Community Forums

SVTotem · 12-02-2013, 04:27 PM

Was a macerator a factory option or dealer add on?

A friend recently acquired a 24D and the macerator is not working. There does not seem to be a fuse or CB labeled for this item. Any ideas which circuit this would be on if factory installed?

I realize it is anyone's guess if done by the PO or a dealer.

BFlinn181 · 12-02-2013, 05:59 PM

A macerator is not listed as standard equipment or any info about having one as an option in the manual: http://fleetwoodrv.com/partsandservi...PULSE_ICON.pdf

Test for 12 v at the wires connected to the macerator, the motor will often 'stall' from something jamming the impeller that chops, purees and pumps the affluent out the hose. If the wires are not energized, use jumper cables to bypass the RV wiring to test if the macerator will work when you do solve the wiring puzzle. When it works, you can slice, dice and make Julienne Fries, although it's a bear to take apart and replace the impeller or clean out. Not hard, just a true Mike Rowe Dirty Job! I dealt with them on boats, since you don't have to pump up to a sewer in an RV, I prefer gravity and a regular sewer hose!

SVTotem · 12-03-2013, 10:02 AM

Thanks. I could not find a portion of the wiring that was conducive to probing with a meter, but that is what I attempted. He is taking it to the dealer for a better look. I also did not see a way to manually turn the blade and impeller to free an obstruction. Some have access to turn the shaft with a screwdriver, but that was not evident on this pump.

BFlinn181 · 12-03-2013, 10:46 AM

If wires, connectors, etc. are completely insulated, you can pierce the insulation with a push pin and test there. If need be, a smear of caulk can seal the pin hole.

Clayobx · 12-03-2013, 01:40 PM

What type of macerator system? Thetford Sani con allows you to turn the impeller?

SVTotem · 12-03-2013, 09:26 PM

Not sure of the system manufacturer, but the pump itself is a Shurflo. The pump and on/off switch are mounted in a gray plastic junction box and hard to get to where it has been installed. Using a 90* screwdriver I removed the lid enough to look for loose electrical connections. I felt the back end of the pump for a fitting that would allow a screwdriver or hex head to turn and free a jammed shaft, but could not feel anything.

They headed to Ft Myers and the dealer today. They will get it sorted out.

SVTotem · 12-20-2013, 07:02 AM

Just to finish this off, I heard that this was a solenoid issue. The dealer also replaced three burned out fuses, but I do not know which they were. If someone has this issue in the future I will check with the Pulse owner for more info.

The solenoid my have been damaged in a low battery voltage situation since the new owners were not yet completely familiar with the RV. Having the engine running to support the battery when activating the slides is a good idea to avoid pulling the voltage down in a high draw activity.