Can anyone tell me if Wilcox Crittenden makes head components that would match the current configuration of our 1980 Hunter 30 head components? Or has anyone with an 80 Hunter 30 replaced their head with another line of products that works well. Would like to stay with a flexible holding tank - any recommendations?
Need new head in 1980 Hunter 30
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I will try to help. Yes, you should be able to find parts to repair the old head. Depending on what is required you may find that a new head is within the price range of the repair. If you are only replacing the joker valve or seals a repair can give you more years out of your old head. The head has nothing to do with the holding tank so you may do as you like with keeping the old tank. Just remember that it is old.
I recommend replacing the toilet.
The average lifespan of any compact manual toilet is about 10 years...if yours is original--which is unlikely--it's nearly 30 years old. Rebuild kits (Seals, valves and gaskets) are available, but even if the toilet is more than 7-8 years old, the pump cylinder is so worn, scratched and scored that new ones won't help much...it'll work, but nowhere near as efficiently as it should. And if it needs additional parts, you're most of the way to the price a new toilet.
Thetford-Norcold has owned Wiilcox-Crittenden for several years...at the end of 2008, they discontinued the entire W-C line of toilets, including the Headmate. Parts--mostly rebuild kits--will be continue to be available for a few years, but that's all. Another good reason not to put any money into this toilet.
Most people here will agree that the Raritan PH II or PHC Raritan PH II is your best choice for a replacment The online store here has the best price for the "conversion" (everything but the bowl, seat and lid).
Finally... you might want to check out the link in my signature...
As for the bladder...it's also unlikely that the bladder is original, 'cuz the average life of a bladder is only about 15 years before expansion/contraction and other factors spring a leak in it. You won't be happy with a bladder for sewage holding, but it has nothing to do with the operation of the toilet...so unless it is leaking, there's no real NEED to replace it immediately.
Hoses: There are only two reasons to replace hoses...1. They stink! 2. They're so old-- +/- 10 years --that they've gotten hard and brittle. So a good clue to the age of your system may be the condition of the hoses.
The average lifespan of any compact manual toilet is about 10 years...if yours is original--which is unlikely--it's nearly 30 years old. Rebuild kits (Seals, valves and gaskets) are available, but even if the toilet is more than 7-8 years old, the pump cylinder is so worn, scratched and scored that new ones won't help much...it'll work, but nowhere near as efficiently as it should. And if it needs additional parts, you're most of the way to the price a new toilet.
Thetford-Norcold has owned Wiilcox-Crittenden for several years...at the end of 2008, they discontinued the entire W-C line of toilets, including the Headmate. Parts--mostly rebuild kits--will be continue to be available for a few years, but that's all. Another good reason not to put any money into this toilet.
Most people here will agree that the Raritan PH II or PHC Raritan PH II is your best choice for a replacment The online store here has the best price for the "conversion" (everything but the bowl, seat and lid).
Finally... you might want to check out the link in my signature...
As for the bladder...it's also unlikely that the bladder is original, 'cuz the average life of a bladder is only about 15 years before expansion/contraction and other factors spring a leak in it. You won't be happy with a bladder for sewage holding, but it has nothing to do with the operation of the toilet...so unless it is leaking, there's no real NEED to replace it immediately.
Hoses: There are only two reasons to replace hoses...1. They stink! 2. They're so old-- +/- 10 years --that they've gotten hard and brittle. So a good clue to the age of your system may be the condition of the hoses.
Re: I recommend replacing the toilet.
Thanks for the info. We purchased the boat in 1986 so since we have never replaced the head, just replaced some of the seals, gaskets, etc., (and when I say we I really me my husband, I don't know a seal from a gaskets from a valve myself) I'm pretty sure its all original - believe it or not! Guess we're lucky to have gotten this far with it all. But I'm confused - when you say "conversion" is it possible to just replace the pumping mechanisms, and leave the bowl, seat and lid attached to the cabin floor. Our concern was how a new toilet would line up with the bolts on the floor platform. We're not real mechanically inclined but have friends who can help out with the process of this updating project, so sorry if I sound clueless. Assuming the flexible holding tank is original, and I think it is, could it be the source of any odors? Its right under where I sleep in the v berth! I priced a few, and the ones I found were expensive! So if you don't think it would cause odor, maybe we'll take your advice and just leave it for now. But if its that old, is it a problem just waiting to happen? Why do you say we won't be happy with a bladder for holding sewage? This one has been fine for 29 years? Do we not know what we are missing? Please expand on that thought. Thanks again
Thanks for the info. We purchased the boat in 1986 so since we have never replaced the head, just replaced some of the seals, gaskets, etc., (and when I say we I really me my husband, I don't know a seal from a gaskets from a valve myself) I'm pretty sure its all original - believe it or not! Guess we're lucky to have gotten this far with it all. But I'm confused - when you say "conversion" is it possible to just replace the pumping mechanisms, and leave the bowl, seat and lid attached to the cabin floor. Our concern was how a new toilet would line up with the bolts on the floor platform. We're not real mechanically inclined but have friends who can help out with the process of this updating project, so sorry if I sound clueless. Assuming the flexible holding tank is original, and I think it is, could it be the source of any odors? Its right under where I sleep in the v berth! I priced a few, and the ones I found were expensive! So if you don't think it would cause odor, maybe we'll take your advice and just leave it for now. But if its that old, is it a problem just waiting to happen? Why do you say we won't be happy with a bladder for holding sewage? This one has been fine for 29 years? Do we not know what we are missing? Please expand on that thought. Thanks again
I'll try to unconfuse you...
You asked: "when you say "conversion" is it possible to just replace the pumping mechanisms, and leave the bowl, seat and lid attached to the cabin floor."
Nope...the bowl isn't attached to the cabin sole...it's mounted on a base, which you'd have to replace. Everyone worries about drilling new holes to mount a toilet...it's no big deal!
You asked, "Assuming the flexible holding tank is original, and I think it is, could it be the source of any odors?"
Ohhhh, yes it can! And as you've seen, bladders cost more than comparable size good quality rigid tank.
Sanitation hoses are another source of odor if they become permeated with sewage--which yours are certain to be after this many years...and also so hard and brittle that they could actually pose a safety risk.
You asked me to expand on why bladders are not a good choice for sewage holding. You'll find a wealth of information in the archives if you spend a little time searching...or, the link in my signature will take you to a comprehensive "marine toilets and holding tanks 101" manual that should help you become a LOT less clueless!
You asked: "when you say "conversion" is it possible to just replace the pumping mechanisms, and leave the bowl, seat and lid attached to the cabin floor."
Nope...the bowl isn't attached to the cabin sole...it's mounted on a base, which you'd have to replace. Everyone worries about drilling new holes to mount a toilet...it's no big deal!
You asked, "Assuming the flexible holding tank is original, and I think it is, could it be the source of any odors?"
Ohhhh, yes it can! And as you've seen, bladders cost more than comparable size good quality rigid tank.
Sanitation hoses are another source of odor if they become permeated with sewage--which yours are certain to be after this many years...and also so hard and brittle that they could actually pose a safety risk.
You asked me to expand on why bladders are not a good choice for sewage holding. You'll find a wealth of information in the archives if you spend a little time searching...or, the link in my signature will take you to a comprehensive "marine toilets and holding tanks 101" manual that should help you become a LOT less clueless!
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