Black Tank Acting Strangly

[Patandlinda]

We have a wand gotten many years ago that has the end head that swivels around as water passes through it . Pat

[snowmtn]

Originally Posted by tdf-texas

The proper installation method is documented in the Horst installation manual. Here is an article that describes how the probes work and how to check for correct installation.
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Thanks for this information! Our 21 was new in January and we were having trouble with the black tank readings after our second or third trip out. The bottom probe is installed correctly, but the upper two probes are definitely oriented wrong so that the teflon shield is acting like a scoop. Tom is at this moment working on getting them set correctly. Not a fun project because of the tight working space! We are headed out tomorrow for a couple nights so we are hoping for more reliable readings.

Nancy

[tdf-texas]

Originally Posted by snowmtn

Thanks for this information! Our 21 was new in January and we were having trouble with the black tank readings after our second or third trip out. The bottom probe is installed correctly, but the upper two probes are definitely oriented wrong so that the teflon shield is acting like a scoop. Tom is at this moment working on getting them set correctly. Not a fun project because of the tight working space! We are headed out tomorrow for a couple nights so we are hoping for more reliable readings.

Nancy

I picked up my trailer in Jan 2017 and all of my probes were installed wrong. I wonder if the same tech installs the Horst probes and did both of ours? Maybe they need some remedial training?

Good luck getting them right - I had to pull all my probes and clean them as it seems that once they get gunked up by being upside down, they won't clean up by themselves.

[MikeS]

Originally Posted by snowmtn

Thanks for this information! Our 21 was new in January and we were having trouble with the black tank readings after our second or third trip out. The bottom probe is installed correctly, but the upper two probes are definitely oriented wrong so that the teflon shield is acting like a scoop. Tom is at this moment working on getting them set correctly. Not a fun project because of the tight working space! We are headed out tomorrow for a couple nights so we are hoping for more reliable readings.

Nancy

It is disappointing that we have had reports of probes installed incorrectly a year apart. I'm wondering what type of nightmare it may be to fix this if the spray foam option was selected.

[rbryan4]

Shaking my head. I don't see how the black tank probes could be installed upside down if you give it even a moment of thought. The installation instructions are clear as well.

[MikeS]

Originally Posted by rbryan4

Shaking my head. I don't see how the black tank probes could be installed upside down if you give it even a moment of thought. The installation instructions are clear as well.

tdf-texas - Since you reinstalled these, is it plausible that the probes could be turning when being tightened down?

[snowmtn]

Originally Posted by MikeS

tdf-texas - Since you reinstalled these, is it plausible that the probes could be turning when being tightened down?

That is exactly what is happening per my husband. He has completed the repair and is stating that the probe did want to turn as it was being tightened.

Nancy

[tdf-texas]

Originally Posted by MikeS

tdf-texas - Since you reinstalled these, is it plausible that the probes could be turning when being tightened down?

I'll second Nancy's response. I had to use a backup wrench when reinstalling the probes after cleaning them to prevent them from turning as I tightened them.

I'm sure that Escape is probably misaligning them as they are making sure they are tight to prevent leaks.

[War Eagle]

Originally Posted by MikeS

It is disappointing that we have had reports of probes installed incorrectly a year apart. I'm wondering what type of nightmare it may be to fix this if the spray foam option was selected.

The black tank on the 21' is located inside the cabin, and the probes are under the head of the bed, accessible (if you're skinny and/or flexible) through the front driver's side hatch. So spray foam insulation is not a problem.

[rbryan4]

Originally Posted by War Eagle

The black tank on the 21' is located inside the cabin, and the probes are under the head of the bed, accessible (if you're skinny and/or flexible) through the front driver's side hatch. So spray foam insulation is not a problem.

The black tank is inside on all Escapes as far as I know. In our case adjacent to the driver side dinette bench.

[War Eagle]

I knew I had a photo of them somewhere. So again, this is where the black tank probes are located on the 21'. Under the head of the bed (as viewed from the front driver side hatch).

[padlin]

I have no horse in the race but has anyone notified ETI that they need to be a little more careful with the Horst installs?

[escape artist]

Originally Posted by padlin

I have no horse in the race but has anyone notified ETI that they need to be a little more careful with the Horst installs?

Hi: padlin...I never had much luck with the Horst races. Seems to be a "Dog and pony show" to me!!! Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

[thoer]

Is it possible to tell, looking at the probes connections thru the outside underbed access door on a 21 if the Horsts are mounted incorrectly, or only by removing them? Mine are acting a bit peculiar.

[cpaharley2008]

I read somewhere where the Horst probes are standard now?

[padlin]

From the web site.


"Because black tank probes have a 'roof' above the probe to prevent toilet paper from covering the wire, be sure to orient the roof by rotating the exterior threaded electrical stud so that the milled flat section on the end of the stud is down, and the roof is up."


Look close and see i you can see the flat.

[rubicon327]

Originally Posted by padlin

From the web site.

"Because black tank probes have a 'roof' above the probe to prevent toilet paper from covering the wire, be sure to orient the roof by rotating the exterior threaded electrical stud so that the milled flat section on the end of the stud is down, and the roof is up."

Look close and see i you can see the flat.

Here is a picture to see what you are looking for. As was said, if the milled out section of the stud is down then the Horst probe is mounted correctly. (The orientation in the photo is opposite of what you want)

[thoer]

Thanks Bob and Dave. I'll have to see if my aging eyes can see that flat from the access door.

[padlin]

Can't count the times I've used my phone to take pictures of items I can't see or focus on with my eyes.

[thoer]

Originally Posted by padlin

Can't count the times I've used my phone to take pictures of items I can't see or focus on with my eyes.

My thought precisely!