Disconnecting the Nature’s Head Vent Tube

[Wandering Sagebrush]

On the Nature’s Head YouTube video, I noticed the vent tube disconnected from the upper portion of the head. The previous owner always set that piece to the side when emptying and cleaning the hopper.  Unfortunately, the vent hose is weapons grade tight to the fitting.  The power wire disconnects as advertised.

Not wanting break anything, I thought I would see if anyone on the forum knows the secret handshake and has dealt with this.  Gentle heat?  Bigger hammer?

Thanks in advance!

[AlbertNTerri]

hmm, I never had that problem, mine always just pulled or twisted off. Maybe applying some mild heat either with a hot washcloth wrapped around if for a few minutes will get it to expand enough to get it moving

[AlbertNTerri]

or maybe using a heat gun on low, but I'd be real apprehensive about using the heat gun

[AlbertNTerri]

It might pull off from the other end easier, clip all the wire ties to leave the wire in the bathroom then pull the toilet with the hose still attached and deal with it outside which will give you more room to work... that may make it easier to get off too

[Ollie-Haus]

Once you get it apart I would clean the fitting and inside the hose end really well with rubbing alcohol, let it dry and then spray both with a little shot of silicone spray lubricant, the kind that dries, to make them come apart easily in the future. This lubricant will not cause the material to swell and seize up like petroleum lubricants will do. 

[John E Davies]

Take the fan off, clean the two screens and check for corrosion on the power receptacle connector. If it is corroded, email NH and they will send you at no cost TWO fan assemblies with housings and with the much better potting (waterproof material).

If you have an air compressor, you can use a blow gun with a needle type ball inflator. Insert the needle into the hose joint and blow, it should pop right off. I haven’t heard of this before, please add info and a picture to this thread.

https://olivertraveltrailers.com/forums/topic/1978-nature039s-head-composting-toilet-installation-in-an-oliver-big-thread/

John Davies

Spokane WA

[Wandering Sagebrush]

Well, sugarfoot!  ☹️
 

I pulled the fan housing and discovered the hose is glued to it, and as the wall flange is equally stuck, I assume it too is permanently glued.

I guess I have two options, either replace all of the connected parts, or maybe cut the  hose and add some kind of a connector.

Has anyone pulled the wall flange to see how it’s connected to the trailer vent tubing?  My assumption is there is another flange on the closet side (and I haven’t yet looked).

TIA

[John E Davies]

WS, that is disheartening. I suspect that my hose is glued at the end under the toilet paper holder, as it should be. It has no clamp on it.  As I said previously, remove the fan housing, 2 long machine screws. Easy. Here is my sink area (Hull 218) after some mods, you can see the factory vent hose. My trailer has happy faces all throughout the waste system, on every glued joint, from an inspector. It is rather cute.

You should open up that compartment and fix stuff, I am pretty sure you will find it in “disarray”.  What is your hull number and tow vehicle? Please add that info to your signature.

https://olivertraveltrailers.com/forums/topic/9039-how-to-bath-sink-compartment-mods-duct-rework-insulation-disconnect-flush-line/

You might open a service ticket to see what they say. They might be nice and send you the parts you need, gratis… IF it is a factory installation.

John Davies

Spokane WA

[Wandering Sagebrush]

John, thank you!
 

I also spoke with Mike at Oliver Service this morning..  He suggested trying heat again, and if that failed to carefully cut the black plastic off, and replace it with a new sleeve.  That’s a duh moment for me, why didn’t I think of it?

It’s a nice morning down here.  Sun on the mountains, mountain goats in the spotting scope.

[Wandering Sagebrush]

Success, third time did the job!  Previously I had been trying to twist the sleeve, but there was simply too much glued surface to break it loose.  After heating, I inserted a large common screwdriver blade between the fan housing and the black sleeve.   Twisting the blade in a couple of spots provided enough linear force to break the bond.

 

[Geronimo John]

On 6/6/2023 at 4:26 PM, AlbertNTerri said:

or maybe using a heat gun on low, but I'd be real apprehensive about using the heat gun

Hair Dryer would a better choice as they typically are 190 degrees F.   I have "Fried" plastic with my heat gun.  They are often over 800 degrees F if I recall correctly..  

[SeaDawg]

12 hours ago, Wandering Sagebrush said:

Success, third time did the job!  Previously I had been trying to twist the sleeve, but there was simply too much glued surface to break it loose.  After heating, I inserted a large common screwdriver blade between the fan housing and the black sleeve.   Twisting the blade in a couple of spots provided enough linear force to break the bond.

 

You not only have patience, but in my opinion, a great sense of humor.

Congratulations for the successful separation.  

Glad to have you here.

[Wandering Sagebrush]

39 minutes ago, Geronimo John said:

Hair Dryer would a better choice as they typically are 190 degrees F.   I have "Fried" plastic with my heat gun.  They are often over 800 degrees F if I recall correctly..  

It actually was my bride’s hair dryer, although I wish I also had a heat gun.

26 minutes ago, SeaDawg said:

You not only have patience, but in my opinion, a great sense of humor.

Congratulations for the successful separation.  

Glad to have you here.

Thanks for the kind words!  Without humor we’d all go insane.

[Patriot]

20 hours ago, Wandering Sagebrush said:

Success, third time did the job!  Previously I had been trying to twist the sleeve, but there was simply too much glued surface to break it loose.  After heating, I inserted a large common screwdriver blade between the fan housing and the black sleeve.   Twisting the blade in a couple of spots provided enough linear force to break the bond.

 

Amazing and beautiful….Amen!! 
And glad you came up with a fix too! 😊

Patriot🇺🇸

[topgun2]

8 hours ago, Wandering Sagebrush said:

Without humor we’d all go insane.

At least now I know why the other 25 guys in my head never laugh!😆