Head Refurb

[bobn]

I have two questions, one may be obsolete after I replace the two heads in an 88 372 Chris Craft. Both heads are electric discharge. My experience with marine heads is very limited. I had a 31 ft Chaparrel that I could see what I think is a vent loop. On the Chris Craft I just purchased I don't see the vent loop. This boat has not been used very much in the last two years, but looks as tho it might have been winterized.
First question...the forward head when flushed shoots water out of the head, I assume a bad impeller. The aft head flushed out fine. When I poured water in the forward head it flushed out but when the bowl was dry it shot water out again. Poured more water in, and it flushed out fine. Went to the aft head and it was filled with water, I assume from the forward head when it was flushed. Now the aft head will not flush. I bailed the water from the aft head, pressed the button and it filled with water but would not flush out. The holding tank is dry. There are one hose from each head going to the holding tank. The discharge seacock was open so I closed it off. The aft head will not flush out with the seacock open or closed.
Any idea what's going on? The reason I want to know is because I'm not sure if I will have the same problem when I replace both heads.

Now the 2nd question. Suggestions as to which head I should replace these with. Like I said before I have limited experience with marine heads. When I replace these I assume I should replace both the pump and head, is this correct.

Thanks for all the suggestions.

 

[Vic Willman]

Bob, when a head throws water out at you when it is flushed, it is usually indicative of a "no-no" having been flushed down the toilet, and has wrapped itself around the macerator, partially blocking it. Often, if you take it apart, clean it out, then put it back together, it will work properly again.

As far as one head flushing into the other, it could be caused by a "Y" valve set in the wrong position, a partial clog in the lines (usually at a joint in the hoses), a plugged-up vent line on a holding tank, or possibly something else that isn't readily apparent. Or, it could be as simple as a bad joker valve in the head that is "receiving" the water and/or other stuff.

As far as recommending makes and models of heads to be used as replacements, it would be easier if we knew the makes and models of the heads that are already there. Available deck space, and the routing of hoses and wires all come into play, so it would be best to know what's already there, so we'll have some idea as to what might be a suitable replacement.

 

[bobn]

Thanks Vic,

The forward head is a Jabsco Par, Model 37010-0000, Compack size. There is absolutely no name on the aft head, altho it looks "newer", and has a different look than the forward head. I looked at the hook up to the holding tank again this morning. The hoses from the two heads meet on the side of the holding tank at the top in a tee fitting. There isn't a "Y" valve on this like there was in my other boat, just a true "tee" fitting. The tee fitting isn't level, the aft hose head is slightly tilted down. I can't tell for sure but I believe both heads are about the same level on the boat. I can see how the forward head water could have ended up in the aft head if the tee is stopped up at the tank. I'm beginning to think when the forward head was flushed there was something that stopped up the inlet into the tank and let the water run into the aft head, and this is what is stopping the aft head from flushing. The previous owner has let the boat sit for 2 years without much use and I'm going to replace both heads, and the hoses. For the aft head I want a larger seat than the normal marine heads.

 

[Vic Willman]

Any chance of sending me a digital picture of the aft head? I may be able to identify it by looking at a picture of it.

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