Wanderlodge Gurus - The Member Funded Wanderlodge Forum

OK, new topic: What can folks tell me about the probes on the waste tank?

My LED gauge appears to have two conditions: 1 it reads smack-on correct, or 2
it reads empty.

Having seen only the first in my early experience, and having past SOB
experience where an empty tank would gradually read full, only showing true
empty if it was severely flushed, I was pretty happy.

Unfortunately on this trip the 2nd condition has been the norm. What I've found
is that all, or most all, of the screw pairs are loose, and will not tighten.
Some signs of leakage around some of them.

If I pull screws out, what will I find (besides the obvious in a waste tank)? is
it possible that I could fill the holes with epoxy and drill/retap, or anything
similar? Anybody run into the problem and have a fix?

I didn't see any response from this, posted May 9th. Today I flushed the waste
tank very thoroughly and removed a couple of the level-sensing screws.

What I found was that they are inserted into a specialized rubber grommet, which
has a captive nut on the inside, and when you tighten it swells up to seal the
connection. The two I removed were in bad shape, typical for 17-year-old rubber
exposed to wastewater, I suspect.

Earl says he has them in stock at $1.08 apiece, so I ordered 16 to do both black
and grey tanks.

Don Bradner
90 PT40 "Blue Thunder"
Eureka, CA

On 5/9/2007 at 8:58 PM Don Bradner wrote:

>OK, new topic: What can folks tell me about the probes on the waste tank?
>
>My LED gauge appears to have two conditions: 1 it reads smack-on correct,
>or 2 it reads empty.
>
>Having seen only the first in my early experience, and having past SOB
>experience where an empty tank would gradually read full, only showing
>true empty if it was severely flushed, I was pretty happy.
>
>Unfortunately on this trip the 2nd condition has been the norm. What I've
>found is that all, or most all, of the screw pairs are loose, and will not
>tighten. Some signs of leakage around some of them.
>
>If I pull screws out, what will I find (besides the obvious in a waste
>tank)? is it possible that I could fill the holes with epoxy and
>drill/retap, or anything similar? Anybody run into the problem and have a
>fix?

Don,

Where are the sensors located. I've been trying to locate mine but
haven't been successful. Do you need to remove some panels to
get to them?

Thanks,
David Brady
'02 LXi, Smokey
NC

Don Bradner wrote:
>
> I didn't see any response from this, posted May 9th. Today I flushed
> the waste tank very thoroughly and removed a couple of the
> level-sensing screws.
>
> What I found was that they are inserted into a specialized rubber
> grommet, which has a captive nut on the inside, and when you tighten
> it swells up to seal the connection. The two I removed were in bad
> shape, typical for 17-year-old rubber exposed to wastewater, I suspect.
>
> Earl says he has them in stock at $1.08 apiece, so I ordered 16 to do
> both black and grey tanks.
>
> Don Bradner
> 90 PT40 "Blue Thunder"
> Eureka, CA
>
> On 5/9/2007 at 8:58 PM Don Bradner wrote:
>
> >OK, new topic: What can folks tell me about the probes on the waste tank?
> >
> >My LED gauge appears to have two conditions: 1 it reads smack-on correct,
> >or 2 it reads empty.
> >
> >Having seen only the first in my early experience, and having past SOB
> >experience where an empty tank would gradually read full, only showing
> >true empty if it was severely flushed, I was pretty happy.
> >
> >Unfortunately on this trip the 2nd condition has been the norm. What I've
> >found is that all, or most all, of the screw pairs are loose, and
> will not
> >tighten. Some signs of leakage around some of them.
> >
> >If I pull screws out, what will I find (besides the obvious in a waste
> >tank)? is it possible that I could fill the holes with epoxy and
> >drill/retap, or anything similar? Anybody run into the problem and have a
> >fix?
>
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> No virus found in this incoming message.
> Checked by AVG Free Edition.
> Version: 7.5.472 / Virus Database: 269.8.9/832 - Release Date: 6/4/2007 6:43
PM
>



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Mine is the same year. So it takes 2 grommets per sensor? I think I have 4
sensors on each tank. What did the sensor itself look like, condition etc?

Leroy Eckert
1990WB-40"Smoke N Mirrors"
Niceville, FL
----- Original Message -----
From: Don Bradner
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Tuesday, June 05, 2007 2:57 PM
Subject: Re: [WanderlodgeForum] Tank level probes


I didn't see any response from this, posted May 9th. Today I flushed the waste
tank very thoroughly and removed a couple of the level-sensing screws.

What I found was that they are inserted into a specialized rubber grommet,
which has a captive nut on the inside, and when you tighten it swells up to seal
the connection. The two I removed were in bad shape, typical for 17-year-old
rubber exposed to wastewater, I suspect.

Earl says he has them in stock at $1.08 apiece, so I ordered 16 to do both
black and grey tanks.

Don Bradner
90 PT40 "Blue Thunder"
Eureka, CA

On 5/9/2007 at 8:58 PM Don Bradner wrote:

>OK, new topic: What can folks tell me about the probes on the waste tank?
>
>My LED gauge appears to have two conditions: 1 it reads smack-on correct,
>or 2 it reads empty.
>
>Having seen only the first in my early experience, and having past SOB
>experience where an empty tank would gradually read full, only showing
>true empty if it was severely flushed, I was pretty happy.
>
>Unfortunately on this trip the 2nd condition has been the norm. What I've
>found is that all, or most all, of the screw pairs are loose, and will not
>tighten. Some signs of leakage around some of them.
>
>If I pull screws out, what will I find (besides the obvious in a waste
>tank)? is it possible that I could fill the holes with epoxy and
>drill/retap, or anything similar? Anybody run into the problem and have a
>fix?





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

(Hopefully this answers David Brady's question, although I would not be
surprised if it was completely different in '02)

The "sensors" are the stainless machine screws themselves. They are installed in
pairs, so one grommet per screw, two per "sensor."

The screws were in good shape. The two I started with were the "Full" sensors,
so I may find things worse when I get to the 1/4 ones near the bottom. If so,
there is nothing odd about them and any well-stocked hardware store should be
able to supply them. I was surprised to find that the captive nuts are brass.

At this point it occurred to me that pictures would help:
http://www.arcatapet.net/travel/images/9...ensors.jpg
http://www.arcatapet.net/travel/images/9...ensors.jpg

Don Bradner
90 PT40 "Blue Thunder"
Eureka, CA


On 6/5/2007 at 3:17 PM Leroy Eckert wrote:

>Mine is the same year. So it takes 2 grommets per sensor? I think I have
>4 sensors on each tank. What did the sensor itself look like, condition
>etc?
>
>Leroy Eckert
>1990WB-40"Smoke N Mirrors"
>Niceville, FL
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Don Bradner
> To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Tuesday, June 05, 2007 2:57 PM
> Subject: Re: [WanderlodgeForum] Tank level probes
>
>
> I didn't see any response from this, posted May 9th. Today I flushed the
>waste tank very thoroughly and removed a couple of the level-sensing
>screws.
>
> What I found was that they are inserted into a specialized rubber
>grommet, which has a captive nut on the inside, and when you tighten it
>swells up to seal the connection. The two I removed were in bad shape,
>typical for 17-year-old rubber exposed to wastewater, I suspect.
>
> Earl says he has them in stock at $1.08 apiece, so I ordered 16 to do
>both black and grey tanks.
>
> Don Bradner
> 90 PT40 "Blue Thunder"
> Eureka, CA
>
> On 5/9/2007 at 8:58 PM Don Bradner wrote:
>
> >OK, new topic: What can folks tell me about the probes on the waste
>tank?
> >
> >My LED gauge appears to have two conditions: 1 it reads smack-on
>correct,
> >or 2 it reads empty.
> >
> >Having seen only the first in my early experience, and having past SOB
> >experience where an empty tank would gradually read full, only showing
> >true empty if it was severely flushed, I was pretty happy.
> >
> >Unfortunately on this trip the 2nd condition has been the norm. What
>I've
> >found is that all, or most all, of the screw pairs are loose, and will
>not
> >tighten. Some signs of leakage around some of them.
> >
> >If I pull screws out, what will I find (besides the obvious in a waste
> >tank)? is it possible that I could fill the holes with epoxy and
> >drill/retap, or anything similar? Anybody run into the problem and have
>a
> >fix?
>
>
>
>
>
>[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
>
>Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>

Thanks for the photos Don,

I see a small bit of your painted body work on your photo. This
gives me some perspective as to where your tank/sensors are
located. On my LXi I don't have anywhere near that kind of access
to my black/grey tanks. The tanks on my bus are mounted inboard,
close to the center of the frame rails surrounded by the fresh water
tank (on the curb side) and the outdoor faucet and water inlet panel
on the driver side. No wander I've never been able to clean my
sensors. Seems some disassembly is required.

David Brady
'02 LXi, Smokey
NC

Don Bradner wrote:
>
> (Hopefully this answers David Brady's question, although I would not
> be surprised if it was completely different in '02)
>
> The "sensors" are the stainless machine screws themselves. They are
> installed in pairs, so one grommet per screw, two per "sensor."
>
> The screws were in good shape. The two I started with were the "Full"
> sensors, so I may find things worse when I get to the 1/4 ones near
> the bottom. If so, there is nothing odd about them and any
> well-stocked hardware store should be able to supply them. I was
> surprised to find that the captive nuts are brass.
>
> At this point it occurred to me that pictures would help:
> http://www.arcatapet.net/travel/images/9...ensors.jpg
> <http://www.arcatapet.net/travel/images/9...ensors.jpg>
> http://www.arcatapet.net/travel/images/9...ensors.jpg
> <http://www.arcatapet.net/travel/images/9...ensors.jpg>
>
> Don Bradner
> 90 PT40 "Blue Thunder"
> Eureka, CA
>
> On 6/5/2007 at 3:17 PM Leroy Eckert wrote:
>
> >Mine is the same year. So it takes 2 grommets per sensor? I think I have
> >4 sensors on each tank. What did the sensor itself look like, condition
> >etc?
> >
> >Leroy Eckert
> >1990WB-40"Smoke N Mirrors"
> >Niceville, FL
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: Don Bradner
> > To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
>
> > Sent: Tuesday, June 05, 2007 2:57 PM
> > Subject: Re: [WanderlodgeForum] Tank level probes
> >
> >
> > I didn't see any response from this, posted May 9th. Today I flushed the
> >waste tank very thoroughly and removed a couple of the level-sensing
> >screws.
> >
> > What I found was that they are inserted into a specialized rubber
> >grommet, which has a captive nut on the inside, and when you tighten it
> >swells up to seal the connection. The two I removed were in bad shape,
> >typical for 17-year-old rubber exposed to wastewater, I suspect.
> >
> > Earl says he has them in stock at $1.08 apiece, so I ordered 16 to do
> >both black and grey tanks.
> >
> > Don Bradner
> > 90 PT40 "Blue Thunder"
> > Eureka, CA
> >
> > On 5/9/2007 at 8:58 PM Don Bradner wrote:
> >
> > >OK, new topic: What can folks tell me about the probes on the waste
> >tank?
> > >
> > >My LED gauge appears to have two conditions: 1 it reads smack-on
> >correct,
> > >or 2 it reads empty.
> > >
> > >Having seen only the first in my early experience, and having past SOB
> > >experience where an empty tank would gradually read full, only showing
> > >true empty if it was severely flushed, I was pretty happy.
> > >
> > >Unfortunately on this trip the 2nd condition has been the norm. What
> >I've
> > >found is that all, or most all, of the screw pairs are loose, and will
> >not
> > >tighten. Some signs of leakage around some of them.
> > >
> > >If I pull screws out, what will I find (besides the obvious in a waste
> > >tank)? is it possible that I could fill the holes with epoxy and
> > >drill/retap, or anything similar? Anybody run into the problem and have
> >a
> > >fix?
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >Yahoo! Groups Links
> >
> >
> >
>
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> No virus found in this incoming message.
> Checked by AVG Free Edition.
> Version: 7.5.472 / Virus Database: 269.8.9/832 - Release Date: 6/4/2007 6:43
PM
>



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I'm not surprised that they are different. On mine, the tanks are "saddle"
tanks, mounted just forward of the drivers. The black tank is on the street
side, and the grey is on the curb side. Water tank is above the floor, under the
bed.

Don Bradner
90 PT40 "Blue Thunder"
Eureka, CA

On 6/5/2007 at 5:18 PM David Brady wrote:

>Thanks for the photos Don,
>
>I see a small bit of your painted body work on your photo. This
>gives me some perspective as to where your tank/sensors are
>located. On my LXi I don't have anywhere near that kind of access
>to my black/grey tanks. The tanks on my bus are mounted inboard,
>close to the center of the frame rails surrounded by the fresh water
>tank (on the curb side) and the outdoor faucet and water inlet panel
>on the driver side. No wander I've never been able to clean my
>sensors. Seems some disassembly is required.

So the screw itself makes contact with the fluid inside the tank and completes
the circuit to light the light on the panel? Would this be the same on an '83?



Don Bradner wrote:
(Hopefully this answers David Brady's question, although I would not
be surprised if it was completely different in '02)

The "sensors" are the stainless machine screws themselves. They are installed in
pairs, so one grommet per screw, two per "sensor."

The screws were in good shape. The two I started with were the "Full" sensors,
so I may find things worse when I get to the 1/4 ones near the bottom. If so,
there is nothing odd about them and any well-stocked hardware store should be
able to supply them. I was surprised to find that the captive nuts are brass.

At this point it occurred to me that pictures would help:
http://www.arcatapet.net/travel/images/9...ensors.jpg
http://www.arcatapet.net/travel/images/9...ensors.jpg

Don Bradner
90 PT40 "Blue Thunder"
Eureka, CA

On 6/5/2007 at 3:17 PM Leroy Eckert wrote:

>Mine is the same year. So it takes 2 grommets per sensor? I think I have
>4 sensors on each tank. What did the sensor itself look like, condition
>etc?
>
>Leroy Eckert
>1990WB-40"Smoke N Mirrors"
>Niceville, FL
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Don Bradner
> To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Tuesday, June 05, 2007 2:57 PM
> Subject: Re: [WanderlodgeForum] Tank level probes
>
>
> I didn't see any response from this, posted May 9th. Today I flushed the
>waste tank very thoroughly and removed a couple of the level-sensing
>screws.
>
> What I found was that they are inserted into a specialized rubber
>grommet, which has a captive nut on the inside, and when you tighten it
>swells up to seal the connection. The two I removed were in bad shape,
>typical for 17-year-old rubber exposed to wastewater, I suspect.
>
> Earl says he has them in stock at $1.08 apiece, so I ordered 16 to do
>both black and grey tanks.
>
> Don Bradner
> 90 PT40 "Blue Thunder"
> Eureka, CA
>
> On 5/9/2007 at 8:58 PM Don Bradner wrote:
>
> >OK, new topic: What can folks tell me about the probes on the waste
>tank?
> >
> >My LED gauge appears to have two conditions: 1 it reads smack-on
>correct,
> >or 2 it reads empty.
> >
> >Having seen only the first in my early experience, and having past SOB
> >experience where an empty tank would gradually read full, only showing
> >true empty if it was severely flushed, I was pretty happy.
> >
> >Unfortunately on this trip the 2nd condition has been the norm. What
>I've
> >found is that all, or most all, of the screw pairs are loose, and will
>not
> >tighten. Some signs of leakage around some of them.
> >
> >If I pull screws out, what will I find (besides the obvious in a waste
> >tank)? is it possible that I could fill the holes with epoxy and
> >drill/retap, or anything similar? Anybody run into the problem and have
>a
> >fix?
>
>
>
>
>
>[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
>
>Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>






Dru and Debora
Corpus Christi, TX
1983 FC 35 RB

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Fluid creates conductivity between the pair of screws, yes. I do not know what
was used on any other model, but I suspect that's a common level sensor
arrangement.

Don Bradner
90 PT40 "Blue Thunder"
Eureka, CA

On 6/6/2007 at 12:56 PM dru penland wrote:

>So the screw itself makes contact with the fluid inside the tank and
>completes the circuit to light the light on the panel? Would this be the
>same on an '83?

On my 86 the only level sensor to go bad so far is the windshield wiper fluid
bottle. The low fluid light stayed lit on the dash. Look on the side of the
bottle and you will see two screws one of my screws had deteriorated at the
screw head. Replaced the screw and now it works fine
Howard Truitt
Camilla, Ga.
86 PT40


> From: "Don Bradner"
> Date: 2007/06/06 Wed PM 04:43:50 EDT
> To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: Re: [WanderlodgeForum] Tank level probes
>
> Fluid creates conductivity between the pair of screws, yes. I do not know what
was used on any other model, but I suspect that's a common level sensor
arrangement.
>
> Don Bradner
> 90 PT40 "Blue Thunder"
> Eureka, CA
>
> On 6/6/2007 at 12:56 PM dru penland wrote:
>
> >So the screw itself makes contact with the fluid inside the tank and
> >completes the circuit to light the light on the panel? Would this be the
> >same on an '83?
>
>
>
>