I just got a maintenance kit for my Jabsco electric head. The head is working fine in it's second season but I wanted the kit on hand in case I need it.. I am somewhat mechanical but never worked on a MSD before.. Is this something that can be done in an afternoon? Should I wait until there's a problem w/ the head?.. Are there any "gotchas" with the install?
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Jabsco maint kit install?
- Thread starter TIC
- Start date
I guess the correct name is "service kit".. Lot's of little o-rings, washers etc... No real instructions, just an exploded view of the assembly.. Biggest items are the impeller and joker valve.. Is it likely just these two items would need replaced? or does the entire kit need installed usually.. thanks.. (not a job I'm looking forward to)
Is this the electric conversion flush style? If so, the rebuild is very straight forward. The only thing needed is some screwdivers. I would say it takes less than an hour the first time to do it. Even less if you took it apart before.
There should be instructions in the kit. I did mine about a month ago. On a scale of 1-10 with 1 being the easiest, this is about a 4. It's not a bad job. Pump your hold tank and flush water thru it. There was no real smell not was there any crap to deal with. All you'll have to do is wash your hands afterwards before eating lunch.
There should be instructions in the kit. I did mine about a month ago. On a scale of 1-10 with 1 being the easiest, this is about a 4. It's not a bad job. Pump your hold tank and flush water thru it. There was no real smell not was there any crap to deal with. All you'll have to do is wash your hands afterwards before eating lunch.
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"Pump your hold tank and flush water thru it."
For the rinse, use a gallon of white ( cheap ) vinegar... Definitely helps w/ odor, and actually cleans things up a bit. And when done, will not have an adverse effect on biological odor systems ( ie: K. O. ) Though you should probably remove as much as you easily can remove before restoring to normal usage.
For the rinse, use a gallon of white ( cheap ) vinegar... Definitely helps w/ odor, and actually cleans things up a bit. And when done, will not have an adverse effect on biological odor systems ( ie: K. O. ) Though you should probably remove as much as you easily can remove before restoring to normal usage.
Would any of you bother installing the service kit after just one season of use?.. Actually in the second season now and boat is used about 20 times a year, typically a single overnight each time just me and the mrs. Everything seems to work normally. A better question would be.. how long do these parts last before needing replacement?
quote:
Originally posted by TIC
Would any of you bother installing the service kit after just one season of use?.. Actually in the second season now and boat is used about 20 times a year, typically a single overnight each time just me and the mrs. Everything seems to work normally. A better question would be.. how long do these parts last before needing replacement?
I wouldn't install the service kit until I had a problem.
For something like a head, non-use is just as bad as use because rubber parts can dry out.
On my Glastron, I had a manual Jabsco head and I serviced it twice (once because I was grounded on a sandbar and didn't have the common sense to not flush the head and draw sand and shells into the system).
I think you will find that it's easier to remove the head from the boat to service it. Three or four screws, two hoses, and in your case a couple of wires, and you can get it out where you can have room to work and light to see.
On my Camano, I had the same head and it was about eight years old. I don't know about service, but the owners were flushing mineral oil to make it easier to pump. Not a great idea in my opinion because it coats the hoses and the inside of the tank. Instead of servicing it, I replaced it when they went on sale. A little more than twice the cost of the service kit, much easier to do, and I have a brand new head plus an extra seat (ever priced them?).
Flatsflyer
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- Feb 23, 2005
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I just replace both heads rb2@gr5t $109. each plus tax, the repair kits where around $70. No brainer, and they where both 10 years old.
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For heads that receive much use, an annual inspection and replacement as needed is a good plan. If you are willing to accept the occasional "failure at sea" then a "replace after fail" plan is just fine. But keep the correct service kit aboard.
As stated above, non-use is just as damaging as frequent use ( but in a different way ). And keeping the service kit ( or two ) is a great idea, as sometimes guests, especially the younger ladies, tend to ignore proper head usage rules, and repair at sea can become likely. Since I enjoy having the guests, carrying the service kit is a part of "guest supplies".
As stated above, non-use is just as damaging as frequent use ( but in a different way ). And keeping the service kit ( or two ) is a great idea, as sometimes guests, especially the younger ladies, tend to ignore proper head usage rules, and repair at sea can become likely. Since I enjoy having the guests, carrying the service kit is a part of "guest supplies".
Great idea, I will put the service kit in the boat so it won't ruin an overnight trip.. BTW, I HATE giving the head lecture to female guests, there's no easy way to tip toe around it, they know, regardless of how you sugar coat it, that you are telling them not to flush tampons.
quote:
Originally posted by TIC
I HATE giving the head lecture to female guests, there's no easy way to tip toe around it, they know, regardless of how you sugar coat it, that you are telling them not to flush tampons.
Provide an alternative.
Small zip lock plastic bags and brown paper bags to put the plastic bags in. And a trash container of some sort.
Have your wife or girlfriend give the "lecture".
She conveniently "forgets" even though I ask her to give the lecture.. I think if I make a big red sign "NO RAGS" and duct tape it above the head, she might co-operate in the future. The alternative brown paper bags and plastic baggies , trash container etc. is probably the best solution, either that or a phone call before a trip for confirmation of female guests "cycle" and then cancel them out if it's that time; but it's always important to have females on the bow cushions... what a dilema
quote:
Originally posted by TIC
She conveniently "forgets" even though I ask her to give the lecture.. I think if I make a big red sign "NO RAGS" and duct tape it above the head, she might co-operate in the future. The alternative brown paper bags and plastic baggies , trash container etc. is probably the best solution, either that or a phone call before a trip for confirmation of female guests "cycle" and then cancel them out if it's that time; but it's always important to have females on the bow cushions... what a dilema
Wives and girlfriends can be hard to deal with at times but what's the alternative?
You might leave the head "out of service" for a trip or two next time, this might convince her of the importance of the lecture and proper proceedure.