Vacuflush Toilet Bellows Replacement

After discovering a terrible smell on our boat ( • Sea Ray 400 Sedan Brid... ), I determined it was one our two Vacuflush toilet vacuum pumps. Seems that the bellows had cracked and was allowing raw sewage gasses to escape every time the pump was actuated.
This is only one in a series of multiple DIY type videos I have prepared while working on our toilet system. From end to end, I have repaired, serviced or replaced most of the the components from front to back - including the entire holding tank replacement. To see more helpful insights, have a look at this Playlist from my Channel; • Marine Head / Vacuflus...
Filmed in July, 2015.
Disclaimer: This video has been produced for informational purposes only and due to factors beyond my control, I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. I assume no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. It is recommended that employing safe practices when working on boats or with any tools seen or depicted in this video. Due to factors beyond my control, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these procedures, products, tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not myself or the Boogaboo Crew.
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[@larrygoshorn8884]

Thank you. My bellow is 22 years old just did the 8 year old duct bills. I have a new bellows and o ring. Will do a preventative replacement. Thank you for the videos.

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

Eight years old??? Man, they must have been like rocks ;-)

[@markjacobsen3860]

Did your O-rings fail or the bellows. I'm about to do the same project. I can certainly see why you would want to replace it while it was out.

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

In this instance, the bellows itself cracked. If you check out my 'How I Did It - Boat Repairs and Upgrades' playlist, you'll find that I've done seemingly endless repairs to our Vacuflush systems. The boat in this video (1997 Sea Ray 400 Sedan Bridge) was sold in 2016 and we moved back to a 330 Sundancer, then a 370 Dancer in 2022. Of course, they've all had (have) Vacuflush systems and I've had my hands in all of them 💩😜 Lots of videos, so I hope you'll check them out, including having to replace a new bellows that only lasted a few weeks after installing. The problem with them is that they are semi rigid plastic, and can be subject to fatigue. Oh well, a small price to pay for our love of boating 😁

[@joepepenyc]

Thanks. After watching your video, I was confident to do it myself.

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

Awesome!! So glad it helped you out!

[@garyskaggs877]

Thanks for the informative video. You once again have solved my Vacuflush headache!

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

I'm glad I was able to help out! If you get a chance, take a look at my Boating How-To/DIY playlist (kzbin.info/aero/PLKhjT5kr2l2GpE-r5PjPvMtaRygCEb_si) for more poopy projects ;-) I'll be posting lots more as we move forward with our new 330 Sundancer and will look forward to your comments. Cheers, Paul.

[@pacificNWboater]

Thank you for making this. I just completed the replacing of the bellows on our aft head. Man, it was TIGHT getting the unit back in place! Took about 20 minutes of finagling because the c-clamp just wouldn't slip back in to the base housing. Anyway, works fine now. Thanks again!

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

+pacificNWboater Glad it helped you out! I know what it's like messing about with the head systems in tight quarters - juts have a look my 'Boating How To' playlist (kzbin.info/aero/PLKhjT5kr2l2GpE-r5PjPvMtaRygCEb_si) to see all of the work I've done on our boat over the past couple of years, including the four part series on our poop tank replacement. Careful though, as I might have used some appropriately placed swear words throughout that effort ;-) Cheers, Paul.

[@berniegerbasio9532]

pacificNWboater @1

[@lloydnelson9135]

Great instructions

[@sbaakind88]

Thanks for the video! I just bought my first boat with a vacuflush toilet and it dont seem to build up any pressure.. it flushed the first time we used it! I hope its just the duck valves since it doesent smell anything in the boat, but i found the kit with the part number you showed in the video on ebay. Next question - are they all the same? looks identical to yours, only my pump sits on top of the tank. or how do i find the correct parts for my system? Greetings from Norway :)

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

Glad it helped! But just so you know, whatever you fix on the system, you're going to have to do more at some point 😂 Good news is that they are a pretty straightforward system and once you are familiar with how everything works, diagnosing and repairing different elements will be easy for you. As for parts and part numbers, I'd suggest contacting Dometic, as they took over the OEM manufacturers and now offer replacement parts for everything Vacuflush. As well, Dometic has bought out many marine parts companies and can supply - or direct you to - the parts you might need from toilets to air conditioners. When you get a chance, I'd suggest taking a look at my ever expanding projects I've completed on our past three boats, here; How I Did It - Boat Repairs & Upgrades: kzbin.info/aero/PLKhjT5kr2l2GpE-r5PjPvMtaRygCEb_si Hopefully you'll find more insights to help with your future repairs! Cheers and Happy Boating, Paul.

[@sbaakind88]

@@BoatingWithBoogaboo thanks! i will get in touch with them. Keep up the good videos!

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

@sbaakind88 You're welcome. Have fun with your new boat!

[@joshuabell8638]

Hi I don't see the link to the pressure switch adjustment I really appreciate it if you could help me out. On how to adjust or test

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

If the switch is acting up, best just to replace it. They're factory set and if the spring has gotten weak, it's time to replace.

[@Brandon-qr8zz]

Just did a full rebuild at 10yrs, losing vac due to the duckbills. Our bellows was covered in garbage, but still functional. (Seasonal boater)

[@ConstrianedVideo]

Thanks for taking the time to make this excellent how to videos. I found your site to understand how to repair a Vacuflush system on a 1977 Grand Bans Trawler. Often video of this type don't show important details, yours are great since you walk us through all the fasteners, O-rings etc. Well done. I subscribed to your channel for other boating tips!

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

Glad you found it informative, Dave! Hopefully, you'll have found my Vacuflush and DIY Playlists on my channel for even more poopy videos ;-) And thanks for the Sub. With your help, we are that much closer to surpassing the official Sea Ray Channel! Cheers, Paul.

[@GuppyLU164]

Hello Sir. I have a 96 330, exactly like your last BOOGABOO... My vacuflush pump runs nonstop when I put on the breaker, but it will also build ZERO vacuum. I ordered a new Bellow and duckbill kit as shown in your video. I'm thinking if it was a pressure switch issue, the pump would run continuously, but it WOULD actually build pressure. I'm thinking either something stuck in the duckbill, or maybe a hole in the old bellow? Thanks for any guidance, and for this video on the replacement!

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

Hi Michael, From my experience, it's either a bad duckbill valve - I had that issue last weekend and will be sharing a video when I get a chance. When replacing the duck bill valves, be sure to replace ALL four of them. It could also be a crack in the bellow - I've had happen on our 330 Dancer, as well as on our prior 400 Sedan Bridge. Finally, it might be something as simple as an obstruction in the poop line. Last year, just before our summer holidays, I replaced the pump, bellows, pressure switch and all of the duck bill valves on our current 370 Sundancer. Towards the end of our five week voyage we had the same situation as yourself, with the pump not shutting off. Turns out it was what looked like a baby wipe that had got stuck in the line immediately ahead of the vacuum accumulator tank. No, that wasn't from us and I'm guessing it had been lodged in the 💩 line (from a previous owner), but still letting waste and water through and found its way through to finally getting jammed! BTW, here's a video I produced back when we had our 400 Sedan Bridge, relating to what happens when one attempts to flush a baby wipe down a Vacuflush system; kzbin.info/www/bejne/hmWVZ6h5rdupq9U

[@GuppyLU164]

Thanks buddy.... Yep..... Already saw that video also! Will let you know in the next couple days what was found. Appreciate the help!!!

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

@michaelpescatore8539 If it's anything like our system, I know exactly what you're gonna find 💩😂

[@antoniodamado.9664]

Hello ! Where is the Accumulator Tank Vacuum Switchin a sea ray 400 sedan bridge year 1999? Thank you.

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

You only had to search my channel, as I have MANY videos on the Vacuflush system and more! Here's a video that should help you out; kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJalfGyGqrGGjKs

[@nathanjones3429]

I am rebuilding one of these. I can not get the bellow on the motor bracket with the oring in the top lip. When I pulled it off the o ring was actually on the lip of motor mount bracket. I greased it up but it will not slide on it keeps pushing the o ring down in the plunger.

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

Yes, they can be a bit of a pain. I've struggled with those o rings myself, but just a matter of trying. We're on our third boat with Vacuflush systems and they've all had their way with me 🤣

[@diannafabela3379]

Just replaced the bellow in Dometic system, all good until he last 15-20 seconds of flush cycle, loud hammering noise? What could it be?

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

My guess would be that the pump itself is worn/loose and no longer happy. Had that issue on on our last two boats.

[@joeschiller6615]

I have a question. How do I fix The shaft on the motor it’s wobbly is there a potion or a bearing person can put in there?

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

As I mentioned to you on Facebook, I wouldn't waste my time trying to look at fixing the shaft, but replacing the whole motor. That's gonna be the only viable long term solution.

[@MiguelGarcia-ut3fn]

Love your videos!, changed all 4 duckbills but pump continues to activate every 25 seconds or so. Vacuum is good, water does not go down the toilet for hours (seen water disappear only if I leave the boat powered off for days) ...could problem still be pressure switch?. I hear a quick gurgling sound in the pressure tank down in the bilge almost every time just before the pump activates again. I just ordered a bowl seal suspecting water is dripping down from the toilet....any ideas about where the problem is are appreciated!!!. Also, can't locate your video where you adjusted the setting of the pressure switch.

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

Hi Miguel, Sounds like you have a blockage in the line, most likely close to the pump. This past season, while on out on our summer cruise, I had a similar situation. Just before we initially headed out, I replaced the pump, bellows and all the duck bill valves, so it was a bit of a surprise that something might have failed so soon - but I've seen it before. So here we were, tied up alongside the lock in lovely Fenelon Falls and I'm down in the bilge, taking everything apart again. Yes, I always carry spare duck bills - to quote Foghorn Leghorn "for just such an emergency" 😆 Turns out that a prior owner/user had flushed one of those baby wipes and it was stuck immediately ahead of the vacuum pump 😠 No, I didn't see it there when I initially replaced the pump, so I'm guessing it was partially stuck somewhere upstream and had worked its way down... We had a similar situation on our 400 Sedan Bridge a number of years earlier, when our daughter mistakenly flushed one of those baby wipes after changing her baby's diaper... I'd look at that before you go much farther. As for the toilet seal, it shouldn't leak at all. If you're loosing even the smallest amount of water out of the bowl - even after many days or weeks - it's time to replace that. And buy a 2nd one for a spare. Much like the duck bills, those seals fail at the most unwelcome time. Finally, I removed the pressure switch adjusting video. Probably best not to play with that and just replace it altogether.

[@MiguelGarcia-ut3fn]

@@BoatingWithBoogaboo Appreciate the reply...!.. promise this is my last question: does the pressure switch in this video look to be working OK to you?...I don't see it moving back and forth but the electronics are triggering the vacuum pump every few seconds..maybe it became uncalibrated over time?....20+ years old : kzbin.info/www/bejne/h4vYcmCenq6lhdE ...tks!

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

Hard to tell, but those things shouldn't have a huge travel anyways. My best advice would be to replace it. After 20 years of use, the spring is probably getting fatigued, or the switch might be dying. Those things are set from the factory and it's recommended that they don't get tampered with, as there's potential of too much pressure and that could result in a catastrophic failure (explosion). Yes, those things are crazy expensive, but should last many years. I replaced them on our last two boats and never had any further issues. D'oh! I hope I didn't jinx anything, as that's the one component I haven't yet changed on our current Sea Ray 😜 Let me know how you make out!!

[@MiguelGarcia-ut3fn]

Circling back!….it was a small crack in the pressure tank at one of the bolt locations…I probably started it months earlier when tightening it too much…it just became worse with time. Besides changing all seals, etc I also changed the pressure switch/sensor and this alone doubled the time between cycles.

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

Glad you figured it out! Issues like this can be very frustrating - I know 😉

[@juliepost8533]

Great video as always. We replaced the head seal, duck bills, and now the bellows and still have the pump cycling like clockwork every 5mins. Thinking to replace the vacuum tank and remaining gaskets/seals. Any thoughts?

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

Sounds like the pressure switch. . .

[@juliepost8533]

@@BoatingWithBoogaboo Thanks, will give it a go.

[@donh971]

So....if you don't mind me asking. I have now replaced the duck valves and and seals at the head. My pump continues to cycle about every 15 minutes. Heck i was every 30 min... so it's become worse. Do you recommend I replace the bellow now? TY!

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

I'm thinking it might be the vacuum pressure switch. I had to replace that on our last #boat and did it this past summer as part of my holding tank replacement project. 8f you have 1/2 to spare, check out the video I produced for that fun job; kzbin.info/www/bejne/qX2vnaSvhbeNgqs as I show that aspect of the poop system upgrades. And when I say fun, I was only joking 🙄

[@bosserman1964]

If you like to remove the pump easy use a heat gun on white hose. just FYI

[@Andrico77]

Good work. Love the videos.

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

Awesome! I hope you get a chance to watch more of my repairs, as well as our inspiring cruising vids :-)

[@BobWright1]

Did all of the work you performed on this boat finally resolve the odor issues?

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

Yes, 95%. After replacing almost all of the poop lines on that boat, there was one left - the one that went through the bulkhead into the engine room. That one still emitted a low oder and I was planning on replacing it, but we ended up selling that beautiful ship. Currently living our 330 Sundancer - which I also have done a major on the poop system, including new holding tank, lines, pump and everything else!! Videos in my channel 😀

[@BobWright1]

@@BoatingWithBoogaboo Thanks for the info. I've got a 330 now in nearly bristol condition. Don't ask me why but I'm looking to move up and found a Carver 406 with the same odors you described. Your videos were very helpful for me to understand what needs to be replaced to eliminate the odor. Very much appreciated. Lots of work to come if I buy the Carver!

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

Good to hear. The problem with the smells - whether it's a Sea Ray, Carver or whatever - is that after about 25 years, the poop stink actually permeates the hoses. Once that occurs, the only way to get rid of it is to replace them. And FYI, I helped a buddy do that job on his 355 and you know what? It's the same PITA ordeal as it was on our 400 Sedan Bridge 💩

[@MisterMikeTexas]

@@BoatingWithBoogaboo Isn't there some kind of cleaner that can routinely be flushed through the lines to eliminate/prevent the doodie smells?

[@Brandon-qr8zz]

Our vacuum pump is a pain, just did a full rebuild and now it’s whistling.

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

Check the bellows. It's possible that the O ring didn't seat properly, or its defective and has cracked. I know you don't wanna hear that, but it happens.

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

Here's what I'm talking about; kzbin.info/www/bejne/oX-nmqBmbaxggLs

[@robertcullins4636]

Nitrile gloves... PLEASE Mr. Magoo

[@bmr367]

Looks like wolverine took that thing apart.

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

👍

[@TheJeeva143]

This is the second one for the basement bat. kzbin.infoUgkxOuLt8IL_GxhhaK8DBuKEL-zV0UJVpWZn , works great

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

👍

[@stanczyzon8587]

73.5! :)

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

Stan Czyzon Wah?

[@stanczyzon8587]

Cycles....not 70 or 71....73.5 pump cycles :) You said to count with you and I think you missed a couple of cycles....Hahaha

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

Stan Czyzon Gotcha!