the system apart which is an icky job.

Also,

Toilet will not flush. There is a blockage in the system.

Duckbill valves in vacuum pump are inverted due to blocked discharge line or an attempt to pump out against closed seacock.

It is possible to invert the valves but I don't think a plunger is going to the exert near the pressure that a pump with a closed seacock will.

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2004 Vista 298
Twin 5.7L Volvo Penta GXi-E

Great information!! Thank you so much! Does anyone know where to find a manual for the vacuflush system? I would love to read up on the system so I know where to look for what hose goes to what on the system.

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2006 Vista 278
First Boat:
2005 Sundowner 205
Columbus, OH

This is not the one I was looking at but troubleshooting is similar

http://www.dometicsanitation.com/QBank/ ... _11721.pdf

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2004 Vista 298
Twin 5.7L Volvo Penta GXi-E

I have had the same trouble.
I think my device is not an automatic one. I need to flush each time I want to empy the toilets. It works perfectlty like that.
However, two months ago, the system was out of order. I flush but don't hear the noise of the vacuum pump.

After a lot of time to try to understand how does it work, I found the pressure sensor and had understood how does it work: totally opposite of what I thought! I mean the circuit is open in case of low pressure!
I have trimmed it (unscrew 1 rotation) and now, it works perfectly.
This sensor is located on the tank near of the pump.

If it can help you...

I've had luck unclogging the vacuflush two ways:
1. Wait a few days and sometimes the excess toilet paper will break down and unclog itself (you are using marine TP, right?)
2. Go get a pump out - when the tank is empty, leave the pump sucking and open the toilet valve, the extra power of the pump out can sometimes get the clog out as well.

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1969 Chris Craft Commander 47
1999 Four Winns 328 Vista - SOLD