Holding tank indicator

[amf]

The black tank indicator on my boat doesn't want to turn itself off (indicating that the tank is 70% or more full). Had a pump out at the weekend just to make sure it was empty.

Anyone know how these indicators work?. Is it likely something nasty has attached itself around the float or whatever is used to sense the level?

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[peterandjeanette]

If it's anything like mine (Sealine F33) I get the same problem. There should be a probe on the side of the tank. Unscrew the electric lead cap (about half a turn only) and pull the plug out. Light should go out at this stage to check if it IS the probe or another fault. Unscrew the probe using a large spanner or stillson. Wipe probe clean with kitchen roll. Replace probe with PTFE tape roung thread. Do not over tighten. Repalce electric plug and secure with half turn on cap.
Face/gas mask not essential.

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[KevB]

Well, if it's like mine and is fitted in the top of the tank.... It's a stainless steel tube the depth of the tank with a float around it which goes up and down the tune. Mine was caked in .......limescale looking stuff, stopping the float going upand down the tube...

Used the washing up scourer to clean it off, no problem. Couldn't understand SWMBO getting upset when I put the scourer back in the sink??/forums/images/icons/crazy.gif

<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://static.photobox.co.uk/public/images/45/99/10714599.s.jpg>Nirvana</A>

 

[amf]

OK thanks - likely to be similar as we have an S23. Will take a look at the weekend. Now, where did I leave those rubber gloves!



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[HeadMistress]

Waste contains animal fats...that, along with urine crystals and sea water calcium carbonates are what has built up on the sender, clogging it. Before removing it to clean manually, try pumping out and THOROUGHLY rinsing out your tank (which should be done 2-3 x a year anyway)...then fill the tank with water and about a gallon of liquid low suds detergent and about a gallon of white vinegar. Do NOT use bleach or any cleaning product containing bleach.

Let that solution remain in the tank for a few days, then pump out and rinse out again. With any luck, that'll clean the sender.

Whether the buildup has already gotten too heavy for this method to dissolve it, it will prevent it from happening again if you do it a couple of times a season.

Better yet, replace it with a gauge that uses senders that attach to the outside of the tank...they can't clog. I dunno what's available in Europe and the UK, but the air mail postage from the US for the Snake River AcuGage wouldn't be much....check it out on their website at http://www.snake-river.org. It's my favorite tank monitoring system.

<hr width=100% size=1>Peggie Hall
Specializing in marine sanitation since 1987

 

[amf]

Wow! - thanks Peggie, will have a go at the flushing method before I start taking things apart.

Cheers

Andrew

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