Macerator System

[edroelle]

My second macerator has started leaking. It is only 2 years old and used little. Based on my experiences, and reading the forum discussions, the design appears weak. Based on other’s experiences, I would like to ask opinions about the macerator system in the Airstream. I think my leaking is by the paper gaskets. I am considering meticulously applying Permatex's Aviation Form-A-Gasket on a rebuild (https://www.permatex.com/products/ga...-liquid-16-oz/). This brown sticky sealant has worked good for me in the past on engines and compressors. I am also considering the silicon “L” hose (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...0?ie=UTF8&th=1) to improve durability and reliability.


Do you have thoughts ?


Thanks,
Ed Roelle, 2016 Airstream Interstate
Sarasota, Florida

[KatieZ]

I hate those macerator pumps they suck. Any future RV I have will be a gravity system or a cassette toilet

[orlik]

Originally Posted by edroelle

My second macerator has started leaking. It is only 2 years old and used little. Based on my experiences, and reading the forum discussions, the design appears weak. Based on other’s experiences, I would like to ask opinions about the macerator system in the Airstream. I think my leaking is by the paper gaskets. I am considering meticulously applying Permatex's Aviation Form-A-Gasket on a rebuild (https://www.permatex.com/products/ga...-liquid-16-oz/). This brown sticky sealant has worked good for me in the past on engines and compressors. I am also considering the silicon “L” hose (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...0?ie=UTF8&th=1) to improve durability and reliability.


Do you have thoughts ?


Thanks,
Ed Roelle, 2016 Airstream Interstate
Sarasota, Florida

No comment about the sealant but I did try the hose you highlighted. I found it not flexible enough to line up with the pump, but you might have better luck. Measure vey carefully. I may have cut mine a wee too short.
Definitely worth a try. I ended up replacing it with similar stock.

[Yvon13]

I was told by the Aurstream service manager that the Macerator pump will only last about a year. Rediculous!!! I'm considering selling this piece of junk!!!!

[eubank]

Sounds like a good plan to me. Use Permatex #2, the flavor of Form-a-Gasket that remains somewhat soft (unlike #1, which turns into brick).

Lynn

[3OnOurWay]

Originally Posted by Yvon13

I was told by the Aurstream service manager that the Macerator pump will only last about a year. Rediculous!!! I'm considering selling this piece of junk!!!!

Hi welcome to Forum

Looking like today you’ve posted 4 negative posts and you’ve never posted before ?

You say it is six months old to you, what year is your AI 19, 2024 or did you buy it used?

[DaveG]

At a point with vibration between fairly well fixed points exists there is a gasket made of paper - c'est ce que c'est

[m210658]

Originally Posted by edroelle

My second macerator has started leaking. It is only 2 years old and used little. Based on my experiences, and reading the forum discussions, the design appears weak. Based on other’s experiences, I would like to ask opinions about the macerator system in the Airstream. I think my leaking is by the paper gaskets. I am considering meticulously applying Permatex's Aviation Form-A-Gasket on a rebuild (https://www.permatex.com/products/ga...-liquid-16-oz/). This brown sticky sealant has worked good for me in the past on engines and compressors. I am also considering the silicon “L” hose (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...0?ie=UTF8&th=1) to improve durability and reliability.


Do you have thoughts ?


Thanks,
Ed Roelle, 2016 Airstream Interstate
Sarasota, Florida

Just this week I noticed our macerator leaking - fixed it with Permatex and it has been holding up for tests. Will see how things go on our next trip ... and, yes, I have a spare

[Geotek]

My leaking macerator pump had to be replaced in my 2022 AI19 after about 2 years. The cost at Jackson Center was over $500. I saved the old pump and purchased a rebuild/repair kit from Amazon for $50 or $60. The job was straight forward and now I have a standby pump. I believe that the toss-ins we were using caused the pump to leak. When rebuilding the pump I found the undissolved toss-ins wrapped around the pump. See the attached photos. These toss-in products should not be used with macerator pumps. We now use liquid products only to manage black water. I advised Airstream customer service and the toss-in manufacturer. I figured I would mention this in case you were using toss-ins.

[Galoo]

You can use toss in packets if you remove the casing first.

[3OnOurWay]

Thank you
Good tip on dumping packets, after our latest past dumping and a few fuses. I flipped over to 2-40 ounces of Pine-Sol one for each tank.

I did appreciate what the drop ins do for bacteria, but I’m unwilling to count on them completely dissolving now that I see your pics

Either way, I think you bring up a good point I like our macerator system. I just think it means it needs a little bit of extra care, to do it’s job long term. .

[rodknu]

Good comment!!!!!