Catalina 34

General Activities => Main Message Board => Topic started by: Aaron Gregg on February 06, 2002, 07:52:35 AM

Title: Leaky Head
Post by: Aaron Gregg on February 06, 2002, 07:52:35 AM
I seem to have developed a leak from my holding tank thats draining back into my head bowl. I know this because the chem treatment appears. Its a slow leak but I'm not sure what valve prevents the head from backflushing. Any similiar experiences? Thank You, Aaron....
Title: Joker valve
Post by: Roc on February 06, 2002, 09:22:26 AM
Aaron,
When was the last time you re-built your head pump??  If it has been more than a couple/few years (or you never did), it sounds like it's time.  You can buy the kit from from B/US, WM or Defender (which is the cheapest).  It's not hard, takes about 2 hours if you never did it before.  The kit has all the rubber parts and other stuff that needs replacing. Make sure everything is rinsed out very well before you start (or put clothespin on nose).

Roc-
Title: head leak
Post by: jeff on February 06, 2002, 03:26:59 PM
Suspect joker valve - replacement comes in rebuild kit
Jeff, Salty Dog #1102
Title: Leaky Head
Post by: jentine on February 06, 2002, 05:13:23 PM
Before you go through the trouble and expense of rebuilding the head, buy a gallon of vinegar and pour a 1/2 gallon in the head and pump it (water off) enough to get it into the joker valve (the joker valve is at the base of the plunger unit) and sanitation hose.  Leave it there for several hours to soak.  Repeat the procedure with the other half gallon and rinse thoroughly.  This should do the trick. The vinegar will loosen any accumulated crud on the parts.  I have done this to our head annually for ten years and have never had to rebuilt the head.
Title: Heads
Post by: Stu Jackson on February 06, 2002, 09:45:19 PM
Aaron

Also suggest you read Marine Sanitation: Fact vs. Folklore, on the C34 website, FAQs section.

When I rebuilt our head, I found it easier to take the whole contraption out of the head and work on it in the cockpit.  Much better access to the pump assembly.

Stu