When I try to remove waste from the forward head I encounter back pressure on the pump and am unable to pump. The aft head works normally. There is only one holding tank on this boat and it is close to the aft head. It's a long way from the forward head to the holding tank. I'm concerned there may be a clog in that line. Any thoughts/ideas on how to troubleshoot this and methods of clearing that line would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Forward head issue on Hunter 40.5
- Thread starter Larry737
- Start date
Probably time to rebuild or replace the head pump assembly. I would rule out the holding tank vent line being blocked as the other head works. I once had a similar problem when eel grass was admitted through the raw water pick-up and fouled up the pump. I now have a raw water filter on the head intake. There are some options when dealing with the head assembly. Replace all - full size head vs compact - pump only replacement - rebuild kit - different brand - choose carefully. No one will help you with this job.
I have the same problem occasionally. If you are sure that the inlet seacock is open, then I think the problem is in the inlet valve assembly of the Jabsco pump. Disassemble and clean or replace. The top end of the pump is not nasty, but while you have it apart, be sure to check the joker valve and the flap valve in the base.
Before I can trouble-shoot your problem, I need to know the make/model/age of the toilet(s). Both Roy and Rich just assumed that your toilet(s) is/are manual Jabsco...If not, what are they?
Thanks, Peggie. Manual Jabsco is correct. I can pump raw water into the toilet but when I flip the switch to the empty position and raise the handle, there is back pressure that prevents me from pumping out the contents of the toilet. After awhile, it slowly drains on its own. There is also a foul odor when I'm attempting to do this. Thanks so much for your assistance.
One other item - I don't know the model of the toilet/pump but I understand it was new in 2009. I'm looking at this boat as a potential purchase so don't have as many details as I'd like. The pump is pretty typical with the left/right position switch to empty/fill the toilet.
Thanks, Rich. Since I'm trying to purchase this boat, I may not have the opportunity to rebuild the pump. I have a Newport 33 currently. At one point my pump developed similar back pressure over a period of time. It turned out that waste had accumulated in the line over time due to incomplete pumping and was blocking the flow. Once the line (duct) was replaced, all was well. That was one nasty job that I had the marina do...
I know what your problem is...it's very common in Jabsco toilets (they only make one manual toilet): The wet/dry "valve" is actually just a little cam ("gate") that the lever swings to block or unblock the flow of incoming flush water. Due to a design or tooling defect that cam hangs up, allowing flush water in, but creating backpressure when the lever is switched to the dry mode. Your foul odor is most likely stagnant sea water that's trapped in the intake, pump and channel in the rim of the bowl.
You COULD request a replacement wet/dry cam assembly from Jabsco, but I wouldn't bother. It's 6 years old, which is at least double the average lifespan of a Jabsco manual toilet pump. Jabsco purposely builds their toilets to be replaced in a year or two...that's why they price "service" kits at close to the price of a new pump. So I'd make it condition of sale that the seller replace the pump or better yet, reduce the price by enough to cover it, then apply that to a higher quality toilet. I'd also test the hoses for permeation and make replacement--with the hose of your choice, not the cheapest stuff out there--a condition of sale if they fail.
You're welcome to contact me directly if you have questions about any part of the sanitation system. Btw...the holding tank IS plastic?
FYI - The OEM tank on that boat was aluminum. If, which I doubt, it is still there, it's a quick $500 replacement which will be required. As I recall, replacing the hose from the fwd tank to the holding tank is a 'bear' to do requiring a lot of frustration or removal of most of the deck plates
Thanks, Don. Great information. I'm hoping I don't have to replace the entire hose. Agree that it's a bear to do. I'm hoping the problem is just a worn Jabsco pump. We'll see...
Nooooo...YOU don't replace the hose, the SELLER does...as a condition of sale. You just get to specify the hose.
You ARE making any offer "subject to survey and sea trial" and hiring the toughest surveyor you can find, I hope! You want a surveyor that brokers hate, but buyers love.
You ARE making any offer "subject to survey and sea trial" and hiring the toughest surveyor you can find, I hope! You want a surveyor that brokers hate, but buyers love.
While Peggy has the right principal regarding seller responsibility, in practice I've never heard of a buyer walking away from the purchase because of a hose.
Regardless of the head failure, the best thing anyone can do with that type Jabsco head isrelegate it to the dumpster unless you like working on toilets
Regardless of the head failure, the best thing anyone can do with that type Jabsco head isrelegate it to the dumpster unless you like working on toilets