Strong odor when you flush

Wow! More #2, can't wait to tell the kids! :) Thanks for the information. I think I have a multi-part plan that should make a big difference.

First, I will work to fix any ventilation problems. This boat has the fuel tank vent on the vent line without the screen but the buildup inside the fitting is easily 50% or more, might even be clogged behind the tiny hole I can see. The hose is either 5/8 or 3/4, likely 5/8. As long as its not clogged entirely I'll stick with the line

Second, I'm all for natural processes and additives where they work. I'v never liked, and the wife even more so, the chemicals but you can't enjoy the boat if it stinks. Sounds like the Odorlos might be a good approach especially if we use the head more #1 and #2.

Third, the wet rag test. This is easy to do and will give me a good indication if the hoses are part of the problem. My personal guess is the remaining original hoses are fine because the smell is really noticeable when you flush but the smell dissapates quickly within a minute. Nonetheless, its an easy test to see if there is a supprise.

I've been a member of this forum for a very long time, since the beginning. For those of you that take the time to express both opinion and expertise about various topics, you should know it is invaluable to me. I have no history of family or friends in the boating world so I'm learning all of this as I go -- and I enjoy it. Thank you for taking the time to help me and others on this type of stuff.

Tim
 
Vic,

My holding tank is in the bow, I recently replaced almost the entire head system but used the exisitng inadequate vent location (New vent hose) With the tank close to the bow, I'm a little worried about tank vents getting stuffed into waves, probably why my existing vent is about 8-10 feet back. I thought about adding a 1 inch vent line and running it to a location near by (In the off season) any thoughts? I have a closet where my pumpout line runs where I coudl get teh vent fairly high in the boat. Is there any limit to the amount of rise you want in a vent line? ALso any reason why the vent line doesn't come off the top of the tank..

System is a vacuflush system with a 39 gallon holding tank.
 
Tim, based on your description with the small diameter vent line, Odorlos would probably be the best additive to use. If the tank is rectangular, measure the length width and depth in inches, them multiply them by each other (length x width x depth) and divide the total by 231. That number will give you the tank capacity in gallons.(one gallon is 231 cubic inches) Then add the Odorlos per the instructions on the label, for your size tank. It should be good until the next pumpout.
 
Scott - that should be fine. Just get it as high on the hull as you can, and avoid any droops, sags or low areas in the line, where water can be retained. If that happens, the "vent won't vent."
 
quote:
Originally posted by PascalG

and i'd love for you to explain how hoses inside teh bilge will be smelled outside the boat!

Click to expand...


I can explain that.

My boat has side vents (louvers/Fins/air scoops what ever..) that allow air in and out of the engine compartment, my hoses were bad and the engine compartment kinda smelled like crap.

So when I was sitting on the couch in the cockpit the wind would puff through the vents and we would get whiffs of holding tank.

That.... my friend is how that happens.
Anything else?
 
Also when we put the blowers on to start the engines it would happen.

Next?
 
long shot... they had to be REALLY bad, i can't imagine the smell inside the boat! but that woudl happen all the time, NOT just after a flush... that is the difference. If you ONLY smell it after a flush, it's a vent issue... if you smell it all the time and especially inside teh boat, it's a hose issue.

teh smell is also VERY different...
 
"The" is spelled THE not Teh BTW, and if you have a loose fitting or a hairline crack you could smell a whiff at a flush because of the pressure forcing air through a hairline crack.

Nothing is impossible when it comes to smelling poop.
 
quote:
Originally posted by JLC

"The" is spelled THE not Teh BTW

Click to expand...


end yur point his? are youh teh new spailing cop? well, pardon me your highness, i didn't mean to offend you with such a critical typo.

we're not talking about cracked fittings here, but permeated hose... different problem, different smell and again the smell woudl be inside teh boat, not outside. when troubleshooting head smells, the first thing you do is check inside the boat for odor in case of a leak
 
I accept your apology, and we are talking about everything, you just are stuck on one thing.

Sir, its very easy for inside smells to travel outside if your boat is properly vented and I don't mean the little holding tank vent tube coming off the side either.

Your boats engine room is naturally aspirated I hope. Never smell enven the slightest wisp of oil or exhaust from "the side" or just the smell of a very warm engine room after a long run?
 
OK, JLC, we got it. Your boat smells like poop. :)

We had the speling warz last yeer, or so, and it was UUUgly. So park your Funk(y) & Wagnal's and garnish a wee bit of knowledge located in the heart of the post. I'd much rather good information than proper speeling.

Is it time for a group hug? :)
 
sometimes people spray water into those vents ruining the filter.
 
Sorry, I forgot you always have to agree with teh dinosaurs to stay in teh channel hear.

He is right as usual, tehr could be no other explanations, circumstances or situations others could have ever experienced except his.

I stand corrected.
 
JLC it wasn't your opinion which I happen to agree with it was the cheap shot a spelling. Many of us are in a hurry when responding and since the old F7 doesn't work on this board spelling mistakes are made.
Bill
 
I think he may be dealing with numerous issues in his type 3 system. I would bet there is a venting problem and I am pretty sure unless he is using schedule 40 PVC and rubber couplings his 21 year old hoses are bad. I kind of doubt the tank is a problem and if it is the proper chemical treatments should work.
Bill
 
it's fun arguing about crap, isnt' it?

my point that this is about troubleshooting, and when troubleshooting an issue you start with the simple stuff and you look at the facts.

in your case, you knew that the smell was coming from inside the boat... whether or not it finds its way outside is irrelevant. If the smell is that bad, obviously it will come out the vent. personally, I cant imagine owning a boat that stink so bad that the smell comes out the ER vents.

Tim clearly stated the smell was outisde the boat, not inside, and happening only after a flush. that eliminates hose permeation and even a cracked fitting or loose clamp. why send him on a wild goose chase replacing hoses and crawling around checking clamps where odds are it's just the vent?
 
Looks like this thread has begun to wear itself out - it's starting to break down and become reduced to arguments and pi$$ing contests. Time to end it.
 
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