Jabsco Manual Toilet - water does not come in...

[doublewide]

our marine head flushes much better if we pour water into the TOP, the big hole you sit on, than if we use the automatic fill function. That may be true for most marine heads. It is certainly an alternative when the intake side isn't working properly.

[peghall]

Isn't that a bit like saying your car goes faster if you push it?

[SVRocinante]

Thank you AJ_n_Audry - always good to get first hand info... will certainly keep that in mind if/when I need to replace my current system.

[SVRocinante]

Originally Posted by doublewide

our marine head flushes much better if we pour water into the TOP, the big hole you sit on, than if we use the automatic fill function. That may be true for most marine heads. It is certainly an alternative when the intake side isn't working properly.

Yep; we're currently at a marina, so using the facilities ashore for #2, so have avoided the need to do that, but your suggested process is certainly an option if it becomes necessary before I complete the repairs.

[Dadrock33]

Had similar problem with our head (up on a trailer, high and dry) but after sitting in the water for a couple of weeks, "something" got wet, I guess, and the whole thing started working just fine. Last year, I had to prime the bowl with a couple of buckets of water (fill to the rim and then pump it out - let it sit for about 10 minutes) . . . later, I ended up putting in the overhaul kit and haven't had any problems since . . . (she's a Bayliner 2452 and sits on a trailer 95% of the time)

[thunderhoof]

I had the same issue from leaving the top lever in the "Pump Dry" position when not in use. Eventually the sealing gasket took a set and would not allow water to be pumped into the bowl.
When reassembling the pump top cover(where the gasket plate is) be careful because there is no gasket sealing the assembly top to the pump body so the crews must be firmly tightened - but evenly - to get a good seal. There is a trick to reinstalling screws into plastic as in this case. Place the screw in the hole and turn it in CCW until you feel it drop into the existing thread. Then install as usual. This helps by not cutting a new thread each time you service the part and helps maintain the strength of the joint.

[SVRocinante]

Thank you thunderhoof - great tip on the screws! I'm usually very careful to start them by hand before applying the screw driver... that too ensures you don't cut new threads, but your suggestion will certainly make it easier!

[SVRocinante]

Ok folks; again, thank you for all the tips and advice!

I finally got around to doing the job today and the Top Valve Gasket (21) was in fact the culprit!

For what it's worth, it was a piece of cake!
1. Placed the Flush Control Lever in the Open position
2. Pulled off the hose from the pump to the toilet (4) at the pump end.
3. Backed out the 6 screws(26) on the Valve Cover (27)
4. Carefully lifted the Valve Cover assembly(?) of the Pump Cylinder (28)
5. Removed and discarded the fairly cruddy(technical term ) Top Valve Gasket
6. Cleaned out the area where it sat (paper towels, toothbrush, screwdriver, etc.)
7. Took the Valve Cover assembly outside to clean it - be careful with the valve spring(35)
8. Put the new Top Valve Gasket in place (only goes on one way )
9. Replaced the Valve Cover assembly
10. CAREFULLY replaced the 6 screws
11. Pumped the handle
12. Jumped for Joy!!

While it probably goes without saying, thought it would be a good idea to mention the following:

1. I had the holding tank pumped
2. I flushed the holding tank with fresh water (2 buckets full)
3. I wore disposable vinyl gloves
4. I cleaned everything up afterwards

[zeehag]

if there is an air vent in the incoming hoses water will not come into toilet. hhmmmm how did i figger that one out??? i donot vent the incoming water hoses and i have no issues. anti siphon means just that--you want to siphon wateer into toilet-- you donot want to siphon water into the outgoing hoses.
funny how that works. if you have anti siphon incoming hose connector--- turn the anti siphon knob off. tighten that puppy down. then pump water into bowl easily.
good luck.

[peghall]

The air vent in a vented loop only interferes with the pump's ability to bring in flush water if you put it in wrong place-- the line between the thru-hull and the pump. It does not cause any problem if you install it where it belongs (see installation instructions for every manual sea water toilet): between the pump and bowl.

The vented loop isn't just a siphon break...when the toilet is at or below waterline, water outside the boat WILL seek its own level inside the boat via an open intake thru-hull. Relying on the wet/dry valve to prevent this is playing Russian roulette 'cuz wet/dry valves have high failure rate and people don't always leave 'em in the dry mode either.

So if you want to risk flooding and overflowing the bowl on your own boat, fine. But please don't give advice that puts others at risk.

[SVRocinante]

Ok! Finally edited the video I took of the repair process - they're a bit long, but I hope you enjoy and that they perhaps helps someone down the line.

Part1 - Top Valve Gasket

Part2 - Joker Valve


Thanks again!

[1mardiv]

I just went through this. Replace the top gasket, easy to do and it doesn't cost the much.