raritan I or raritan II

[joe phibbs]

We have a new leak! The seawater spurts out from around the seal on the Raritan hand pump piston rod, at the top of the pump itself. I replaced some of the parts on our 1986 H31 head two years ago, but we had some parts left over. This leak simply got worse when Ed and I took it apart yesterday. The guys at West Marine said it should have a slug tightening adjuster on the top collar of the pump, but we don't have anything but a rubber seal that isn't sealing. I know it is a Raritan PH but not sure if it is a I or a II. One of the vertical embossed lines in roman numerals might have been worn off, as the Raritan 'find your toilet' webpage describes the plastic knob on ours, more so than the chrome top RHI description. The RHII kit I got at West does not have a slug screw-tightening piece in the bag. Anybody out there have a Raritan in their H31 of similar vintage? Which is it? I or II. Or is it time to replace the pump, if that is possible. If so, is there a modular replacement for the pump itself? What is the best source/price for non-electric heads? Thanks, Joe

 

[Peggie Hall/HeadMistress]

You have a PH II

The "ID your toilet" page gave you the clue you needed--the dry/flush valve knob on the original PH was metal...the knob on the PH II is plastic. Another clue they don't include on that page--but should--is the age of the boat: the PH II was first introduced in August of 1981...which would have to make the toilet on a 1986 boat a PH II.If was made before 6/92, the rebuild kit for it is PHRK...if it was made after 6/92, the rebuild kit for it is PHRKIIC.You should not have had any parts left over NOR come up short...if you did, you bought the wrong kit.I have NO idea what a "slug tightening adjuster" is (and I suspect the guys at WM don't either)...but if it ain't in the kit or on the parts list (go back to the Raritan website and find it), you don't need one. Unless the housing cracked, it's unlikely that you need a new pump...but if you haven't kept it well lubricated, it could need rebuilding again. This time get the right kit and install ALL the parts.

 

[joe phibbs]

thanks peggy

I found the Raritan website and downloaded all of the information. The blow up of the PHII shows part # 1214 for post 1992 models and 1213W for pre-1992, so we got the right kit this time. The newer models do have an adjuster collar: so West clerk was accurate for the newer models. In fact, that adjuster seems like the only difference between the older and newer PHII's. wish me luck! Tonight I will have my head in the toilet, or head in the head until i get it right. joe