2011 R29 Macerator Location

[fishheadbarandgrill]

My macerator (Johnson) is mounted behind the salon air conditioner, behind the forward partition in the cave. I suspect my macerator has failed due to lack of use. I’m prepared to replace with a new Johnson macerator but I’ve read the installation instructions and it says that the pump must be installed at the level of the tank discharge... not a self-priming pump. I think that I have a post-delivery install and think it’s the same configuration as a factory install. I have a call into RT now to confirm. Do others have the same installation location for their R29 and same Johnson macerator. I’m thinking about replacing with a Jabsco because they are advertised as self-priming. Any priming issues with the Johnson pump at that location?

 

[Irish Mist]

Mine didn’t work the first time I went to use it. It had sat unused for a few years. I turned it on and off a few times and it started working.. Thinking out loud here but what if you put maybe if you put some water in from the through hull and let it sit.. maybe might loosen things?

 

[fishheadbarandgrill]

I spoke with Andrew at RT yesterday and he said that the Johnson macerator have performed well in that location so I will replace with the same pump.

 

[Bart Keil]

Bob, let us know how it goes. I have the same issue but have been putting it off because I am not a contortionist! Any tricks would be appreciated.

Bart

 

[fishheadbarandgrill]

Bob, let us know how it goes. I have the same issue but have been putting it off because I am not a contortionist! Any tricks would be appreciated.

Bart

Replaced the macerator today. As a result, I have no skin left on my elbows 😀 . Process I followed:

1) removed the cushion in the cave (no need to spill poop water on it)
2) removed the two panels at the end of the cave.
3) removed the hose restraints for the AC raw water and the bundle containing the AC raw water and engine driven heater hoses. By removing the restraints, You are able to access the hose clamps and screws holding down the macerator.
4) removed the 1.5" inlet hose from the macerator and placed a plastic bag over the end and secured with a rubber band. (I used a hair dryer to soften up the hose before removing. I didn't have to use a hose removal took but was prepared if I needed to)
4) removed the 1" outlet hose from the macerator and place a plastic bag over the end and secured with a rubber band (this hose had a little residue in the hose so be prepared). This was a little harder to get to with all the hoses crossing over the same place where the clamps were. I did have to use the hose removal tool)
5) cut the power leads.
6) unscrewed the mounting screws. I only had 3. I used 4 and the provided grommets when I installed the new pump.
7) Installed the new pump and secured with 4 screws and grommets.
8) Installed the 1.5" inlet hose
9) installed the 1" outlet hose. This one was the hardest with all the hoses crossing over the point where the clamps should be installed.
10) reconnected to power
11) tested pump. Pump ran but I won't be able to test with water in the waste tank for several more days.

Note. The 1" outlet hose may be secured to the panel directly behind of the air conditioner so have a look before removing that panel. And watch your elbows.

 

[Bart Keil]

Thanks Bob! I will be sure to buy elbow pads or at least wrap elbows with rags. Were you able to determine why the pump stopped working?

 

[fishheadbarandgrill]

Thanks Bob! I will be sure to buy elbow pads or at least wrap elbows with rags. Were you able to determine why the pump stopped working?

The pump ran, but didn’t push any liquids and tripped after about 5 seconds. I still have the pump and I might open it up and see what the impeller looks like.

 

[Bart Keil]

If you do, please let us know what you found. Wondering if I could break it free somehow if just stuck.

 

[rehurst]

Hate to assume, but the seacock is open? Otherwise the pump will push and then blow the breaker.

 

[fishheadbarandgrill]

Hate to assume, but the seacock is open? Otherwise the pump will push and then blow the breaker.

Yes, it was open.