45c winterizing head ???

[big papa]

I was winterizing the vacuflush head and wanted to get all the plumbing. I ran a/f (non-toxic antifreeze) in the head and to the holding tank, no problem. I then wanted to get the hoses for the overboard discharge. This was my procedure:

1- change valve from holding tank to overboard.
2- place extra large container under thru hull outlet for overboard discharge (I’m positive it is the correct thru hull fitting)
3- fill toilet with a/f.
4 have helper watch for pink a/f.

Here’s the problem. After two or three gallons of a/f nothing has discharged from anywhere under the boat.

Does anyone have some thoughts about where the a/f has gone.

This boat is new to me. And this is the first time winterizing it.

She’s a 1985 45 convertible.

Thank you for helping me…

 

[Beckytek]

You don't mention turning on the pump. On my boat I have a macerator pump to pump overboard. For me there is no valve to open, when you turn the pump on it discharges overboard.
It all depends on your boat's plumbing. Follow the hoses from the duck valve pumps and see where they go.
On my boat there is a valve for overboard discharge but, it discharges from the toilet to overboard and doesn't go to the tank at all.
When I winterize my tank I pour AF down the pump out outlet. The AF goes into the macerator pump and then into the tank. I flush AF down the toilets a couple of times and that's it, very easy. good luck
Your AF probably went into your holding tank and it needs a pump turned on to move it out of there.
Ron

 

[saltshaker]

I was winterizing the vacuflush head and wanted to get all the plumbing. I ran a/f (non-toxic antifreeze) in the head and to the holding tank, no problem. I then wanted to get the hoses for the overboard discharge. This was my procedure:

1- change valve from holding tank to overboard.
2- place extra large container under thru hull outlet for overboard discharge (I’m positive it is the correct thru hull fitting)
3- fill toilet with a/f.
4 have helper watch for pink a/f.

Here’s the problem. After two or three gallons of a/f nothing has discharged from anywhere under the boat.

Does anyone have some thoughts about where the a/f has gone.

This boat is new to me. And this is the first time winterizing it.

She’s a 1985 45 convertible.

Thank you for helping me…

Did you open the seacock for the direct discharge? Are you sure you're looking at the direct discharge for the head and not the overboard discharge for the holding tank? On mine there are two valves per head, one Y valve and one seacock. Check the thru hull to be sure it's not restricted. Barnacles and such love to hang out in there.

 

[big papa]

Let me answer a few questions:

Beckytek
You asked about turning on a pump I think you’re asking about the macerator pump. I can’t find a pump or a switch for the pump. This boat has a vacuflush setup. In my e/r there is a selector valve on the forward bulkhead for holding tank/overboard. The hose for overboard goes to port side and then to a thru hull fitting below the port engine. That setup appeared to be a direct head to overboard discharge. I’m going to relook at the hoses for the holding tank and what appears to me to be a vacuum tank?

This whole vacuflush system is a new animal to me. I’ve only had the head with a macerator pump at the base of the toilet then to a valve for overboard or holding tank. And then the holding tank had a pump out hose to the deck fitting or an overboard macerator pump.

Saltshaker
Yes seacock open and no restrictions per visual inspection. I could only see up a few inches. I will have to put some wire up there. You asked about an overboard discharge for the holding tank. I'm thinking that would have a macerator pump attached to it??? Is that true??

Does anyone have a factory installed overboard macerator pump and where is the switch for it? I’ve checked the 12volt and a/c panels and found nothing, but there are some unused switches?? I think..

Sorry for some lack of knowledge on my end I’ve only owned the boat for a few weeks. And had to do a quick transport to my winter storage yard and a speedy winterizing. The spinning of my head has slowed down a little bit...

1985 hatteras 45 convertible..

Thanks for all the guidance.

 

[Beckytek]

I don't think Hatteras installed any pump for overboard discharge. I know mine was installed later. My switch is located under my steps to the galley but they could have put it anywhere.
Your vacuflush system is as follows, the head outlet goes to a cylindrical vacuum tank then on to the duck bill pump then to the valve for overboard discharge or the holding tank. I believe this is factory install. Without another pump the only way to empty your tank is from dockside pumping station.
You can check to see if there is a pump, just follow the outlet pipe on the holding tank to the deck fitting. If there is a straight connection from tank to deck fitting you don't have any overboard pump out. If you do have a pump there will be a tee in that line with either a macerator pump or a duckbill pump probably connected to a 1 inch outlet to a thru hull. If you have the pump you can follow the wires to where the switch is. good luck.

PS I have all the drawings for the vacuflush system if you need them, let me know and I can email them to you.