www.iFourWinns.com

We have a 2007 Vista 318.

The No.1 rule on the boat is no No. 2s. (LOL but true)

Nonetheless, this past weekend I believe that my daughter used a bit too much TP. Now, when we step on the head "paddle" we don't get a good pop and the removal of the contents seems weak. I think we may have a clogged line and/or valve and the pump is not developing good pressure. I flushed it a couple times and no improvement.

What do I do?

TIA for any help, Doug

Supposedly there is an adjustment on the unit in the engine compartment. Mine stopped flushing and this is what they told me, anyway.

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SOLD! 2006 30th Anniversary Vista 278
"Conch'd Out!"

http://vista278.com

The admiral is guilty of the same as your daughter. It should clear. What I've found is to fill the bowl and flush with the toliet not under a vacuum and then for for a boat ride. The water and vibration from the ride always seems to hace cleared my clog.

Tell her she needs to be judicious with the TP or you will impliment the "Sheryl Crow Rule" One square only! Plus you won't have to purchase any Carbon Credits to offset the waste of paper certainly causing all kinds of GLobal Warming.

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Jvalich
http://www.badcock.com

'04 FW 288 Vista "Mental Floss"

Actually that's not all that good a rule. Most (all?) tank treatment systems depend upon there being "solids" in the tank. The bacteria need it to feed upon. They won't work if you only go "No. 1".

When you flush the toilet the vacuum pump pulls the waste through a macerator that grinds it up. Then it's pumped to the waste tank.

What IS a problem (as you've discovered) is too much paper, and the wrong kind. While boat TP is hideously expensive, it's designed to break down. Regular home TP is not and will (sooner or later) clog your macerator and/or pump.

If you're going to let people put marine TP down the toilet (some folks won't) then you might as well also allow solids.

As yet I've not had to deal with clearing the waste lines. Ugh, that's a dirty job I wouldn't wish on anyone.

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-Bill Kearney, 2005 348 Vista

I bought a 4pk online for $2.43, is that pricey? Of course I saw RV TP at Wal-mart just after that for $2.80.

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SOLD! 2006 30th Anniversary Vista 278
"Conch'd Out!"

http://vista278.com

Unfortunately, I recently gained some experience in vacuflush pump repairs. Don't ask how...

Sounds like your duckbill valves have something obscuring them. Fairly easy fix really, you just have to get to the pump and remove the lines that come in from both ends and inside you'll find little rubber one-way "duckbill" valves. I'll bet you find one or more of them with something stuck inside - preventing them from closing and allowing the vacuum to properly build. I'm told that feminine products with strings are notorious for causing the exact situation you have.

Found this post on another board. Has more good info:

http://my.boatus.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=50422

Here is a link to replacement parts.

http://www.sealandtechnology.com/prodrplc.asp

Good luck.

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2004 Sea Ray 420DB
Formerly: 2005 348 Vista

Sounds like a mask, goggles and gloves repair.

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SOLD! 2006 30th Anniversary Vista 278
"Conch'd Out!"

http://vista278.com

Not a bad idea. Whatever you do, don't forget the nose clips. Full hazmat suits may even help...

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2004 Sea Ray 420DB
Formerly: 2005 348 Vista

This is why I give EVERYONE a very lengthy speech about using the head on the boat. If they don't pay attention and take the speech seriously then they are left on land, Because the last thing I want to do is unclog my head.

I use Liquid Gold rapid disolve toilet paper, available at Walmart it's not that expensive.

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Brett DiMichele

Face shield:

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-Bill Kearney, 2005 348 Vista

Thanks to everyone for their thoughts and help.

I'll start trying the remedies until one works!

Hopefully a face shield will not become part of the mix.... if so, I'm thinking something more like this.......







BTW, we do splurge for the marine TP.... and, for now, the No. 1 rule will remain in effect.

Thanks again folks, Doug