2006 Carver 42 SS access to holding tank sensor

[Midnightsun]

The unit on the right is made for an installation where 2 holding tanks are on board however can be used with only 1 and just not wired for number 2. Odd decision to name the unit water tank gauge and then have holding tank buttons. Not that it matters but definitely leads to operation confusion.

[markalexander]

Source of the post Have you tried any of the holding tank cleaners, there are many on the market that may clean the sensors if they are the issue here.

Hi
Good idea, I'll try this in the spring
Thank you
Mark

[markalexander]

Source of the post The unit on the right is made for an installation where 2 holding tanks are on board however can be used with only 1 and just not wired for number 2. Odd decision to name the unit water tank gauge and then have holding tank buttons. Not that it matters but definitely leads to operation confusion.

Hi midnightsun
Thanks for the information and your reply and yes I agree with you - it definitely leads to operator confusion, operators like me! Lol

Thanks again
Mark

[markalexander]

Hello!

Quick update

I found another photo that I'm very sure shows the holding tank sensor/sending unit

I still don't know if I will be able to access from that "box" in the utility room or from the floor above somehow or some other method. At least I've now located it and will be able to troubleshoot more effectively.

I will post an update once we get the boat back in the water in the spring.

Thanks again for all your help
Mark

holding tank sensor.jpg

[Wsullivan71]

I'm with Bud37. Try the easiest fix first. I had the same issue. So I put some liquid dishwasher detergent in the tank and filled it 3/4 of the way with water. Took the boat out for a ride and swished the water around. Pumped it out and voila, the gauge read empty.

[markalexander]

Source of the post I'm with Bud37. Try the easiest fix first. I had the same issue. So I put some liquid dishwasher detergent in the tank and filled it 3/4 of the way with water. Took the boat out for a ride and swished the water around. Pumped it out and voila, the gauge read empty.

Hello Wsullivan71
Thank you for your comment
I'll give this a try too, as you say, path of least resistance
I'll keep you poated
Mark

[markalexander]

Good morning,

We just brought the boat from Midland/Port Severn through the Trent Severn Waterway to Lake Ontario and back to Port Credit.

We definitely have only 1 holding tank and although the gauge on the right shows 2 holding tank buttons, only the button on the right functions. Nothing happens no matter how hard (or frequently - what's the definition of insanity! lol ) you press the button labelled Holding Tank on the left.

You would think after 40+ hours on the boat I could resolve this issue, but not yet, most of my time was focussed on navigating the waterway! lol

The holding tank gauge shows 3/4 full or full (I'm assuming that if the lights are lit at 3/4 that means it's 3/4 full and if all lights are lit that means it's full), whether it is completely empty or half full or full - I know approximately the level in the tank by shining a flashlight through the tank.

Now that we are back to our home port I will trouble shoot this more and report back.

I realize this post doesn't say much, but I notice in many forums (esp. marine) there are many posts on a particular subject and people try and offer help and assistance and the author never reports back on the final outcome....not me, I'll keep posting and let you know the outcome as it may assist someone with a similar issue, someday!

Thanks!
Mark

[markalexander]

Source of the post

Source of the post I'm with Bud37. Try the easiest fix first. I had the same issue. So I put some liquid dishwasher detergent in the tank and filled it 3/4 of the way with water. Took the boat out for a ride and swished the water around. Pumped it out and voila, the gauge read empty.

Hello Wsullivan71
Thank you for your comment
I'll give this a try too, as you say, path of least resistance
I'll keep you posted
Mark

Update November 26, 2024

I tried this in July and it didn't work. I've yet to remove that sending unit, so difficult to get at.

My water gauge is the same type gauge and it didn't work either. I removed it from the tank and cleaned the gauge as best as I could. There was also a buildup of gunk and sand/silty material around the gauge and throughout the tank, which I vacuumed up as best as I could. When I installed the gauge and refilled the tank it now works. I suspect that once I clean the holding tank gauge that may begin working again too!

I'll post as soon as I remove and clean the holding tank gauge.

This photo attached are of inside my water tank and the gunk at the bottom, especially near the gauge inlet as well as the gauge model. You can just make out the standpipe for the gauge in the lower right corner of the photo. Although there is all that sediment at the bottom of this water tank (I have 2 water tanks and the other sediment was similar - only the starboard water tank has a gauge as they are connected to each other) the water was crystal clear in the tank and never had any smell or sediment, so maybe this sediment was put in the tank a long time ago and has just sat there for some time, not sure. I'll check again next year and see if any sediment has built up again in either water tank.

I edited and added this: just in case anyone else has to remove their gauge for cleaning, I had to cut the two wires leading to the gauge because it required about 8 to 10 full turns to remove it. Not a big deal, but just mentioning this fact.

Thanks
Mark

[markalexander]

Source of the post Here is some literature...
https://pdf.nauticexpo.com/pdf/fireboy-xintex/liquid-level-monitoring-system/21916-13512.html

Thanks Viper, I just noticed in this link that you provided about recalibration in the field and may attempt to recalibrate once I remove the sensor in the spring
Thank you again for your help with this
Mark