Installing new head

[Kathleen]

Just purchased a '78 Catalina 27. It has a Compact Model head which is leaking at the base of the piston housing (along with a few other problems since it is such an old unit). We may have to replace the head and realized there is no access to the compartment below the head platform. Any suggestions regarding how to bolt a new unit to the platform would be greatly appreciated.

 

[MJ]

No Access No Problem

Kathleen:I recently replaced my head in my 1980 C-27. The head is probably lag-bolted to the platform. Since there are no nuts or washers you do not need access. The waste line will lead to the compartment to front of the boat and into the holding tank. It is kind of tricky to loosen the rear bolts. Keep in mind that unless you get the exact same head, the hole mounting pattern will most likely be different and you may have to drill new holes.You also may consider replacing just the pump if the rest of the head is still pretty decent. Also, new hoses may make a big difference in odor and function.Good Luck.Mike

 

[Brad Elbein]

New Head

I replaced the head on my C30. It was very, very easy. The hardest thing was getting the hoses hooked up, but with a hairdryer and some elbow grease and a few anglo-saxon oaths, it worked fine.

 

[Peter Hine]

Head replacement-Compact

My C27 (74 model) also has the Compact head, which is also giving problems. Specifically, mine is apparently leaking air into the intake system or pump, which causes the pump to lose it's intake prime. I installed a "T" in the middle of the intake hose with a length of hose and a funnel attached that I can seal off, which allows me to pour some H2O down into the intake line, restore the prime to the pump, and use the head as normal. Works OK but keeps the prime only for a day or two, and is a pain to do each time you need a wet bowl flush. I also looked at replacing the whole head, and found a Jabso head at West Marine which has bolt patterns and size pretty close (but not exact) to the old Raritan. You can intall an inspection port in the front part of the platform the head sits on in order to reach the area to tighen the bolts on a new one. Haven't doen this yeat, but I probably will when I get tired of priming the head all the time. GOOD LUCK!