Fresh Water Tank won't fill

jwcorry · 03-11-2018, 09:52 PM

We have an ACE 29.2, and I'm trying to fill the fresh water tank via the potable water point (not the city water hook up). The water just flows back through the filler connection vent holes. Water tank is beneath the bed so I can see the filler tube all the way to the elbow at the top of the tank. I ran a small diameter plastic tubing into the filler tube and can see it from under the bed. There is no obstruction unil at or about the opaque 90 degree filler tube elbow, which the plastic tubing will not negotiate. the plastic tubing end comes up against something solid (possibly the elbow) and does not have any signs of debris when I pull it out. I could disconnect the water filler tube at the elbow, but am reticent to do so because the compartment where it is located is where all the electrical connections are (what could possibly go wrong with that design???). Any ideas before I remove the elbow while trying not to get residual water on the electric?

**16ACE27** · 03-11-2018, 10:26 PM

Are you sure you tank isn't full? The vent is usually connected to a different connection point than the filler tube. Don't rely on the panel indication, they are notoriously inaccurate and knowing Thor, may not even be connected properly.

jwcorry · 03-11-2018, 10:38 PM

Thanks --- I hear ya re Thor geniuses; however, in this instance the tank is empty as I winterized it last fall and can physically see that it has very little or no water in it.

The vent holes I was referring to are those in the potable water filler hose attachment versus the tank vent itself.

**16ACE27** · 03-11-2018, 10:48 PM

So since it's a 2014 I assume you have been able to fill it before?

jwcorry · 03-11-2018, 10:54 PM

Yep, many times -- it's been at a couple of fix-it shops over the winter for non-associated issues -- I can't imagine what any of them might have done to cause this malfunction.

Miramar Owner · 03-11-2018, 10:55 PM

Other than a direct obstruction, the only thing that would not allow the water to enter the tank is back pressure. Being full of air is just like being full of water (other than the weight) and if it isn't able to be pushed out as the water enters then the water is pushed out.

If you have tried running the water in at a slower rate and still have the back flow then it has to be a direct obstruction. Hard to imagine what it could be though.

jwcorry · 03-11-2018, 11:37 PM

You be "Da Man"!!! Just removed the Tank Vent Hose at the tank and ,viola, water flowing well. Now I just have to figure out how to clear the vent hose.

Thanks much!!!

Miramar Owner · 03-11-2018, 11:46 PM

Glad it tuned out to be a simple fix...it usually is. I always do the simplest (and cheapest) first. Enjoy!

99dart · 03-12-2018, 12:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwcorry

You be "Da Man"!!! Just removed the Tank Vent Hose at the tank and ,viola, water flowing well. Now I just have to figure out how to clear the vent hose.

Thanks much!!!

Do you have access to compressed air? That may push whatever out of there.

jwcorry · 03-12-2018, 03:06 AM

Yes I do, and will give it a try. Thanks much for the recommendation!!

Thehobe1 · 03-12-2018, 03:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 99dart

Do you have access to compressed air? That may push whatever out of there.

Be careful with compressed air or at least keep the air pressure down to a reasonable 30 lbs as it is specified in the Thor manuals. A blown up water tank would not be fun.

jwcorry · 03-12-2018, 12:41 PM

Thanks for the cautionary tip -- sure don't want to rupture the tank. I'll disconnect the vent line from the tank before applying air pressure as well as keeping it around 30PSI.

brucev · 03-12-2018, 07:19 PM

Joe, Can you see the entire vent line? I ask because last month I had a leak when filling my Hurricane and removed the panel to get access to the tank. I found two issues, the leak was caused by a loose hose clamp on the vent line and the vent line was too long and had a kink in it. I had to cut off a few inches and reattach.

Bob Denman · 03-12-2018, 07:40 PM

Have you found out what blocked the vent yet?

jwcorry · 03-12-2018, 08:00 PM

Hadn't thought about the possibility of a kink, and I can only see about a half of the vent tubing. Just blew air through from outside vent opening and air came through OK; however, nothing (e.g., debris) came out. Next ran air from inside out and air came through as well. I need to re-winterize as temps are supposed to go below freezing this week at night. I assume all will work at next tank fill-up, but if it doesn't, most of my troubleshooting has been done thanks to the folks on this site -- Awesome!!!

jwcorry · 03-12-2018, 08:04 PM

I Didn't find any obstruction/debris when I blew the vent line out from outside to inside and inside to outside; however, air did come through OK from both directions. At least I'll have zeroed in on the issue the next time I fill the tank if it should recur thanks to this forum.