bad news for our head system

[Sparks5501]

Greetings everyone, Found out today that the vacuum pump on our Vacuflush system is bad. My mechanic told me that the system is very old and obsolete and that parts are no longer available. I am looking for a lower price alternative to total replacement. Can't really go on long trips without a head. My mechanic is sending me the information for a replacement and I am going to research it to see if I can find anything cheaper. BOAT =bring over another $1000!!!!!!!

[sailnautilus]

We have two vacuflush heads over 20 years old in our Kanter 52'.
Have been maintained and purchased parts from Dometic.....I would check out availability yourself.......we have been able to get everything we needed.

[peghall]

Your mechanic is wrong. If the vacuum pump has finally worn out (which may or may not be true), a new vacuum pump has the same 1.5" hose fittings as the old ones and draws the same 12 or 24v amperage. That doesn't necessarily rule out the possibility that you may need a few new other other parts, but the current versions of those will work just fine.

However that doesn't mean that you could be better off replacing it with a nice new macerating toilet... there are several good choices among those for a whole lot less than $1000 and I'll be glad to point you to the best choice for YOUR boat and budget the people who'll be using it along with which retailers have it for the best price if you'd like to send me a PM or email...'cuz it'll be easier to sort out what your particular V/Flush actually needs and whether repair or replacement is your best option in one-on-one conversation than in a forum.

[Kenomac]

We've been very pleased with our two trouble free Jabsco macerating heads. Not sure if the plumbing is compatable with vacuflush, but if you can't get parts for your system, making the switch might not be a bad idea.

We haven't needed to do anything other than push a button to flush the toilet in over four years, and if service is ever needed, it only takes ten minutes to switch out a pump myself.

[KadeyKrogen38]

Composting heads are the way to go, no plumbing, no holding tank, no pumpouts, NO SMELL either.

[Sparks5501]

Just got off the phone with the "Headmistress" Peggie Hall. I feel a whole lot better about the situation after talking with her. Its not as dire or as expensive as I though it would be. It is sooo refreshing to talk to someone that's an expert. We are swapping pics and emails right now to try and figure out the best solution. A Raritan SeaEra macerating toilet comes with her highest recommendation.

[Kenomac]

Originally Posted by Sparks5501

Just got off the phone with the "Headmistress" Peggie Hall. I feel a whole lot better about the situation after talking with her. Its not as dire or as expensive as I though it would be. It is sooo refreshing to talk to someone that's an expert. We are swapping pics and emails right now to try and figure out the best solution. A Raritan SeaEra macerating toilet comes with her highest recommendation.

Sounds like an excellent plan, but it's not gunna make the composters happy when they eventually get a whiff of your thread.

[Duece]

I have a Dometic Boat Vacuum Generator 317780012 VG 4 J Series 12 Volt that was new in 2009 and hardly used since there were two on my 41' sailboat & this one was in an area that I had to stoop down & spin around to use it. (PO obviously was sold on it!).

They go for 1300+ in most places, so make a reasonable offer, pay $50 freight & I will box it up to ship to you insured for $1300.

I also have the toilet seat Dometic model# 148 Item# 317014801 product# 95804 color white. It goes for $700+ if you need/want it. Make a reasonable offer, pay $50 freight & I will ship it insured for $700.

Call me @ 9792667078 to work our the details. I prefer dealing direct rather that back & forth on here or texting back & forth.

[Duece]

OOPS Forgot Pic.

[Mike Banks]

If all else fails, I use the TMC el-cheapo macerator type--they cost under fou5t=r hundred for the entire system and the De-Luxe model is a beauty. At that price you can afforsd to replace the entire unit should you need to--and mine were in use for five years when we lived aboard---with no issues at all.

Just do not drop anything solid into the bowl, the macerator?pump does not like it.

[Sparks5501]

Originally Posted by Duece

OOPS Forgot Pic.

Duece, thanks for the pics and the info. Its more money than I can spend right now.

[Sparks5501]

Originally Posted by Kenomac

Sounds like an excellent plan, but it's not gunna make the composters happy when they eventually get a whiff of your thread.[emoji3]

Enlighten me, I am learning a lot from this situation.

[Sparks5501]

Our current plan is to see if any of the salvage yards have the motor we need for the vacuum pump. If that doesn't happen we are going for a Raritan Seaera head. My husband has a week to find it.

[Sparks5501]

Originally Posted by Mike Banks

If all else fails, I use the TMC el-cheapo macerator type--they cost under fou5t=r hundred for the entire system and the De-Luxe model is a beauty. At that price you can afforsd to replace the entire unit should you need to--and mine were in use for five years when we lived aboard---with no issues at all.

Just do not drop anything solid into the bowl, the macerator?pump does not like it.

Looked them up online. Do they work with pressurized water systems?

[Sparks5501]

Greetings Everyone,

I am happy to report that our toilet system is up and running upon installation of a new Vacuum pump motor that cost $150. I want to thank Peggy for helping us through this process. We all learning something
Hats off to Ms. Peggy.

We have also ordered a new heating element for the hot water heater. Tomorrow the waste tank and the inverter will go into the boat. The element for the water heater will be here in a couple of days. Then we will be all through fixing stuff and ready to go on a trip in comfort.