Help needed by new 2008 2900 SE Owner with Electrical Power

[Phillbo]

Yes the piece that moves when you step on the pedal is what I call the ball valve (may not be the correct terminology but it works for me ).....

You should be able to buy the rebuild kit on line. DO you have a Vacu Flush head? I assume yes since that is what my SE has.

[Phillbo]

Scroll down to the Product Description section for a list of models this seal fits to make sure yours is included. Also instructions on how to change it out:

https://www.amazon.com/385311462-385...7421317&sr=8-3


I'm still assuming you have a VacuFlush head.......

[Phillbo]

Also fill the bowl with a bucket full of water or by lifting the pedal and see if the pump stops running while the water is in the bowl if not see if you can visually see the water leaking down... the seal may be so bad that even with water in the bowl the pump can not build pressure.

[Patrick Bodkin]

Yes, thank you for all the information. Yes it has a Vacuflush head.

[Phillbo]

No problem... Have you figured out your battery issues?

You mentioned that when turned on your Stbd starting battery that the vacuun pump came on. That does not sound right to me. I would think it should be wired to the house battery. Do you have a house battery (s)?

The pump is what is draining your starting battery if you leave it on overnight.

[Patrick Bodkin]

No, which is kind of ironic as that was the primary focus on my posting. I'm waiting to hear back from my Marine Surveyor on this matter, but I remain very puzzled about the "loss" of 12-volt service on the boat when I line up the switches in the manner recommended by the previous owner.

[Phillbo]

Sounds like everything is wired to your starting batteries.... thats strange.

How many batteries do you have total? I would assume ( I know) one starting batt for each engine an at least one house battery. 3 minimum.

Do you have a separate battery switch elsewhere other than the 3 in the pictures you posted? Maybe a dedicated house battery switch?

Let us know what the surveyor has to say.

[Patrick Bodkin]

Phillbo, you nailed your diagnosis on the vac head problem. There were actually two (2) issues that the Marina Mechanical was able to determine. The 1st was the need to replace the gasket on the head, which was done this afternoon. However, this did not totally solve the problem, as he uncovered a bad switch on the vacuum generator that would not turn off despite the 100% complete seal on the head. We've gone ahead and ordered a replacement switch for the vac generator to avoid 24/7 cycling of the unit. In the meantime, we'll be activating the vac system manually by reconnecting the power supply on an as needed basis rather than letting it run continuously.

Thanks again for your insight and help.

[Phillbo]

Glad it worked out but I still don't think that pump should be powered by the starting battery ... If it is...You may have a house batt on the same switch. You need to nail down your power profile...