Head rebuild kit pointers?

Status
Not open for further replies.
T

Trevor

Hi Peggy - First off, thanks for sharing yor knowledge - you've really helped me understand maine heads! I know you are of the opinion that it's easier and cheaper to replace an older head than to install a rebuild kit, but I have the rebuild kit for my Brydon Boy (I think), and am almost done replacing the old stinky hoses. I want to install the head rebuild kit while I am at it... any pointers? I've never installed a rebuld kit before and and there are no directions included. I read some articles from the archive about using SeaLube (?) to lubricate the parts. Any other pointers? Thanks in advance... Trevor 1986 C36
 
P

Peggie Hall/Head Mistress

I think you're just wasting money, but ok...

The kit SHOULD include an exploded drawing that includes all the parts in the pump...match 'em up with the parts in the kit, noting VERY CAREFULLY "which way is up," and replace all the ones in the kit that match. Since you have a "one size fits all" kit for several obsolete toilets, there may be parts in it that don't match the ones in yours. There may also be parts in it that DO replace parts in your Bryden Boy, but aren't exact duplicates...because the new parts are supposedly improvements on the originals. Rebuilding a toilet isn't even close to "rocket science," but it does assume a certain amount of mechanical instinct and ability...so if you aren't the mechanically inclined type, I recommend you get help from someone who is. Your toilet is at least 15 years old...it could be even older. It was never built to be a toilet to last 100 years (Wilcox-Crittenden builds a couple that are, but they cost $800-$1000). So remember two things: 1. rebuilding it may improve its performance slightly, but unless it's had less than 2-3 years of cumulative use, the pump cylinder is too worn for rebuilding to restore the performane to anywhere near original specs. 2. No hardware parts are still available for it. Odds are about 100-1--because Murphy was an optimist--that within a very short time after you rebuild it, something you can't replace will break. But it's your boat, and your choice to rebuild and replace. All I can do is warn you.
 
T

Trevor

Pretty compelling, Peggy...

Thanks for the reply. I really do hate to waste money, and since I plan on taking a 2 month cruise in June/July and have NO idea how old our head is (it does however, appear to be newer than the boat, since there are filled mounting holes where the toilet sat), you've convinved me to replace the head. The old Brydon is sitting on the dock and I have a new Jabsco unit installed. I just need to finish replacing the hoses and I'm back in business. Thanks for your help! Trevor S/V Dunoon 1986 C36
 
Status
Not open for further replies.