Macerator Replacement

[CliffC]

I have to replace the macerator pump on my 2005 Catalina 310. The current one is a Jasco model 18590-0500 and when I turn it on, it runs slow, then slower, then stops in about 20 seconds. I tried turning the end screw and it turns (a bit stiffly I think), but when I turn it on I get the same result. Questions:

1) Is the Jasco 18590-2092 a compatible replacement? I can't find the old model anywhere.

2) Does anyone know if the pump is above the tank level so that I don't need to worry about doing a pump-out before replacing the pump and/or leakage when I disconnect the old pump? I would've tried harder to check, but it was 300 degrees on my boat this morning!

3) Is replacing the pump an easy job or a pain in the neck (e.g. should I just hire someone)?

Thanks!

 

[Rick D]

Macerator

First, see this thread: http://forums.hunter.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=130712

Second, the macerators from Jabsco, Sureflo & Johnson have the same layout, so you can substitute. Not sure if the mounting pattern is identical (it may be), but that wouldn't be much of an issue. When you look this up on the Jabsco site, you won't find your old number, but you can find the current one under "18590". The last four digits just describe the generation, voltage, etc.

Third, yea, pump out and flush with fresh water before you do the job. You'll thank yourself later.

Forth, despite my experience described in my recent thread, I wouldn't buy a new one until I pulled the old one apart. It may be something simple like a fouled cutter or a bad impeller.

Fifth, I ain't Peggy and she's the expert, so wait for her advice.

 

[Peggie Hall HeadMistress]

Rick, you're doin' fine without me

Go with everything he said, Cliff.

Here's the instructions for the current Jabsco macerator: Jabsco macerator instructions

 

[Steve Dion]

Rick:

I have had my macerator "jam/stick" when it was engerized. I usually turn the screw on the top and that has seemed to free it up.

 

[Bob S]

I have to trouble shoot mine. It won't run at all. I haven't used in in 2 seasons which I realize was not a good idea. I believe Buzzards Bay and Vineyard Sound are no discharge areas. I am seldom in an area that I can use it. In Massachusetts there is no charge for pump outs. In my cruising area, including my home port, pump out boats are readily available. When home I leave my name on a clip board and she's pumped out sometime midweek ready for the next weekend.

I will follow RickD's advise and pump/rinse the tank before attempting this job.
I know from experience changing out the vent line the odors can overwhelm you. Can a respirator be used/recommended?

 

[Peggie Hall HeadMistress]

If you can't use the macerator...

Why not just remove it? As you've noticed, it doesn't do equipment any good to sit, so you'd prob'ly just have to repair/replace again after only one or two uses. If you ever start cruising in waters where you could dump the tank at sea, it's an easy job to install a new one then.

Better to spend the time and effort making any mods necessary to eliminate the odor you shouldn't have had when you replaced the vent (Lots of disccusion in this forum about how to do that...and even more at the link in my signature below). Meanwhile, DO pump out and THOROUGHLY rinse out the tank--which prob'ly hasn't been done in years, but should be done 2-3x season to eliminate sludge. Wear a respirator if you plan to work on the system below decks instead of removing the macerator to work on it in a well ventilated place.

 

[Head Master18695]

Bob, the entire United States is a No Discharge Zone for using a macerator pump to empty out a holding tank into the water. The only place you can legally use it is if you are 3 miles or more out in the ocean (12 miles in the Florida Keys). It's been the law since 1980.

 

[zeehag]

and is soooo hard to find a pumpout when yer 100 mi off shore for more than a week....

 

[BobM]

My thoughts exactly.

Why not just remove it? As you've noticed, it doesn't do equipment any good to sit, so you'd prob'ly just have to repair/replace again after only one or two uses. If you ever start cruising in waters where you could dump the tank at sea, it's an easy job to install a new one then.]

I am thinking that my 30 footer will never be anyplace where I can discharge so I might as well simplify the system to lessen potential leakage and regain some storage. As you say, the pump is probably just going south through lack of use anyway.

 

[Bob S]

Peggie,

Bought your book a few years ago. I flush and pump my tank a couple of time each season. I use vinegar at the end of each weekend. I clean my bilge and use you're recommissioning advise for the water tanks. I use KO for Potties. The short of it is....I am a good student and I thank you for all your contributions to this site and all of us sailor with open minds! BTW I don't have an odor problem any more.

 

[Peggie Hall HeadMistress]

Great!

So how do you explain all the odor when you replaced the vent line?

 

[Bob S]

Did it three years ago.