I suspect a blocked tank vent
If air displaced by incoming bowl contents can't get out the vent, the tank will pressurize...not only creating backpressure that causes the head to back up, but even worse things...a real eruption back through the toilet or a cracked tank.If the tank vent is clear, the only other logical explanation is a combination of an uphill run from the toilet to the tank, coupled with failing to pump the toilet long enough to move the bowl contents all the way to the tank or over the top of the "hill" in the head discharge line. If it's been at least two years since the joker valve was replaced, replacing it will stop the flood, but it won't stop slow seepage of anything left in the hose to run back downhill. To answer your last question...if you only want to mess with lubing the toilet once a year, thick teflon grease. Anything thinner will only wash out in a few flushes.