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checking and cleaning black water tank sensors

Posted: February 10th, 2020, 11:29 am
by Cliffm
Our 2006 Carver 36 MY was equipped Tank watch 4 system for both tanks. They were not reading correctly, we we wanted to remove and troubleshoot.

This turned out to be extremely difficult as the sending units hadn't ever been removed since new (14yrs ago). Access and room to move was limted

I bought a gas tank fuel pump remover tool ($20 Amazon) to span the sender access tabs in order to un-screw. This allowed the use of a 26" torque wrench, as a 6", then then 16" ratchet did not provide adequate torque leverage to spin loose.

Once removed, it was apparent deposits had fouled the sensor movements. Cleaning and re-installation then had us functioning on all levels. This time I had tightened the sender, to lesson the brute force required for the next cleaning.

The use of the adjustable OEM TOOLS Fuel Pump Spanner Wrench Part number 25156 made it easy to apply ratchet w/various length extensions for the DIY's out there.

Re: checking and cleaning black water tank sensors

Posted: February 10th, 2020, 2:27 pm
by Tireless
I am sure that a lot of boaters experience inaccurate readings with their waist tank sending units. A lot just leave them because it is a shitty job. I tip my hat to you for having the initiative to after the issue. I probably need to clean mine as well, as you have shammed me into it. :approve:

Greg

Re: checking and cleaning black water tank sensors

Posted: February 10th, 2020, 2:29 pm
by g36
While your there it would be smart to add some disconnects on the sensor wires. If it's like mine there were none and taking the cap off your twisting up the wires. You can bet that there will be another time you'll be back cleaning them again.

Re: checking and cleaning black water tank sensors

Posted: February 10th, 2020, 3:06 pm
by Cliffm
g36 wrote:Source of the post While your there it would be smart to add some disconnects on the sensor wires. If it's like mine there were none and taking the cap off your twisting up the wires. You can bet that there will be another time you'll be back cleaning them again.


Carver had wired in a "one way" quick disconnect plug for the senders, both of our tanks had them, about 1 meter away from the senders, had to cut tie wraps to pull towards me to access.

We disconnected them, before we un-screwed them! yes, i'm getting wiser with age!

Re: checking and cleaning black water tank sensors

Posted: February 10th, 2020, 3:11 pm
by Cliffm
Tireless wrote:Source of the post I am sure that a lot of boaters experience inaccurate readings with their waist tank sending units. A lot just leave them because it is a shitty job. I tip my hat to you for having the initiative to after the issue. I probably need to clean mine as well, as you have shammed me into it. :approve:

Greg

We were all for doing that, but then ran into a vendor at Seattle boat show who would sell us complete sender for $129USD each, so I figured I was just going to replace ours, but after removing and seeing the "junk build up" I figured I could take a $260USD gamble and see if we could get them working? We did...

Re: checking and cleaning black water tank sensors

Posted: February 10th, 2020, 3:13 pm
by Cliffm
Tireless wrote:Source of the post I am sure that a lot of boaters experience inaccurate readings with their waist tank sending units. A lot just leave them because it is a shitty job. I tip my hat to you for having the initiative to after the issue. I probably need to clean mine as well, as you have shammed me into it. :approve:

Greg


That gas tank pump removal tool is the key! I tried twice with giant pair of channel locks and a crescent wrench, no room for leverage.

Re: checking and cleaning black water tank sensors

Posted: February 15th, 2020, 12:41 pm
by Sailor Jerry
Thank you for sharing. I would not have thought of the gas tank removal tool.

Re: checking and cleaning black water tank sensors

Posted: February 16th, 2020, 6:13 pm
by mjk1040
FYI! Now that u have them working, may I suggest a good tank additive? We have been using Happy Camper additive and Happy Camper Cleaner. Sensors started working good again after a couple months use of these 2 products. Now a Happy Boater using Happy Camper!

Re: checking and cleaning black water tank sensors

Posted: February 21st, 2020, 10:05 pm
by Cliffm
mjk1040 wrote:Source of the post FYI! Now that u have them working, may I suggest a good tank additive? We have been using Happy Camper additive and Happy Camper Cleaner. Sensors started working good again after a couple months use of these 2 products. Now a Happy Boater using Happy Camper!


We are using "forget about it" purchased at boat show, used in RVs as well. Well see how it does.