Jabsco Head won't intake sea water

[firehoser75]

Peggy,My Jabsco head is about 4 years old. I rebuilt it last year (a complete rebuild, cost almost as much as a new head). Here is my problem. Even when new, the toilet would develop an air lock in the intake hose if left unused for a period of time. This was, in the past, resolved by pumping the pump handle furiously and eventually it would prime. Today, however was a different story. I pumped furiously (taking some breaks when tired) for about half an hour. No luck. I can see a fairly large air bubble in the clear intake hose, but I cannot get the pump to prime. Yes I have the thru hull open and the lever in the "wet bowl" position. Should I just bite the bullet and replace it with a Raritan? And if I do, is there a chance that I will still have this priming problem? Is there any chance that the mounting bolt holes will line up on a different brand of head?Thanks for your help,Tom

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

how is this possible?

I'll leave it to Peggy to respond but I would ask how you can have an air lock when pumping? Is the head above the WL?

 

[Benny17441]

Tom, something doesn't add up. Check the

through the hull and the valve for an obstruction. It sounds like you may not have adequate water pressure.

 

[Peggie Hall HeadMistress]

I'd replace it with a PH II or PHC if space is tight

However, I THINK your problem is caused by the flapper valve at the top of the pump...which Jabsco seems to have solved with the addition of a spring, which Jabsco will send you for no charge. Or, if you stored the boat for the winter with the wet/dry lever in the dry position, you may need a new flapper valve too...'cuz leaving it in the dry position for an extended period distorts it.So call jabsco customer service...with any luck you can get at least one more season out your toilet before replacing it with a Raritan...which, btw, will not match your existing bolt holes, but neither will any other toilet...nor is it a a big deal. You'll be able to use a couple of the holes...fill the rest with epoxy and touch up with a little paint if the base doesn't cover 'em.

 

[firehoser75]

Thanks for all of the input

Thanks for your very fast responses.Don, the bottom of the head is below the water line and the top of the head (seat) would be just above the waterline. I recently completed haulout, so I am reasonably confident that the thru hull does not have an obstruction and there is no blockage in the hose. It is "see through". Peggy,I did leave the head in the dry bowl position for the winter, so maybe a new valve is required. I will take your advise and talk to Jabsco customer service. Eventually I will replace this head with a Raritan. However, on my boat there is a seat or cover made out of fibreglass that lowers down over the head to form a seat that also somewhat hides the head. Many people comment that they like this feature (as do I) so I do not want to lose it due to the pump handle on a different brand of head sticking up too high, so I will have to check all of this out prior to making a purchase.Thanks again,Tom

 

[Rick I]

top valve gasket

As Peggy said they've redesigned this. just email Jabsco for a new one. I never rebuild my Jabscos. After seven or eight years replace. Same price if you get them on sale.

 

[EatDrinkHealthy]

Jabsco

You can get reliable service with the Jabsco if you:(1) Leave the flapper in the wet position over winter freezing as Peggy suggested.(2) Make sure you have anti-freeze in the top of the pump. Pouring anti-freeze into the bowl won't get it to the top. I put in a bronze T at the seacock. At haul out, I shut off the seacock and connect the T to suck in anti-freeze. And then open the seacock to prevent pressure build up.Or replace with a more expensive unit. You got what you paid for.Actually the flapper valve only cost about $24.00. Everything else are quite reliable. I also carry a spare onboard.

 

[Don12364]

Suggestion

Pump is probably dry and piston not sealing. Also flap valve might be holding itself open as already suggested.Before doing anything else try pouring a basin full of water down it and pumping again.The presence of and level of water will probably start it off again.Otherwise its a simple top off job.Presumably you have the seacocks open??

 

[firehoser75]

Problem Solved

I just installed the new (free) Jabsco parts that were sent to me after I contacted them at Peggy's suggestion. Right away my head now primes immediately.Thanks Peggy, I will now hopefully get several more years out of this head before I have to replace it.Tom