Jabsco Bowl Problem

[zinbaad]

Grrr I hate to have to work on the head but..I am not sure if it is time for a whole rebuilding of the Manuel Jabasco head. This year after clearing out the waste water in the bowl the waste backs right back up and fill bowl almost half way to the top.. Note I do not use the salt wash but dump in a few cups from the sink faucet or the shower head so I dont contiuously have to empty out the holding tank. Is it simply a gasket needing replacement or perhaps the "Joker Valve"...wondering if anyone else has had the problem

[Russell]

Sounds like the joker valve to me. It is supposed to be one-way but it may be too stiff to close or less likely it might have something stuck in it keeping it open. Do you have kids aboard? Take a look at it and then replace if you need to.

[Nancy]

The advice I've gotten is to not bother rebuilding anything in the Jabsco toilet, but rather to swap out the entire pump assembly, which is available for under $70. We have one on order. Our toilet is doing the same thing as yours and also leaks fresh water at the pump housing in the wet mode. Also, sometimes there's so much resistance on the handle that it can't even be depressed. The holding tank is empty.

We really want to re-do the entire system, but it's a difficult job due to lack of access. We may end up calling our fiberglass guy first to cut an access hole at the helm station. Lots of thinking to do. In the meantime, we want to use the boat, so $70 seemed like it would buy us some time.

[RobS]

Ed, the joker valve is a simple part to change out, it's worth a shot based on what you are describing. Part number is 29092-1000. If it were anything but your head I would offer the barter system, Daisy needs a grooming and nail clipping!

[zinbaad]

LOL,, thanks Rob, going to check the diagram and get it done,, been a bit too stinky in the head

[RobS]

No problem. The joker is within the fitting where the waste line connects to the base of the cylinder assembly. Just 2 screws and the fitting comes off. Be sure to reinstall the fitting with the 2 screws BEFORE re-installing the waste line. With the waste line already on the fitting you will not get the fitting to seat flush and make a watertight seal.

[DougSea]

I would add that if you want your lines clear of "stuff" before you start working you can usually go to the pump out station, and with an extra person aboard, keep running fresh water down into the bowl and out to the tank via the suction provided by the pump out system (no need to pump). I used to do this on Sonny III, worked like a charm to get her all fresh!

[jleonard]

Sounds to me like your vent line is plugged up. Clear your vent line and all wiill be good. This is from experience from a guy whose vent line plugged. I mean the head's vent line.LOL

[RobS]

Try removing the waste cap at the deck fitting to check if venting issue.

[DougSea]

Try removing the waste cap at the deck fitting to check if venting issue.

Just be careful when doing so! The deck fitting runs to the bottom of the holding tank!

"There she blows!!"

[RobS]

I was just trying to have a little fun with the guy!

[zinbaad]

and with this heat, hot pooo, ewwww. I will try the vent first, thanks Guys

[RockHall]

Mine started doing the same thing this season. The first time I noticed was after taking some buddies fishing and I thought someone had left me a prize. now if I pump it try it will gurgle back up. Vent seems to make sense as it acts like there is backpressure. How would I fix that? Air pressure backwards down the vent hose? Wouldn't that cause a gusher??? Maybe this would make a episode of Dirty Jobs!
Would backpressure cause the problem if the joker valve was working properly? Thanks for your help.

[RobS]

Try moving the wet/dry lever into different position and then pump it.

[meridian]

use your water hose into the vent.