dry pump shaft

[Long Gone]

We seem to have to continue to put a lubricant (in our case we use vegetable oil) down our head to cure a dry head pump shaft. That seems to cure the problem for a short time when the shaft again dries out. Any ideas on a more permanent cure?

 

[Peggie Hall/HeadMistress]

All manual toilets need lubrication

They all leave the factory slathered with thick Teflon grease, which lasts about a year. The you have a choice: a never ending battle of pouring something down the toilet every couple of weeks 'cuz anything thin enough to be flushed down the toilet is only gonna get washed out in a few flushes...or, replace the thick Teflon grease once a year.That's about 10-15 job that only requires opening up the pump to put a healthy squirt of it inside...pump a few times to spread it all over the inside of the cylinder...repeat...then close up the pump again.If your toilet is a Jabsco, all you have to do either (depending on the age of your toilet) remove the screws that hold the top on or loosen the hex nut and lift up the top. Teflon grease--it comes in a tube...don't buy a spray or liquid--is available from most auto parts stores, swimming pool supply stores...I think even Walmart has it.

 

[Paul Akers]

But forget the veggie oil

You will get a buildup in your holding tank and eventually have more problems than you can realize. I'm surprised that Peggie didn't jump on that one.

 

[Peggie Hall/HeadMistress]

I think you're confusing buildup on the bottom

with an oil slick on the surface. I've never heard of of vegetable oil buildup in a tank...but an oil slick on the surface seals the contents, which increases odor. It can also get rancid on the shelf, especially in hot weather, which doesn't make the system smell any better either.If you have to use anything in an emergency, mineral oil or baby oil (which is mineral oil) is a better choice than vegetable oil...but the best--easiest and also cheapest--solution is an annual re-lubing with thick teflon grease as preventive maintenance.

 

[Paul Akers]

Thanks, Peggie

I knew you had a much more meaningful explanation that could be shared with these folks.

 

[Brian R Clare]

Teflon Grease?

Peggy, what base does teflon grease have? I found a "ptfe"(similar to teflon) fortified grease but it had a petroleum base, don't think this is the same animal? PS. Just got your book "Get rid of boat odors", great little treasure trove of infomation, thanks. Brian

 

[Peggie Hall/HeadMistress]

Super Lube is one brand

You can read all about it here: http://www.super-lube.com/html/desc.htmlThere are other brands that also have synthetic non-petroleum based lubricants. Just be sure you get the thick grease in a tube, not a liquid or spray.