[Larry]

Hey Al,

My kids chose the name. They think the quirky paint has a deep sea creature look to it and the squared-off shape and the dots remind them of the popular cartoon character SpongeBob SquarePants, who happens to live under the Sea. (I’m sure you know the series). The name stuck! LOL!

I like your poll idea. Let me put something together and I’ll run it by you!

[Larry]

You did not answer the critical question. When you note the toilet has no water is the coach water system pressurized. More pointedly, if you turn off the pump will the system hold pressure indefinitely?

That is the clue to your problem.

If you flush a Headhunter and look into it while it is flushing you will see a large jet of water spraying beneath the water, toward the drain. As its flow continues it literally draws the contents of the bowl out because it has created a low pressure area and is “pushing” the bowl contents toward the drain piping.

Then when the flushing stops the water level in the bowl is restored.

The reason that is happening is because the toilet has a flush valve that when operated opens and allows a large water flow until it closes. When it closes water pressure on the inlet side holds the seal preventing water flow. I am oversimplifying but at this point the important thing to know is the valve works as intended when it flushes and runs water for a sufficient amount of time, and then closes off the water flow.

But if your water system pressure goes down to zero it is possible water will backflow from the toilet through the flush valve in the opposite direction. In a system set up the way Headhunter intended there will be a large check valve ahead of the flush valve (between the holding tank and the flush valve) that only allows water to flow into the flush valve, but not out of it toward the holding tank.

If you are getting a sense your toilet has drained into the water holding tank, you are correct. That is where it has gone. If you don’t have a check valve get one. If you do have a check valve, replace it because it is likely leaking.

I will stand by my theory on this unless you tell me the toilet contents are draining while the water system is pressurized.

In the meantime, don’t ingest any water in your coach that has come from the coach water system.

As an editorial opinion, the Headhunter designed water system would be so illegal in every state in the nation and in every plumbing code I wonder how it is allowed in our coaches. There is a direct connection as designed between the waste side of the plumbing system and the fresh water supply. A check valve, even one that had an infinite life span and would never fail would still never be allowed as a substitute for an air gap between fresh water and waste water. But I have the same system and I watch it like a hawk to insure I am not getting back flow.

[Larry]

Is the toilet a Headhunter?

If it is a Headhunter are you maintaining pressure in the coach water system?

If it is really a Headhunter the inflow is at the bottom of the toilet in line with the drain line. For water to drain from it if the water system is pressurized there has to be a leak between the flush valve and the toilet.

If on the other hand the water pump is turned “off” and the house water system has no pressure it is possible it is backflowing through the flush valve.

[Larry]

I’m in.

[Larry]

Made resevations a couple of week ago. Count us in for the Cowboy Museum, too.

Jean said to add us to list for the chilli contest. She told me that she has a bunch of recipies she will try out before we come. I might be tired of chilli before the end of September.

We are really looking forward to this rally. I can’t wait to get the old girl (the bus- not Jean) back on the road.

[Larry]

Thanks, Jon. I will check the outlet after work today! I didn’t think of that while I was scratching my head and looking at wiring diagrams yesterday!

[Larry]

Hmmm, I wonder what the “H” is happening with Al and Mary Ellen? They haven’t asked to rent their old XLII for the OKC no-rally rally……..

[Larry]

Was not aware of all stated in the above posts. Apologize if my advice steered you wrong. Good luck and as always, I continue to learn more on PC.

Hope everything gets rolling soon.

[Larry]

Corey, that explains a lot. Cat engine = 12v. starter. I replaced a few of those on logging equipment in a former life. Trying to start at -15 was hard on them I guess. Was that the C-13 or C-15 in the Vogue?

I had a C-9 400hp in a plastic coach and found it to be really reliable and easy to service. After Detroits, I never could get used to the Cat’s long cranking time while it built oil pressure before starting, though. I love the instant start now that I’m back in the Detroit Diesel club.

[Larry]

Jon, you mean vindshield ?

[Larry]

Dick,

That is certainly something to consider and I will definitely be dropping in for a chat with Jeff when I start my search ‘on the ground’ so to speak.

After reading your sig I was just about to comment, ‘his and hers’ coaches, how flash. Then I realised, one is the chassis and the other the coach itself. Doh!

Thanks for the suggestion.

[Larry]

Post those ideas please, Mark. We are about to update ours and I’d like to get as many ideas as possible.

[Larry]

Well, this is what I like about this forum. I called myself looking for exhaust leaks last year and again this week and did not see anything, the silver on the sides of the engine looked clean.

Then after reading the replies I felt sure my boost was low and pretty sure we must have a leak somewhere.

Sure enough, I had to climb under the engine compartment and there along the passenger manifold was lots of black soot but it was on the step of the block preventing it’s detection from above looking in from over the batteries.

Two of the studs came out and I had coolant everywhere. Found a couple of 7/16″ bolts to screw in while I removed the stuck nuts from the studs and resealed them.

Now I am resurfacing the manifold to remove the deep pitting.

Can’t wait to reassemble and see what the boost looks like.

Thanks very much for all the replies,,,, definately poked me in the right direction even though I thought I had done a thorough job before, the reassurance of what the boost should be and the probable cause inticed me to look again.

[Larry]

thanks Tom for the recommendation. Went with the wash, wax and detail. Andrew did a great job.

I think red is going to upgrade his wash after serng the results on our 16 year old coach.

[Larry]

Al, the Centramatics go on tomorrow if all goes as planned. I will keep you posted on how they are doing!