Grey waste water sensor (1 Viewer)

Bart

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ok I've had false readings from our grey waste water tank for ages , so I am finally going to remove it ( I'll have to remove the tank from our 07 Bessacarr E560 to get it out as no inspection hole ) and give the sensor a good thorough soak and clean.
So I have 2 questions.
1. What is the best to clean the sensor with and soak it in.
2. Can I test the level sensor with a multimeter after cleaning to make sure they are all working ? If so how do I check them ?
 

Geo

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For what its worth my, and many American RVs suffer the same problem, you can Google the "Geo Method" for tank and sensor cleaning
(nothing to do with me)although I have crossed swords with him (the inventor) in the past as has Jim.

It did and does work well trouble is after two uses of it working correctly it went back to its unreliable readings
I fear the same may happen to your valiant effort, as it,s the drying out of the crud after emptying that causes the fault, so is to all intents unavoidable
 

TerryL

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I've cleaned the sensor in our waste tank (same as yours @Bart ) several times - access through the screw cap in the bottom. I use a wet slightly abrasive cloth but don't rub too hard, just enough to take the crud off. As mentioned above, lasts for a couple of weeks then back to it's previous state. So I don't bother anymore as I usually know pretty well when it needs emptying and I try to run at least some of it off every day if I can.

Tip for you - use the contents of your grey waste tank to flush out the cassette, especially at bournes where you have to pay for fresh water or it's turned off.

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Bart, I have the same van as you and have been studiously ignoring the waste tank sensor for years. After a while you get to know how much is in there. We use one watering can, about ten litres a day, most of which ends up in the waste tank. So, remember what you put in and you know how much is there.
 

DBK

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Don't bother. Just put some paint over the warning light. :)

I find we know when the tank is full just based on time. And the drains gurgle too. :)

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Feb 24, 2013
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not long enough
another one for what goes in must come out, if water needs refilling empty grey (y)(y)

we also found to our cost the seals on the waste pipe from sinks to tank are not that good and might leak if surcharged

so revision to line 1 if clean water shows 25% empty grey o_O(y)
 

Mr Chrysalis

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I've cleaned the sensor in our waste tank (same as yours @Bart ) several times - access through the screw cap in the bottom. I use a wet slightly abrasive cloth but don't rub too hard, just enough to take the crud off. As mentioned above, lasts for a couple of weeks then back to it's previous state. So I don't bother anymore as I usually know pretty well when it needs emptying and I try to run at least some of it off every day if I can.

Tip for you - use the contents of your grey waste tank to flush out the cassette, especially at bournes where you have to pay for fresh water or it's turned off.
Good tip. Thank you.

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Bart

Bart

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Thanks all for the help / replies , guess posting here has just saved me the effort of doing this task :)
Especially in this weather.
Now all i have to do is next year when i have the same issue ill have to remember that i already asked this question and got said answer , as sometimes i worry about my memory :D and would find myself asking the same shit again :D
 
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You may wish to check the straps holding your waste tank under the van, I replaced mine with stainless steel a couple of years ago as the originals were looking very tired.
 
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I just wondered if because of the lack of success in cleaning the probes that the problem might be with junction at the top of the sensors not the probes.

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Lenny HB

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Before going to the extent of taking the tank out, put a good dollop of Thethford Tank Cleaner in it and fill with hot water and go for a 20-30 mile drive, that should get rid of all the crud.
 

TheBig1

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many many years! since I was a kid
sometimes i worry about my memory :D and would find myself asking the same shit again
it's referred to as "deja poo", as in i've been through this crap before
 
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Bart

Bart

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You may wish to check the straps holding your waste tank under the van, I replaced mine with stainless steel a couple of years ago as the originals were looking very tired.
I actually had my tank removed in the summer and spent a few days with a grinder and a large tin of hammerite , several coats later and it's all good , ofc at that time I never removed the sensor :xeek:

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TerryL

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I just wondered if because of the lack of success in cleaning the probes that the problem might be with junction at the top of the sensors not the probes.

When I HAVE cleaned them I've taken particular care to clean around the bases of the probes too in case the crud was shorting them out.

Before going to the extent of taking the tank out, put a good dollop of Thethford Tank Cleaner in it and fill with hot water and go for a 20-30 mile drive, that should get rid of all the crud.

Done that too - main advantage is that it cleans the tank of sludge sticking to the inside of the tank thus getting rid of the pong. Doesn't seem to help the sensor though.
 

Lenny HB

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In the fresh water tank the probes often get a build up of calcium that stops them working also can happen in the waste tank, worth taking them out and soaking in hot white wine vinegar.

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TerryL

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Oh well just a thought - They are well sealed on the outside as well then?

Can't get at mine without removing the tank (that's what OP was on about). If you can get at them easily it's maybe worth a try.
 

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