Waste tank problem

S

sportner

Member
My waste tank came loose somehow last year, it pinched the fuel line, the pump ball collapsed, and the engine died and would not start. I was on the lower Columbia river and was not in danger, I anchored, changed the fuel filter, notified the Coast Guard, and after much frustration tracked it down to the waste tank being unsecure and the pinched fuel line. I couldn't get an answer for a fix at the C-Dory factory party and they haven't returned my e-mail. Has anyone had a similar problem or a suggestion for repair. I have cosidered just putting the fuel line in conduit but I don't like the idea of the waste tank moving about.
 
I have never had them return a email or a phone call, not once. you have to get tehm on the phone while they are there. I doubt they are around at years end but you never know?? Good luck
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Well I can't really say my experience was the same as Tom's. Last fall I discovered that my holding tank had a crack in it as I mentioned on one of the threads back then. After talking to the factory we decided the best route was to install a traveller toilet system rather than try to remove the holding tank and replace it. To remove the holding tank we'd have to cut a hole about 2 x 3 feet in the splashwell to remove the tank. I didn't like that idea. After talking to Frank at the factory I decided to do the install of the new toilet myself. The factory send me at no charge, every part and piece required for a complete install. Including pictures, directions, sealant and even the hole saws required. I was impressed. It took about 2 months from the first call to getting the parts. Of course I decided to do the install somewhat different so I have a fair bit more work yet.
Back to Russ's question. My holding tank, (which I just cut out in pieces, and that was not pleasant) was held in place and kept from moving by fibre glass L-brackets on all four sides. These L-brackets were screwed to blocks about 3w x 4L x 2H that were glassed to the hull. If these brackets weren't there the tank would have moved around a fair bit. If they aren't there on yours, you may be able to make a block or bracket that fits between the transom and the tank to keep it from moving. Or, you could just remove it entirely and go with the Traveller or Airhead. :lol: Although removing the tank was kind of nasty, I sure have ended up with a lot more storage space in the transom area.

Ron
 
Russ,

Is the fuel hose the type A1? If it is, the hose will be marked USCG type A1. That type of hose is fairly stiff and will resist pinching.
 
Larry, It must be the other type fuel line because it pinched flat.

Ron, Thanks for the info on the tank supports, I haven't torn into it yet but I think I will try to fix it. Look forward to seeing you again at Friday Harbor.
 
In my 2003 CD 25, there is a fairly high bulkhead running fore and aft, under the cockpit floor, which is on each side of the waste tank--does your boat have a similiar fitting? I wonder if the screws were just into the floor of the boat, with strapping and no blocks? If so, the holes need to be sealed, since water does tend to collect under the tank area. Not sure which hatches you have on the sides, but on mine the tank itself is not readily accessiable. If I had a problem with the tank, I would just go to the Sea Land Traveler head--which the new boats have--with the built in 10 gallon tank, and get rid of the waste tank aft.
 
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