Taming the Jabsco Head

[Ken Johnson]

There have been many messages regarding the Jabsco head, as provided in these, and many other, sailboats - back-filling. The standard solution has been to replace the joker valve, which many of us have done 2x per season.

Last time, early this year, I used the Joker valve from Raritan instead - their part number C253. It does fit, but a little tighter than the standard, and it does work. It's a little different design, using the back pressure to "tighten" the seal. So far this season, no back-ups - and therefore, no odor in the head. I'll update this post next year - but this may have done it!

 

[firehoser75]

Hopefully Good News

Ken,
Please do update us as to success or not over the longer run. Many boaters suffer from this problem (and the joker is no joke). I know people who just replace the whole toilet every 2-3 years as when on sale, they are only slightly more expensive than the "large" rebuild kit.
Good luck,
Tom

 

[robgs]

Jabsco

Jabsco have introduced a new "Twist'n'Lock" version of the 29090 head which is designed to eliminate flooding. Earlier models can be modified to "TnL" with an available kit which I have seen at West Marine. I have not tried it myself (just replaced my joker valve for the first time).

Rob

 

[Ken Johnson]

One full season - still good!

We finished one full season using the replacement joker valve - all is still well. She's out of the water, on the hard now, so no more updates until we're sailing again next Spring. So far, I would recommend this mod.