Joker valve

steve stark · Jul 10, 2014

Tzuelke...
I have changed the Joker out every two years. It is not at all difficult and, depending on how tight the quarters are to get at the discharge fitting, shouldn't be a major time commitment.

All that being said, while a new Joker can help minimize back seepage, major flow back is often the result of not 'dry' pumping the discharge line completely into the holding tank. Perhaps more pumping? I think I remember Peggy stating once that around 17 pumps is necessary to completely move the contents of a 5 foot run of 1.5" hose into the tank. Another thing to look for would be restricted tank vent making back pressure against your pumping efforts.

Anyway, you may very well have a distorted Joker Valve, and it will be good to change it if it has been more than a couple of years.

Jim Beck · Jul 10, 2014

Easy job. Once you've done it the first time, you won't dread the job. I always keep a spare joker valve so I can change it as soon as needed.

Ken13559 · Jul 10, 2014

I once read some one used the duck bill joker from Raritan on the Jabsco. Works better than original. Raritab joker valve has a single slit whereas Jabsco one has 3.
Another item you might also replace is the base valve gasket p/n 29043-0000 at the base of the pump just before the joker valve.

MLampner · Jul 12, 2014

Any one know if there is a video for changing the valve on a RaritN compact. Will emu first attempt.

Tally Ho · Jul 12, 2014

tzuelke said:
When we sail our head fills up with waste water from the head. I think this is caused by a bad Joker valve. I have ordered a new one, but was wondering if anyone thought it might be some other problem? The head is in the closed ( right) position, so I know it is not intake water. Also, Youtube has a video on how to change the valve but I was wondering if there is anything I should or should not do. The video says that it is a ten minute job........so I plan on 30 minutes or more! I have learned one thing about boats, everything takes longer than planed and cost more!

Not sure what model head you have, but on my 1996-vintage Hunter 280 with a Jabsco head, I had the same problem. I eventually replaced the pump,assembly on the Jabsco to the newer "twist and lock" model. Replaced the joker valve while I was at it, but the new pump seems to have solved the problem and is working great.

Greg

Jim Beck · Jul 12, 2014

Greg is right. I had forgotten that I had to replace my pump with the Twist n Lock a few years ago. Much better.

Rick Templeton · Jul 13, 2014

Make sure you clear the lines befor removing the pump and valve. I would recommend flushing at least three bowls of fresh water befor you remove the pump. There will be some waste which will be trapped inside the pump and you will be glad it's fresh water! The rest is easy.