Replace macerator pump

[thomaslong]

The macerator pump on my 1996 Albin 28TE must be removed for repair or replacement. It is installed behind the batteries, up against the bulkhead separating the helm station and the head. Does someone know a trick to get this thing out without removing the batteries and probably the engine raw water strainer to reach back there?

[Russell]

I mistakenly replaced the macerator pump in my 97 model shortly after I purchased the boat in 2006. The macerator blades rust and seize because of disuse. After installing the new one I noticed on the back of the motor a slot where you can use a screwdriver to turn the motor shaft and free it up. It has a cap you pull off to reveal the slot. Albin placed this against the bulkhead so you still must take out the screws in the feet of the pump so you can pull it away from the bulkhead. Yes, it is best to take out the batteries to give yourself some room. If you have a short screwdriver or maybe a coin you might be able to tilt the back of the pump up and avoid removing the hoses. I have had to do this on the replacement pump and it is probably frozen now since it is almost never used.

[thomaslong]

Thanks. You pretty well confirmed my fears about moving the batteries out of the way to access the macerator pump. Since it is 16 years old, I am gong to replace it with a new one, especially if I have to go to all the trouble of moving batteries out of the compartment. I will keep the old one for parts and/or a spare.

[joe.baar]

I used a 2" hole saw on the bulkhead ahead of the macerator pump - access is under the head's sink. That allowed me to turn the macerator's shaft with a screwdriver but the pump really needs to be removed - yes, so does one of the batteries on that shelf - to replace the business end. My theory about drilling holes through bulkheads in our '95 TE is, the bulkheads aren't watertight anyway and such a hole could be plugged easily with any number of materials if really necessary. I consider the siting of this macerator is a serious design error, but so are a lot of other things about the boat.

[thomaslong]

Well, the new macerator pump was finally installed--after removing all three batteries, the engine raw water strainer, the AC duct to the pilothouse and the generator air filter. The new pump is ever so slightly higher in profile than the old one, so it does not fit underneath the water heater hoses as before. This actually makes the pump more accessible. It wold have been impossible to turn the screw on the other end without drilling a hole in the bulkhead, but to do that would have required moving the battery charger out of the way. I can't think of a worse place to locate that pump, which is known to need service frequently.