Plumbing Question for 275 EX Wastewater Pump Out

[Jricca]

How do I pump out my holding tank offshore for a 2005 explorer 275

[Capt. Bob]

First time I have run across this so.....

https://classicaquasport.com/smf/index.php?topic=13047.0

Let the doc load, then go to page #65 (section 4-12) Waste Systems. You may or may not have this type head/system on your boat but if you do, apparently there is a switch on your helm for that purpose.

Good luck.

[RickK]

I would think you have a macerator / pump.  Maybe you have the manual type pump but I would think the 275 was more modern than that tho.

[MV2]

I have a 275 explorer and also have not figured out how to empty the holding tank!

I had a Marine Plumbing guy spend 30 minutes looking through the wiring to try and find a switch. There is macerator pump hooked into the holding tank, but we could not trace the wire. There is an unlabeled and unaccounted switch in the Helm that turns on a motor (lower right), but I have not yet found where it is, and it does not seem to empty the holding tank.

I have to find that switch lead, and run a 12V lead to the macerator and see if it even works!

[RickK]

Sounds like you have a plan at least.

[MV2]

So found out the macerator lump is bad, won’t come on with 12 volt feed but still can’t find the switch. It goes through the wall here:

[Capt. Bob]

I'm not familiar with helm wiring access on the 275 EX but on our smaller EXs you can remove a panel or two in the cabin and have full access to the gauges, switches, steering and of course the wiring.

That stated, I would begin at the switch panel. While you do have a number of switches, many can be eliminated very easily either by labeling or visual function when thrown. Using a volt/ohm meter, I would then check that power is fed to each of the breakers of the unknown switches and that the switch itself was receiving power. Good time to check grounding and corrosion and to get a good idea of what does what.

Once I felt good about the switches, I would then check that 12 volts was reaching the mac pump. If I have power there, then by turning off each switch, one at a time, you should be able to identify the pump switch.

This can be completed by yourself but an extra pair of hands helps with the switch throws.

Just thinking through how I'd identify the switch. You have done the hard part by eliminating the pump.

Good luck.  

[MV2]

Thanks!  I only have one switch that is not labeled on my cabin switchplate (lower right).  Everything else is identified and seems to work properly.

This particular Boat is really loaded with a Genset, onboard charger, air conditioner, water heater, two showers, Refridge, Stove,  Microwave, Icemaker, monster Clarion Sound system with two preamps, one for stereo and one for woofers, etc.   

Just curious if all the 275 Explorers were rigged this way?

I also just found out that the washdown pump is the same as the livewell pump, I have to close the valve in the baitank to use the washdown hose bibs. Is this stock?

Thanks for information by anyone who has one. I'm still learning about the boat and making repairs where I can to get her back to top shape.

Just replaced one of the Hydraulic Lifts on the twin 225's and am rebuilding the other one.

[Capt. Bob]

Hopefully another 275 owner will chime in but as to the live well/wash-down pump with Y divert valve, that is a common practice but....

Does it look similar to this?
https://www.westmarine.com/buy/bosworth--sea-lect-diverter-valve-no-mount-3-4-hose-dia--P011_332_003_524?pCode=399313&mrkgcl=481&mrkgadid=3085587829&cm_mmc=PS-_-Google-_-GSC%2520-%2520Product%2520Type-_-399313&product_id=399313&adpos=1o1&creative=108421552684&device=c&matchtype=&network=g&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI0obb_enn2wIVBozICh0qUQNcEAYYASABEgKbjfD_BwE

I can't recall seeing the valve located in the bait well itself.

[MV2]

No, there is no Y valve.  It is labeled as Livewell/Washdown on the through hull hose. 

This week I am going through all the hose routes with a mechanic and we are repairing the macerator motor and a leak in the livewell pump lines that filled my bilge while 40 miles at sea this last weekend!  I had to go back to Catalina Island and use the Sewer pumpout to get about 100 gallons out if the bilge!

When we find the switch for the pumpout I will post it here. 

[MV2]

I had the boat serviced by Basin Marin in Newport Beach.  Great group!  I had a loose water tank that caused a "L" connector to break that caused the internal freshwater leak.

They also traced the holding tank offshore pumpout switch through the Helm and back to the mid transom, hidden under the GenSet. It included a breaker in a mounting box.  They mounted it on the wall.  I will post a photo here when I can get to it. 

Also had to replace the Macerator pump.  Works now!

[RickK]

Super! You really have to have a 275 EX to know the answers to those questions.  Now we have them documented for future owners.

[MV2]

So here is the location of the holding tank and pump on the port side, and the wiring runs through the bulkhead, to the helm switch panel and back to the mount shown. It's a momentary switch with a breaker in the self contained box.  It had slipped under the insulation and the GenSet, so they mounted it on the bulkhead.

I think I may put it on a longer wire feed, and make it removable so you can see when it empties.

So at least here is an answer!