It's not working!!!

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Al Brito

OK, the time has come. The checkvalve on the head on my vintage (1980) Hunter has failed and the contents of the soft holding tank backs up and slowly refills the bowl. This unit is a Wilcox-Crittenden (don't have the model handy). My inclination is to by a completely new unit. Does the holding system need to be replaced? Can a new pump unit be installed on the old bowl and is there any merit to that solution? I've owned the boat about 10 months and this is the latest in a long line of rebuilds and repairs. But I'm getting close. This is an area I have no experience in above the user level... Help. Thanks, Al Brito s/v Showtime
 
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Peggie Hall/Head Mistress

Whether to rebuild or replace depends...

Your boat may be a 1980 model, but that doesn't mean the toilet's that old. In fact, it's doubtful that any of the equipment on it is still original. I don't THINK Wilcox toilets have ever been OEM equipment on Hunters (on a 1980 boat, I suspect the original toilet was a either a Mansfield 751 or 752 or possibly a Par) which means a previous owner installed it...but when? If it's only a couple of years old, I'd rebuild it. Older than that, depending upon what model Wilcox it is, I'd replace it. I suspect the model is prob'ly the inexpensive Head Mate, but Wilcox also makes higher end models that are built to last 100 years. Replacing one of those with a Par or other inexpensive toilet would be tantamount to replacing a Rolls Royce with a Yugo because a tune-up for the Rolls costs as much as the Yugo. If replacement is the best option, I wouldn't recommend replacing just pump assembly...because pump assy's aren't stock items at WM or any of the discounters, but special order, you'll pay just about as much as you will for a comple new toilet off the shelf. The only question will be whether to go cheap again...or pay a bit more for a much better toilet. But I'm not altogether certain that it's holding tank that's backing up into the head...unless it's full to overflowing and the vent is clogged, it's not likely. unless something else is messed up in the system. You can certainly find out easily enough, just by replacing the joker valve in the head discharge, which is a $10 item. And yes, I would definitely replace the "bag" holding tank! Btw...my own boat is also a 1980 vintage...In the 3.5 years I've owned her, I've replaced just about everything on her. It's definitely been an education in boat systems and, in many cases, how not to install them. When I bought her, the wiring looked like someone had started out to knit a sweater, then changed his mind and tried to turn it into a pair of socks...and things went downhill from there! So you're in for lots of fun, but it will be worth it. :)
 
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Tim

vent line screen

Are you sure its the check valve? Inside the vent line fitting on the outside of the boat there is a small screen that looks to be made of some kind of brass. Mine turned green, corroded and clogged so the tank was not properly vented. This was causing a similiar problem in my 81 boat. Simple fix was to poke it with a screwdriver and make a hole in the screen.
 
A

Al Brito

Thanks for the

advice. I read some other info you posted and I will investigate the Cricket model - it looks like the answer to this critical problem. Will also convert to a 13 Gallon solid tank. I think it will fit - any suggestions as to Mfg'er?
 
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Al Brito

Good Tip

Tim, thanks for the tip - I will check that first - but I'm also committed to a complete rehab of the system - Next to a root canal, it's my best next thing...
 
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Peggie Hall/Head Mistress

We'd be glad to supply the tank...

E-mail me at peghall@bellsouth.net or give me a call at 770-512-0075 But first--I strongly recommend that you read the articles in the reference library in the Head Mistress forum, especially the one on odor control. The Cricket is an excellent choice for a replacement head.
 
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