Difficulty pumping out

Nick70

Nick70

Active Member
Apr 20, 2016
206
New England
Boat Info
2006 Searay 260 DA 496 mag
RAYMARINE stuff.
Engines
496 Magnum
Bravo III
Lately two out of three Pumpout stations are not able to pump out my tank.
The one that can, is still surging..not a steady strong flow.
The most recent attempt, I was able to be in the bilge while a dock hand was pumping it out and I could hear a slight hissing sound. I wonder if one of the fittings could be loose, thereby not allowing the normal suction? The filter fittings were a bit loose and I tightened them but no noticeable difference.
Any ideas appreciated.
 
Your tank should have a vent line. Make sure thats not clogged, otherwise the pump-out tries to suck/vacuum, and the tank starts to collapse inward on itself - and nothing (or not much) comes out. The output hose itself could also be clogged, but that would be rare.

Is this your first time pumping out? or is this a new problem?
 
Yup, most likely cause is a clogged vent system (hull fitting, hose, filter). Remove the filter and try again.
 
markrsimon said:
Your tank should have a vent line. Make sure thats not clogged, otherwise the pump-out tries to suck/vacuum, and the tank starts to collapse inward on itself - and nothing (or not much) comes out. The output hose itself could also be clogged, but that would be rare.

Is this your first time pumping out? or is this a new problem?
Click to expand...
Had the over two years..pumped out many times no issues.
I’ll try disconnecting the vent filter..thanks!
 
Now... one thing to keep in mind... if the filter has gotten clogged (possibly from a tank being overfilled, or maybe just over time)... be ready for possible leakage from the filter!
 
Don't most tanks have the "Tank Saver" installed? The fitting with the foam filter in it. If it has one, would this not allow it to vent even if the filter/line were clogged?

Bennett
 
bbwhitejr said:
Don't most tanks have the "Tank Saver" installed? The fitting with the foam filter in it. If it has one, would this not allow it to vent even if the filter/line were clogged?

Bennett
Click to expand...
In his model year, maybe/maybe not. Not all tanks had them and I don't recall, offhand, when they started being used - but it was probably close to his model year, give or take. It's also possible that they didn't start being used on the smaller boats as soon as with the bigger ones and/or it could depend on which plant the boat was built in, too.

But that's a good thing to check/be aware of, Bennett. Did your '06 have one? Actually, it might be less messy, if he has one (and maybe it's got it's own issue), to pop that out instead of the filter. Either way, if there's still a problem after positively venting the tank, the vent issue is not the problem and he can look to other areas... such as a crack in the pickup tube/etc.

Nick, what Bennett is referring to is a stand-a-lone fitting on top of the tank that has a piece of foam in it.
 
Lazy Daze said:
In his model year, maybe/maybe not. Not all tanks had them and I don't recall, offhand, when they started being used - but it was probably close to his model year, give or take. It's also possible that they didn't start being used on the smaller boats as soon as with the bigger ones and/or it could depend on which plant the boat was built in, too.

But that's a good thing to check/be aware of, Bennett. Did your '06 have one? Actually, it might be less messy, if he has one (and maybe it's got it's own issue), to pop that out instead of the filter. Either way, if there's still a problem after positively venting the tank, the vent issue is not the problem and he can look to other areas... such as a crack in the pickup tube/etc.

Nick, what Bennett is referring to is a stand-a-lone fitting on top of the tank that has a piece of foam in it.
Click to expand...

Yes, my '06 260 DA had it as well as the DB and the current 420 DA....

If I am correct, it actually keeps the tank from collapsing if the vent were plugged. Another way to check is to hold the ball open in the bottom of the toilet with the pump out going. If it will not pump out then, something is clogged.....

Bennett
 
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