Replacing Vacuflush Pump

[Osprey69]

So the (1985) Mansfield pump stopped pumping. Replaced bellows and duckbills, but still not happy and throws the breaker.

So I am resigned to replacing the pump. Need I go for the Dometic pump or is there a cost effective alternative as I had read about in some forums.

Thought about The Elegance, but the install looks to be more than I really want to tackle. Pump replacement is sooo much easier.

 

[tiltrider1]

First I suspect your motor is the issue.

If you are looking to do this on the cheap, purchase a T pump. A T pump is the same as a vacuum generator pump except it has two duck bills instead of four.

Take the motor off the T pump and put it on your Vacuum pump and see if that solves the problem. If not put the motor back on the T pump and install the T pump.

Since all the parts are interchangeable you will now have spares on board.

While T pumps are more likely to have vacuum issues than the 4 valve vacuum generator pumps they do work and I have seen people use them for years with no issues at all.

 

[Comodave]

The ME install isn’t that tough and it will payoff forever.

 

[HeadMistress]

I haven't priced JUST the pump MOTOR (and I suspect you'll also need a new bellows for a system that old)...but the list price for a new S-pump is $1000...available for about $750 if you shop. You can replace the whole VF system with the Marine Elegance for about $900 WITH some of the optional "bells & whistles." You already have the dedicated electrical circuit so you only need a bit more mechanical ability than is needed to turn a doorknob to install it.


Just sayin', not sellin'


--Peggie

 

[tiltrider1]

Motor kit

https://marinesan.com/pump-conversion-s-w-t-12v/?sku=385311423 -12 Volt-8-bolt Style

$319

 

[Comodave]

I haven't priced JUST the pump MOTOR (and I suspect you'll also need a new bellows for a system that old)...but the list price for a new S-pump is $1000...available for about $750 if you shop. You can replace the whole VF system with the Marine Elegance for about $900 WITH some of the optional "bells & whistles." You already have the dedicated electrical circuit so you only need a bit more mechanical ability than is needed to turn a doorknob to install it.


Just sayin', not sellin'


--Peggie

Yup…

 

[O C Diver]

Motor, bellows, orings and other parts for <$400.

https://seacoastservices.com/whisper-motor-kit-12-volts/?setCurrencyId=1&sku=385311423 , 311423

Ted

 

[Portage_Bay]

I've been able to find parts on ebay

 

[Comodave]

It seems like a never ending story with some VF owners, one part then something else. Pretty soon they have paid for a new ME but still have the VF. One poster said he had put in over $1,500 in parts and it still wasn’t fixed.

 

[tiltrider1]

OP has a vacuflush from 1985. That is almost 40 years of good service. For less than $400 he can be back in shape and no stinky hose issues. Let’s see how ME’s do when they are 20 years old.

Now I think ME is a very good choice. I don’t find it the only answer.

 

[O C Diver]

It seems like a never ending story with some VF owners, one part then something else. Pretty soon they have paid for a new ME but still have the VF. One poster said he had put in over $1,500 in parts and it still wasn’t fixed.

Some people aren't good at trouble shooting a problem. I find them to be quite simple to diagnose and relatively easy to fix.

Ted

 

[MV Alchemy]

It seems like a never ending story with some VF owners, one part then something else. Pretty soon they have paid for a new ME but still have the VF. One poster said he had put in over $1,500 in parts and it still wasn’t fixed.

We have 5 vacuflush heads on board that are 17 years old and apart from a few duckbill valve replacements and one pump bellows, they have been working perfectly for us for the last 5 years of full time living on board. Having tried other systems on previous boats, I would install vacuflush again.

 

[gordytwo]

comodave.....you are like a broken record. give it up because you couldn't repair yours

 

[Comodave]

comodave.....you are like a broken record. give it up because you couldn't repair yours

First, I didn’t try to repair the VF. I just got rid of it. Sorry if you don’t like my posts, don’t read them…

 

[tiltrider1]

comodave.....you are like a broken record. give it up because you couldn't repair yours

I’m guessing that was meant as a joking poke at the bear. We certainly know Comodave’s mechanical abilities are excellent.

 

[Comodave]

I’m guessing that was meant as a joking poke at the bear. We certainly know Comodave’s mechanical abilities are excellent.

Not always…. And I wouldn’t spend a penny trying to fix a VF. I have ripped them out of 4 boats. Several of them were working fine but I knew that at some point they would develop vacuum leaks. And I didn’t like all the room they take up. With the ME the works are contained in the head except for the control board.

 

[Osprey69]

The motor on the Mansfield is fine. The bellows looks much different than the above referenced bellows (re-build kit) one of which I tried to install. Almost worked but not quite.

Like Tilt said I have NO desire to be screwing around with hoses, vacuum tanks, adapting plumbing and the other pandora box stuff that inevitable arises when I can replace a pump in 10 minutes.

Engine rooms are hot these days.

Thanks for the help.