Black water tank level indicator stuck

  • 02/19/2017 7:04 PM
    Message # 4618271
    Deleted user

    About 2 weeks ago the black water tank level indicator became stuck at 3/4 full.  I have dumped it about 3 times since and always thoroughly rinsed and drained.  Only clear water would come out ending in a drip, yet the level indicator remains at 3/4 full.

    This is on a 2015 Fleetwood Bounder 33C. Can you offer suggestions regarding how to get the monitor unstuck?

    Last modified: 02/19/2017 7:05 PM | Deleted user
  • 02/20/2017 1:32 PM
    Reply # 4619484 on 4618271
    Anonymous

    Try filling the black tank about 2/3 full then go for a drive on a curvy bumpy road if you can.  When you get back drain and flush.  I've also been told to put lots of ice cubes in the tank just before you drive it.  The cubes will scrub the walls and sensors. If you have a vacu flush system, like I do, ice won't fit into the tank.  There are also tank cleaning companies that will pressure wash it inside of the tank.  I've had that done and it works great and cleans the sensors.  I have also just lived with the sensor stuck for awhile until I get somewhere I can take care of it.  Good luck.

  • 02/20/2017 2:58 PM
    Reply # 4619591 on 4618271
    Deleted user

    You likely have a piece of toilet paper stuck on the level sensor.  Before going through the trouble of using ice cubes and finding a curvy, hilly road to agitate the black tank, which I've heard doesn't always work, use a half cup of dish soap and fill and drain the tank two or three times.  They do sell a tank sensor cleaner if you prefer the less "home remedy" method of dish soap. It works for me, hopefully it will for you.

  • 02/20/2017 4:33 PM
    Reply # 4619780 on 4618271

    Good luck on that, ours always shows 3/4 full even after Decatur said they fixed.  We have done everything that others told us and no results.  I just bought Commando and have not had a chance to use it yet, but will report on our findings.  We have a 2014 Rev with macerator and vacuum flush commodes so not able to put ice in the tanks.

  • 02/20/2017 8:12 PM
    Reply # 4620108 on 4618271
    Deleted user

    Thanks for your advice.  I have a vacu-flush toilet but will try the dish soap.  If that doesn't work, I purchase the cleaner.

  • 02/21/2017 8:58 AM
    Reply # 4621094 on 4618271
    Deleted user

    I had the same issue on my 2015 Bounder 35k. Can't use ice due to the vacuum flush toilets. I purchased some enzyme cleaner at the FMCA Rally last summer and used it. I also modified my flush procedure by dumping the black tank, starting the flush and closing the black tank valve for about several minutes (not enough to fill the tank). I stopped the flush water flow and opended the valve for a final dump. Cleaned it out quite well and the level indicator issue was resolved. It's happened a couple of other times, but this process helped each time.

  • 02/21/2017 12:23 PM
    Reply # 4621456 on 4618271
    Deleted user

    I also heard from a fellow camper that when water is available he uses a faucet Y and keeps a hose hooked up to the black tank flush.  Right before he "sits down" he opens his black tank drain valve and turns the flush on.  This makes sense as it should clear away anything that goes into the tank at that time.  However, I would guess this method might cause one to use more black tank "sweetner" if added after each flush.

    Last modified: 02/21/2017 12:30 PM | Deleted user
  • 03/04/2017 7:47 PM
    Reply # 4648432 on 4618271

    just a update on our tank reading.  Always 3/4 full.  Bought Commando and put in black tank yesterday and filled with water.  Says to leave in 12 to 24 hours.  We drove 160 miles and dumped when arriving at park, hooray, empty and green lights at both commodes.  Hope this keeps us clean.

  • 03/05/2017 10:06 AM
    Reply # 4648917 on 4618271
    Deleted user

    FWIW, we have a 2016 32'SouthWind and have been using the Geo method on ours which seems to work fairly well for us. 

    Hope this suggestion helps.


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