Sailvac 5200

[Omoishiroi]

the sailvac 5200 is a popular option in the new Oceanis line, I have the 41 in a 3 cabin 1 head configuration. Was having some issues with vacuum leak in the sailvac and have resolved them. Here is what I learned:
1) Dometic has issued a service bulletin to install a ball valve on the top of the older units. New units have this valve. If you don't have a big red valve handle on top of your tank you need to have this installed. It replaces the two duck bill valves in earlier models and is more reliable.
2) some units (mine was one) have a faulty seal in the base bowl unit where the pedal is sealed. This was causing a loss of vacuum pressure in the system and in my case I could hear a hissing noise near the pedal. Dometic diagnosed the issue over the phone and are sending me a new base. Kudos to them for this (although I wish they had been a little more proactive).

Before you take apart your system to find a vacuum leak you may want to check these two items first.
I have attached a copy of the Sailvac manual as it is not on the Dometic website at writing

Happy sailing!

 

[Compromise]

Glad to hear you solved your problems. I've had to have the vacuum pump replaced twice now and the boat is only a year old. Design wise I like the system, however it does have issues.

 

[Omoishiroi]

to confirm - the pump motor itself or the seals for the pump motor? I am trying to sort out the failure points in order to have proper spares. Did the motor 'die' or did you have other issues?

 

[Compromise]

Both. The motor died and the pump corroded out.it was under warranty but I'll be carrying a spare. That is if I don't get rid of it altogether. At present it's working again and I'm happy. We'll see what happens. It was only getting weekend use. I haven't cut the dock lines as yet.

 

[Omoishiroi]

are you dealing with Dometic or your dealer? I found the right person at Dometic in support - ask for Bill. He knows whats up with these units

 

[Compromise]

Cool thanks for the info. I'll contact Bill at Dometic and see what he can tell me. As I said, I like the design idea. It's clean and simple. I just haven't had any luck with it so far.

 

[TropicalSeattle]

I had a leak in the bowl seal right out of the factory. The system would take a long time to build up vacuum and there was a very light hiss. The system was quite ineffective that way. My dealer got the problem solved right away by replacing a brand new seal. The system works very well now.

I have the red valve on top of the tank by the way. Is there a way to pump out the system without access to the cabin? Is the system vented without opening the bowl valve?

Thanks!

 

[Compromise]

There is no viable way to pump the tank out without access to the cabin. The only venting to the tank is the toilet. You have a vent leading outside but it is for the exhaust of the vacuum pump. It makes it difficult to set up an appointment with the pump out boat when you are not around. I set it up once where the red valve was open and the toilet bowl valve was open but it took a while to air out the boat afterwards. Having fairly good luck with my vacuflush since I got it working again. I had the toilet seal replaced as well and it works okay.

 

[TropicalSeattle]

That is exactly what I was thinking about, kinda ruins the idea of having the pump out service for me. Thanks.

 

[TropicalSeattle]

Our system has developed a new problem now. There is a leak that seems to be coming from the junction between the bowl and the base (where the pedal is). This is the junction that is held together with the metal band. No vacuum impact apparently, but stuff all over the floor after the head is used. Did anyone have that problem? Seems simple, but go explain that to your guests who run into the surprise puddle.

 

[davmarwood]

Sometimes water splashes out due to the sudden flush action. Try closing the lid when you step on the pedal. We experienced this problem on our 5200.