Cam Lock dust caps

[JoshStamp]

Does anyone have any experience with whether or not a camlock dust cap or plug will hold a vacuum? I’m considering using a camlock fitting and either a dust cap or plug at the end of a mainline. At the end of the season it would be really easy to flush it with water. But, i dont want to find out the hard way that these plugs aren't vacuum tight. Anyone with relevant experience? Thanks

[wnybassman]

Although I don't have vacuum on my mainline, I put ball valves at the ends so I can keep the lines closed most of the time, but can open them to flush with water when cleaning. This could be an option for you too.

On another note, my pump out line from my woods tank is 325' long or so, and an elevation change of around 80' or so. I have a Banjo cap at the top end to keep nasties out, and have had that line full of sap/water before and it is very difficult to pull that cap off because of the vacuum on it. Not sure how long it would hold that vacuum though.

[fred]

they are a tight seal. as long as the gasket is in there when you clamp it

[maple flats]

It also helps to have a fresh seal in the cam lock. With use the seals get compressed so a slight leak may occur. While I don't use cam locks on vacuum and never tried, I do change the seal (gasket) when the clamping arms seem to close easily. Gaskets are about a doller each for 1"-1.5" and 2", I don't use larger and don't know those prices.

[Haynes Forest Products]

The thing about vacuum is it will help seal that style cap. I have lines over trails that I use them on.

[lew]

We use cam locks in 2 of our woods with vacuum. I have found that the seals will go bad. Sometimes last 10 plus years sometimes only 2 years.