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Old 06-28-2020, 06:39 PM   #1
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Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Freedom Elite 29FE
State: Pennsylvania
Posts: 33
THOR #11393
Need advice re: changing leaking tank sensors

Hello all and thanks for your kind advice in the past.

My holding tank in my 29fe leaks at least from one of the sensors. They’re the screw-type (pictured). My initial plan was to back out the screw and replace it with a new screw and appropriately sized rubber washer. Unfortunately the leads are rusted to the screw. A little squirt of WD-40 only served to loosen the sensor shaft in the tank wall and not the rusted pieces. Figures!

I think my next step is to try replacing all four sensors with the RecPro screw in sensors. They appear to be the same diameter (or slightly larger) than the existing holes so it should work. Link below.

https://www.amazon.com/RecPro-Screw-...3368932&sr=8-4

My question is how do I get the old sensors out of the tank without damaging it or enlarging the existing holes? Also if there are other potential difficulties I’d appreciate any guidance.

Thanks as always.

JT
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Old 06-28-2020, 06:55 PM   #2
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Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: 2018 24.1 AXISSIXxSIX
State: Arizona
Posts: 6,760
THOR #13932
Nicely worded question and a picture!
That's rare these days.
Thanks for making the question easy to answer.

The easiest way is to leave the old ones, cover them with silicone or a better choice of goo, and put in new holes next to the old sensors into which you install the new sensors. No oversize, no ripping, no stripping... New sensors... New holes....
Or
https://www.garnetinstruments.com/pr...-tank-monitor/
And no holes, no clogged sensors, no leaks ever again.

Taking out the old sensors is far more trouble(as you already know) than drilling new holes.
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Old 06-28-2020, 07:00 PM   #3
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Model: Damon Daybreak
State: New Mexico
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THOR #19133
WD-40 is not and has never been a rust penetrant. it is a water displacement chemical.
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Old 06-28-2020, 07:06 PM   #4
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THOR #13932
Quote:
Originally Posted by HarryS View Post
WD-40 is not and has never been a rust penetrant. it is a water displacement chemical.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sour...AG9e5loZXe69T_

I'm just tired of reading this worn out old parrotting.
Watch the link.
Report back to us.

If you can't use the link
Type 'project farm, youtube, wd40
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Old 06-28-2020, 10:27 PM   #5
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Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Freedom Elite 29FE
State: Pennsylvania
Posts: 33
THOR #11393
Quote:
Originally Posted by ducksface View Post
Nicely worded question and a picture!
That's rare these days.
Thanks for making the question easy to answer.

The easiest way is to leave the old ones, cover them with silicone or a better choice of goo, and put in new holes next to the old sensors into which you install the new sensors. No oversize, no ripping, no stripping... New sensors... New holes....
Or
https://www.garnetinstruments.com/pr...-tank-monitor/
And no holes, no clogged sensors, no leaks ever again.

Taking out the old sensors is far more trouble(as you already know) than drilling new holes.
Thanks for the advice. The reason I was hoping to use the existing holes is that I don’t intend to dismantle the entire wardrobe section to remove the tank. I was concerned about plastic dropping into the tank and how I’d get it out. Any thoughts regarding that? Also what would you recommend as the best option for a sealant?

Thanks again. I am so grateful to benefit from your experience.
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Old 06-29-2020, 12:31 AM   #6
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THOR #13932
I have no input or ideas about using the existing holes.
I would, because it's just the way I am, buy the see level unit and enjoy the digital readout along the remote readout I'd place at the dump valve, and never worry again about internal sensors or existing holes or drilling holes. The see level sensors don't need holes. They mount outside the tank.
Or
No matter what sensor you replace yours with, they're eventually going to do the same thing as the ones you're replacing.
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Old 07-29-2020, 07:23 PM   #7
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Model: ACE 27.2
State: New Jersey
Posts: 9
THOR #12747
Grey tank sensor leak

I have a similar problem with the lowest sensor on my rear grey tank (2017 ACE 27.2). Yesterday was the first time I noticed a tiny dribble in the bay below the tank. Am I understanding this correctly - the screw is the only physical item holding the probe in place? That being said, tightening the screw may be the only adjustment needed to stop the leak? Thanks.
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Old 07-29-2020, 08:22 PM   #8
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Model: Axis 25.4
State: California
Posts: 784
THOR #6582
I realize this a month old but it's not been updated.
I've not seen how the existing sensors are installed but I suspect they function like the RecPro sensor (link fails). That RecPro is just a EDPM neoprene well nut with the machine screw reversed. Sealing the existing tank sensor with silicone could be problematic as the tank is polyethylene and it doesn't take adhesives well.


It might be best to drill out the existing sensor and replace it with a larger (7/16" or 1/2") well nut, with the screw reversed and add a washer and nut. Don't worry about the plastic falling inside, the factory didn't when the tank was installed. Follow the water line from the tank to the inline mesh filter before the pump. Mine was filled with the white plastic tank debris. Unscrew the clear top, wipe it clean.
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