Lil' Stanker

[Pete Masterson]

1. Best way is to snake it ... that way if there is a blockage, you'll clear it. You can put your hand over the vent as your partner flushes (or empties a full sink of water) and see if you feel a change in air pressure -- but that won't let you know if there is only a partial blockage.

2. Depends on the brand and model of toilet. If you're losing water from the bowl in a "few hours" then the flush valve seals need to be replaced. While usually not difficult, it's helpful if you have had some plumbing experience. The manufacturer of your toilet should have instruction (probably online) and a kit or a referral to where you can order a seal kit.

3. The (apparent) OEM vent has a Bernoulli-principle shaped end on it, reducing the vent line air pressure while under way. (This is a passive method unlike the motorized Lil' Stankers.)

FWIW, I rarely have any "tank odors" inside the coach. The few times I have occured when (1) something caused the flush valve to not close properly, causing a loss of water in the bowl; (2) when I had the Fantastic Fan going at top speed and there was no source of outside air (normally, I open the Kool-o-matic vent to let air in); and (3) on a couple of other rare occasions for reasons I couldn't determine.

I _have_ noticed that some tank odors being detected upon flushing -- but either dumping the tank or adding a dose of a tankdeodorantseems to clear that problem. (I use some dry powder blue stuff in little packets that I got at Walmart because they're convenient and seem to work. I've also used some other products that also seemed to work, but were less convenient. I understand that Steve Birtles sells a "really good" tankdeodorant, but I've never purchased any of it.

I must emphasize, that the odor problems I've had are few and not particularly annoying (and I and my wife both have sensitive noses). Since Kurt (who also has a '95) has written several times on this issue, I can only assume that the different floor plan in my coach has "better" handling of tank odors and/or that there's some other inherent differences.

Pete Masterson

'95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42 (For Sale)

<http://www.aeonix.biz/BBforsale.html>

El Sobrante CA

"aeonix1@mac.com"

On Feb 2, 2009, at 9:31 AM, Ryan Wright wrote:

Thank you for the responses. Some questions:

1. How do I check the vent for a blockage?

2. What else could I do to find the source(s) of the smells? I don't
have a washer/dryer and I keep my p-traps full of water by regularly
using the sinks & shower. My toilet, however, does not hold water for
long - if I fill the bowl, it will be empty after a few hours. Should
I replace it? (Is this difficult? It's a straight-drop, not an air
toilet) If so, any recommendations on what type of toilet to buy?

3. If anyone has installed the in-line Lil' Stankers, I'd like to hear
more on where you put them / how you accessed the vent lines. I'd
prefer the in-lines over the roof mounts, but it looks like it would
be very difficult to install and service the in-lines.

Thank you!

-Ryan
'86 PT-40 8V92

<snip>