Basic operation/priming of Groco

[Robert Moretti]

I'm new to marine toilets, having used portapotties in the past. My Crecently purchased 1985 C30 has a Groco head. I understand the difference between dry flushing and wet flushing. But I have problems getting the head to wt flush. This is what I'm doing:First, I open the thru-hull. Next, I switch the head to wt flush. Then I pump it repeatedly, but no water appears. Do I need to prime it in some fashion? Every time thr thru-hull has been closed?

 

[Paul Akers]

Takes time first time

Mike, on my Groco HF it usually takes time the first time of the season. I'll assume you kept pumping to no avail, so put some water in the bowl, move the lever to wet and try again. The other possibility is that the plunger seal is dry and you are getting no vacuum. Then a rebuild will be in order. They sell kits in the marine stores for about $35 (plus the cost of rubber gloves) and the job is easy. It takes about 1 hour to do. In the future, West Marine also sells a head lubricant that you can use to keep the seals lubricated.

 

[Peggie Hall/HeadMistress]

Groco toilets are temperamental...

The pump shaft seals wear out very rapidly...unless they're replaced at least annually, either the toilet won't prime or the d'd thing spits flush water in your eye. So call Groco and order a rebuild kit for it...Otoh, it's 15 years old...and if it's an HC, HE or HF, I wouldn't spend the money for a rebuild kit that prob'ly will solve your priming problem--at least enough to make you think it has--but won't restore the pump ('cuz it's too worn) to anything close to original specs...I'd just replace it.