Our 2006 Carver 36 MY was equipped Tank watch 4 system for both tanks. They were not reading correctly, we we wanted to remove and troubleshoot.
This turned out to be extremely difficult as the sending units hadn't ever been removed since new (14yrs ago). Access and room to move was limted
I bought a gas tank fuel pump remover tool ($20 Amazon) to span the sender access tabs in order to un-screw. This allowed the use of a 26" torque wrench, as a 6", then then 16" ratchet did not provide adequate torque leverage to spin loose.
Once removed, it was apparent deposits had fouled the sensor movements. Cleaning and re-installation then had us functioning on all levels. This time I had tightened the sender, to lesson the brute force required for the next cleaning.
The use of the adjustable OEM TOOLS Fuel Pump Spanner Wrench Part number 25156 made it easy to apply ratchet w/various length extensions for the DIY's out there.
checking and cleaning black water tank sensors
- Tireless
- Commander

- Posts: 460
- Joined: October 16th, 2018, 4:51 pm
- Vessel Info: 2006 Carver 44 CMY
Volvo Penta D6 370 HP - Location: Port Severn, Ontario
- Has thanked: 183 times
- Been thanked: 187 times
Re: checking and cleaning black water tank sensors
I am sure that a lot of boaters experience inaccurate readings with their waist tank sending units. A lot just leave them because it is a shitty job. I tip my hat to you for having the initiative to after the issue. I probably need to clean mine as well, as you have shammed me into it.
Greg
Greg
- g36
- Admiral

- Posts: 2115
- Joined: April 7th, 2014, 6:07 pm
- Vessel Info: 1997 Carver 405
- Location: Soddy Daisy TN.
- Has thanked: 7 times
- Been thanked: 654 times
Re: checking and cleaning black water tank sensors
While your there it would be smart to add some disconnects on the sensor wires. If it's like mine there were none and taking the cap off your twisting up the wires. You can bet that there will be another time you'll be back cleaning them again.
1997 Carver 405
Crusader xli
The Black Pearl
Soddy Daisy Tn.
Crusader xli
The Black Pearl
Soddy Daisy Tn.
- Cliffm
- First Mate

- Posts: 160
- Joined: September 27th, 2018, 6:21 pm
- Vessel Info: 2006 Carver 36 MY
"the Condo"
VP 8.1Gi-F - Location: Renton WA
- Has thanked: 260 times
- Been thanked: 21 times
Re: checking and cleaning black water tank sensors
Carver had wired in a "one way" quick disconnect plug for the senders, both of our tanks had them, about 1 meter away from the senders, had to cut tie wraps to pull towards me to access.
We disconnected them, before we un-screwed them! yes, i'm getting wiser with age!
- Cliffm
- First Mate

- Posts: 160
- Joined: September 27th, 2018, 6:21 pm
- Vessel Info: 2006 Carver 36 MY
"the Condo"
VP 8.1Gi-F - Location: Renton WA
- Has thanked: 260 times
- Been thanked: 21 times
Re: checking and cleaning black water tank sensors
We were all for doing that, but then ran into a vendor at Seattle boat show who would sell us complete sender for $129USD each, so I figured I was just going to replace ours, but after removing and seeing the "junk build up" I figured I could take a $260USD gamble and see if we could get them working? We did...Tireless wrote:QR_BBPOST I am sure that a lot of boaters experience inaccurate readings with their waist tank sending units. A lot just leave them because it is a shitty job. I tip my hat to you for having the initiative to after the issue. I probably need to clean mine as well, as you have shammed me into it.![]()
Greg
- Cliffm
- First Mate

- Posts: 160
- Joined: September 27th, 2018, 6:21 pm
- Vessel Info: 2006 Carver 36 MY
"the Condo"
VP 8.1Gi-F - Location: Renton WA
- Has thanked: 260 times
- Been thanked: 21 times
Re: checking and cleaning black water tank sensors
That gas tank pump removal tool is the key! I tried twice with giant pair of channel locks and a crescent wrench, no room for leverage.Tireless wrote:QR_BBPOST I am sure that a lot of boaters experience inaccurate readings with their waist tank sending units. A lot just leave them because it is a shitty job. I tip my hat to you for having the initiative to after the issue. I probably need to clean mine as well, as you have shammed me into it.![]()
Greg
- Sailor Jerry
- Scurvy Dog

- Posts: 33
- Joined: August 1st, 2016, 2:56 pm
- Vessel Info: 1996 Carver 355
- Location: Mississippi
- Has thanked: 2 times
- Been thanked: 8 times
Re: checking and cleaning black water tank sensors
Thank you for sharing. I would not have thought of the gas tank removal tool.
- mjk1040
- Admiral

- Posts: 1531
- Joined: July 30th, 2015, 8:15 am
- Vessel Info: 1998 355 AC/MY "Deja Vu"
- Location: Savannah, NY
- Has thanked: 9 times
- Been thanked: 248 times
Re: checking and cleaning black water tank sensors
FYI! Now that u have them working, may I suggest a good tank additive? We have been using Happy Camper additive and Happy Camper Cleaner. Sensors started working good again after a couple months use of these 2 products. Now a Happy Boater using Happy Camper!
Mike
I'd Rather Be Boating!
1989 Sea Ray Seville
1986 Carver Mariner 32'
1990's Thompson 22' Cuddy Cabin
1990's 4Winns 245 Vista Cruiser
1980's Thompson 19' Open Bow
I'd Rather Be Boating!
1989 Sea Ray Seville
1986 Carver Mariner 32'
1990's Thompson 22' Cuddy Cabin
1990's 4Winns 245 Vista Cruiser
1980's Thompson 19' Open Bow
- Cliffm
- First Mate

- Posts: 160
- Joined: September 27th, 2018, 6:21 pm
- Vessel Info: 2006 Carver 36 MY
"the Condo"
VP 8.1Gi-F - Location: Renton WA
- Has thanked: 260 times
- Been thanked: 21 times
Re: checking and cleaning black water tank sensors
We are using "forget about it" purchased at boat show, used in RVs as well. Well see how it does.