Mysterious Macerator

[Ricky Prevete]

Peggie--I looked in the archives, but saw nothing like this. Sometimes my macerator works like a charm. Other times, it expels nothing. If I wait an hour and try again, it sometimes works. I can always hear the motor turning, so it's connected OK electrically. If you suggest replacing the impeller, should I do the whole rebuild kit thing or just replace the impeller? And should I coat the impeller with any kind of grease or lubricant? Thank you. Ricky

 

[Peggie Hall/HeadMistress]

I suspect what's happening is...

(And sooner or later it's not gonna work at all)...your impeller has just about had it. the impeller vanes are flexible, so sometimes they get into the right position...sometimes they don't. It's time to replace it. In fact, it's a good idea to replace it every spring...and always carry a spare on board.As for whether or not to replace on the impeller or rebuild it, that depends on how old it is. If it's more than 3 or 4 years old, I'd rebuild while you have it out and prevent having to take it apart again any time soon.

 

[Patrick Ewing]

Check your deck pumpout cover -

Mine won't work if the deck cover is loose. It sucks air and causes the owner lots of anxiety. You might also have an air leak in some fitting. I speak from costly experience.