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dks's avatar
dks
Explorer
Jun 25, 2015

Flojet portable 18555-000

A couple of weeks ago I had to turn the impeller release screw to free up the macerator before using. The screw was very hard to turn, but, I was able to turn the screw and was successful in dumping my tanks. Today, I tried dumping, and just to be on the safe side I turned the impeller screw again to release it. It was moving, but, was stiff. I blew 6 fuses in the handle trying to get the pump to work. I can turn the screw, but it is very stiff. Does this sound like the impeller is broken? Or do I need a new macerator? Suggestions? Thanks.

5 Replies

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  • SoundGuy's avatar
    SoundGuy
    Explorer
    Jun 26, 2015
    dks wrote:
    Just a quick update since the pump wasn't working and it's 4 years old I decided to order a new one. Yes, I knew it could just be a broken impeller, but, based on previous pumps this was on borrowed time.


    4 yrs is nothing ... betcha if you took it apart you'd find absolutely nothing wrong with it. Well, at least you now have a spare! :W

    As I mentioned earlier the instructions that come with this macerator do include details on how to easily release the impeller.

    FloJet Waste Macerator Instructions
  • dks's avatar
    dks
    Explorer
    Jun 26, 2015
    Just a quick update since the pump wasn't working and it's 4 years old I decided to order a new one. Yes, I knew it could just be a broken impeller, but, based on previous pumps this was on borrowed time.
  • FlatBroke's avatar
    FlatBroke
    Explorer II
    Jun 25, 2015
    I have had to take mine apart a couple of times because hair gets wrapped around the back side of the impeller. Also found it helpful to squirt a little silicone spray in the works after I flush it out.
  • SoundGuy's avatar
    SoundGuy
    Explorer
    Jun 25, 2015
    It's normal ... and as I recall the instructions even point out that before using it's a good idea to exercise the impeller with a screwdriver. I carry a flat blade screwdriver in my camper toolkit just for this purpose and my FloJet has been working just as it should since 2006 ... IMO you're imagining a problem that isn't.
  • campinghut's avatar
    campinghut
    Explorer
    Jun 25, 2015
    The impeller was dry the last time you used it and you might have ripped the rubber impeller. I would just replace it and you should be fine. There are lots of kits listed on the internet for this. I always try to put a little water in it before turning it on.

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