removehtml]I have a problem with a Jabsco "29 Series" manual head on a 2002 Beneteau. I bought a rebuild kit hoping that it would fix the problem. It didn't. Here's what happens: At random intervals, the unit will not pull fresh water into the bowl when the lever is in the "wet" position. If I remove the hose from the pump to the bowl and hold my finger over the outlet, I can pump the handle and get it going again. Then I have to reattach the hose and pump away. When I have company on board and this happens it is embarrasing to everyone. I bought a rebuild kit, installed it, and it still happens. I'd love to get my head out of the head. Anyone got any advice? ThanksError: Error: expected [/URL], but found [/removehtml] instead[/removehtml]
Jabsco head problem
- Thread starter agaliha
- Start date
- Status
My guess...
Next time it happens, try jiggling the wet/dry lever. I suspect the cam (the little "gate" the lever swings to block and and unblock the flow of flush water) hanging up in the dry position...a VERY common problem in Jabsco toilets made in the last 10 years that they haven't seen fit to correct. If that doesn't accomplish anything, check the orientation of the flapper valve in the pump against the drawing...you may have put it in backward or didn't quite get it seated right. If none of the above, I suggest you replace the toilet with one that's a bit higher quality. Marine toilets are no different from anything else...you get what you pay for.
Next time it happens, try jiggling the wet/dry lever. I suspect the cam (the little "gate" the lever swings to block and and unblock the flow of flush water) hanging up in the dry position...a VERY common problem in Jabsco toilets made in the last 10 years that they haven't seen fit to correct. If that doesn't accomplish anything, check the orientation of the flapper valve in the pump against the drawing...you may have put it in backward or didn't quite get it seated right. If none of the above, I suggest you replace the toilet with one that's a bit higher quality. Marine toilets are no different from anything else...you get what you pay for.
Give Jabsco a call
The Customer Service department helped me with my problem. Sent me photos and a new flapper and spring at no charge. I believe the number is 1-978-281-0440.
The Customer Service department helped me with my problem. Sent me photos and a new flapper and spring at no charge. I believe the number is 1-978-281-0440.
Great advice
Thanks to you both. I appreciate the advice. I found some threads in the archives that helped shed some light, too. I may have put the "flapper" in wrong when I rebuilt it. Of course, there were no instructions included in the kit (that cost almost as much as the toilet). I'll take it apart and try again. I'm not impressed with Jabsco. Also, the stainless screws that bite into plastic to hold the thing together doesn't speak well for the engineering. Looks like Beneteau cut a corner here by using this cheap head. Thankfully, I haven't noticed that on the rest of the boat's fittings. This site is a great resource for chasing problems. Thank You!
Thanks to you both. I appreciate the advice. I found some threads in the archives that helped shed some light, too. I may have put the "flapper" in wrong when I rebuilt it. Of course, there were no instructions included in the kit (that cost almost as much as the toilet). I'll take it apart and try again. I'm not impressed with Jabsco. Also, the stainless screws that bite into plastic to hold the thing together doesn't speak well for the engineering. Looks like Beneteau cut a corner here by using this cheap head. Thankfully, I haven't noticed that on the rest of the boat's fittings. This site is a great resource for chasing problems. Thank You!
Tiny spring
agaliha, It wasn't easy to reverse the flapper when you install the thing. The left and right side are different. There is a tiny spring the closes one of the flipper (left side I believe). The lever flips a hook like thing which lifts one of the flapper. If the spring is not there, you'll have the problem you described. The weight on the flapper is not enough to close the seal. Also, if you live in cold area subject to freezing, you must remove the intake hose and pump in pink anti-freeze. Most people just dump a gallon into the bowl and pump thru. That doesn't flush out the top of the pump hence freezing will damage the flapper. No there is nothing in the instruction. I learned the hard way. The flapper is around $24. The spring doesn't come with the kit. It's SS about 5/16 diameter and 3/4 long. It is very easy to drop out when the top is removed. They had a diagram of the internal parts on the web site. In my opinion Raritan (spelling?) is a much better design and build but cost significantly more.
agaliha, It wasn't easy to reverse the flapper when you install the thing. The left and right side are different. There is a tiny spring the closes one of the flipper (left side I believe). The lever flips a hook like thing which lifts one of the flapper. If the spring is not there, you'll have the problem you described. The weight on the flapper is not enough to close the seal. Also, if you live in cold area subject to freezing, you must remove the intake hose and pump in pink anti-freeze. Most people just dump a gallon into the bowl and pump thru. That doesn't flush out the top of the pump hence freezing will damage the flapper. No there is nothing in the instruction. I learned the hard way. The flapper is around $24. The spring doesn't come with the kit. It's SS about 5/16 diameter and 3/4 long. It is very easy to drop out when the top is removed. They had a diagram of the internal parts on the web site. In my opinion Raritan (spelling?) is a much better design and build but cost significantly more.
Disposable Jabsco's
I re-did my head last summer. Price of a re-build kit - $Cdn76.00. Price of a new head - $Cdn149.00. Went with the latter.
I re-did my head last summer. Price of a re-build kit - $Cdn76.00. Price of a new head - $Cdn149.00. Went with the latter.
Until you solve it
Unless you are long distance cruising and need to conserve water, leave a glass in the head and use the faucet or use the shower hose to supply flush waterfo flushing.
Unless you are long distance cruising and need to conserve water, leave a glass in the head and use the faucet or use the shower hose to supply flush waterfo flushing.
Most builders use Jabsco
This is no way an endorsement for Jabsco heads (I've replaced two of them with Peggy's recommendation to a Raritan PHII on both of my baots) but I am always shocked at the Annapolis boat show that about 98% of the new boats on display have the cheap Jabsco heads. Here you have a 700k+ boat and a $100 head that is going to fail after a season if you are lucky. when I ask the sales person why, they just smile and say you can upgrade that if you like for $$$.
This is no way an endorsement for Jabsco heads (I've replaced two of them with Peggy's recommendation to a Raritan PHII on both of my baots) but I am always shocked at the Annapolis boat show that about 98% of the new boats on display have the cheap Jabsco heads. Here you have a 700k+ boat and a $100 head that is going to fail after a season if you are lucky. when I ask the sales person why, they just smile and say you can upgrade that if you like for $$$.
I hate Jabsco
I have a jabsco head in my Catalina 30....I hate it. I will replace it this spring with a Raritan PH II. I can't understand why this cheap head is so popular. They are constant problems. One other thing that you might consider as a temporary fix (I have done this a few times) is to take the piston out and lube the area that makes contact inside of the head with Tefflon. It made mine finish the season.
I have a jabsco head in my Catalina 30....I hate it. I will replace it this spring with a Raritan PH II. I can't understand why this cheap head is so popular. They are constant problems. One other thing that you might consider as a temporary fix (I have done this a few times) is to take the piston out and lube the area that makes contact inside of the head with Tefflon. It made mine finish the season.
They're cheap, replace the whole head
When you change it replumb it all with PVC pipe (or read Peggy's book and spend a ton of money instead)
When you change it replumb it all with PVC pipe (or read Peggy's book and spend a ton of money instead)
AHA! I left out the spring.
I'm embarrassed to tell the (sailing) world that Alex was right. When rebuilding the head, I left out the little spring. When I installed it, it pumps like a champ. I don't understand why Jabsco doesn"t include directions with the rebuild kit. At any rate, this web site rocks. Another problem solved... and this one was a stinky problem. Agaliha
I'm embarrassed to tell the (sailing) world that Alex was right. When rebuilding the head, I left out the little spring. When I installed it, it pumps like a champ. I don't understand why Jabsco doesn"t include directions with the rebuild kit. At any rate, this web site rocks. Another problem solved... and this one was a stinky problem. Agaliha
- Status