I recently purchased a 1998 Catalina 36 MkII and was disappointed to find that I had purchased one with a smelly head. I have cleaned out the tank and replaced the joker valve which was completely encased in a solid mass of mineral deposit. I have replaced all the pump parts and scraped out most of the deposits. There is however a residual amount of deposits in some nooks and crannies in the head assemblies and those deposits still smell. Is it a good idea to soak the deposits with something like CLR and then flush the CLR through the system with copious amounts of fresh water? If not is there some other product which is safe to use in the system? Regards Gerry
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I wish you'd asked before you rebuilt the toilet..
A 12% solution of muriatic acid in water would have cleaned out all the mineral deposits. You can still use that to get rid of the last of 'em. Be sure to follow ALL directions for handling and use of muriatic acid very carefully! Forget CLR, LimeAway, or similar products...they won't work. To prevent mineral deposits in the future, flush a cup of vinegar through the system once a week. Do NOT leave it sitting in the bowl...it won't do any good there, but it will destroy your joker valve. Flush it all the way through the hoses. And only use a cupful--MAYBE two..any more will just be wasted.
A 12% solution of muriatic acid in water would have cleaned out all the mineral deposits. You can still use that to get rid of the last of 'em. Be sure to follow ALL directions for handling and use of muriatic acid very carefully! Forget CLR, LimeAway, or similar products...they won't work. To prevent mineral deposits in the future, flush a cup of vinegar through the system once a week. Do NOT leave it sitting in the bowl...it won't do any good there, but it will destroy your joker valve. Flush it all the way through the hoses. And only use a cupful--MAYBE two..any more will just be wasted.
Adventures with heads
I head a lingering sewage smell in the boat and the only way to finally get rid of it was to replace all the sanitation hoses. I think they had gone semi-porous (to gas) over the years or had a tiny leak. A tell-tale sign of a problem was salt crystals on the outside of the hoses. Enjoy! Dave S.
I head a lingering sewage smell in the boat and the only way to finally get rid of it was to replace all the sanitation hoses. I think they had gone semi-porous (to gas) over the years or had a tiny leak. A tell-tale sign of a problem was salt crystals on the outside of the hoses. Enjoy! Dave S.
Get a new head?
We've had our boat for almost eight years. W-C Head Mate. I first rebuilt the head seven years ago. ($60 rebuild kit, only used a few parts) Two years ago I bought a whole pump assembly, which required some gyrations to install. ($119) Last week, we bought a new head. ($119 on a GREAT sale promoted by our local Catalina Fleets at a local independent chandlery). Sometime it just pays to keep searching for bargains. BTW, it was WAY easier to replace the whole head than just the parts - four hose connections. Plus the seat itself was starting to show its age - ever replace a toilet seat in your home? Now it's new and I still have the rebuild parts. Step by step... Stu
We've had our boat for almost eight years. W-C Head Mate. I first rebuilt the head seven years ago. ($60 rebuild kit, only used a few parts) Two years ago I bought a whole pump assembly, which required some gyrations to install. ($119) Last week, we bought a new head. ($119 on a GREAT sale promoted by our local Catalina Fleets at a local independent chandlery). Sometime it just pays to keep searching for bargains. BTW, it was WAY easier to replace the whole head than just the parts - four hose connections. Plus the seat itself was starting to show its age - ever replace a toilet seat in your home? Now it's new and I still have the rebuild parts. Step by step... Stu
Peggy, the 12% solution...
do you flush it through right a way, or do you let it sit for a while? How long? If sit too long, does it ruin the joker valve and the hoses or other parts? Also, I assume it should not be flushed into a aluminum tank.
do you flush it through right a way, or do you let it sit for a while? How long? If sit too long, does it ruin the joker valve and the hoses or other parts? Also, I assume it should not be flushed into a aluminum tank.
Bargains, Stu??? And for you, JC...
So far you've spent $298 on "disposable" toilets and parts. You could have bought a PH II that'll last at least 20 years if you just keep it lubricated and rebuild it every 5-6 years for about $235--maybe even less if you'd shopped hard. JC, muriatic acid won't hurt the rubber parts in a toilet and shouldn't harm an aluminum tank either. Disconnect the head discharge hose from the tank...plug it...flush the solution all the way through the system...wait about 45 minutes....flush it out with plenty of clean water.
So far you've spent $298 on "disposable" toilets and parts. You could have bought a PH II that'll last at least 20 years if you just keep it lubricated and rebuild it every 5-6 years for about $235--maybe even less if you'd shopped hard. JC, muriatic acid won't hurt the rubber parts in a toilet and shouldn't harm an aluminum tank either. Disconnect the head discharge hose from the tank...plug it...flush the solution all the way through the system...wait about 45 minutes....flush it out with plenty of clean water.
I knew THAT one was coming,
Peggie, and I kinda asked for it. I had seriously considered it, but haven't ever had any trouble with the current head, and didn't want to, right now anyway, redo the hoses, especially the 1 1/2 line! I know, I know, next time - I DO read and remember this stuff!
Stu
Peggie, and I kinda asked for it. I had seriously considered it, but haven't ever had any trouble with the current head, and didn't want to, right now anyway, redo the hoses, especially the 1 1/2 line! I know, I know, next time - I DO read and remember this stuff!
Stu
Ok...next time, ok???
You, Rick Dinon and Tim Rushing are matched set! The three of you have thrown enough good money after bad on cheap toilets to feed a third world family for a year! Do it once...do it right. Spend the rest on good food and wine. They're disposable too, but SO much more enjoyable!
You, Rick Dinon and Tim Rushing are matched set! The three of you have thrown enough good money after bad on cheap toilets to feed a third world family for a year!
Do it once...do it right. Spend the rest on good food and wine. They're disposable too, but SO much more enjoyable!
Not Quite True, Peggy...
...I haven't really tossed $700 at the Jabsco. At least if you figure it isn't really the *same* head since only the bowl is original now. PS: I just replaced my (annual) pump assembly. Heck, I could do it in my sleep (maybe I have?). Jeesh, I remember when a head trip was something very different... Rick D.
...I haven't really tossed $700 at the Jabsco. At least if you figure it isn't really the *same* head since only the bowl is original now. PS: I just replaced my (annual) pump assembly. Heck, I could do it in my sleep (maybe I have?). Jeesh, I remember when a head trip was something very different... Rick D.
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