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Old 11-10-2014, 13:18   #1
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Wilcox-Crittenden Head Not Taking Flush Water

Getting to know my new to me boat and one of the more immediate items on the list is figuring out why my head doesn't work.

I have so far narrowed it down to the pump not bringing in the flush water. Here is how I determined that: (1) with the left up, no water enters the bowl when pump, (2) if I put water in with a bucket, the pump out works fine, (3) pulled the intake hose from the seacock and the seacock isn't blocked, and (4) I detached the in take hose from the head pump and I can suck water through it.

When I detach the intake hose from the head pump and pump it, I get zero suction. When I detach the foot long hose from the pump to the bowl and pump, I feel no pressure.

Anyone have any thoughts on how I can remedy this? If it is just a bad pump, can I just replace this part?

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Old 12-10-2014, 07:36   #2
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Re: Wilcox-Crittenden Head Not Taking Flush Water

"1) with the left up, no water enters the bowl when pump,"

I'm not sure what this means. Are you referring to the little lever on the side of the pump? In the photo it looks like the lever is missing or broken off.
The lever controls whether the pump brings in water or not. The lever may just be set to the "Dry Bowl" position. Note the arrows on the label, they tell you which way to move the lever.

If the lever is broken or moving it doesn't fix the problem, buy a new toilet. The one you've got is more than twenty years old and was a cheap plastic toilet when it was new.

The current cheap plastic toilet that is pretty good is the Jabsco 29090-3000.

Jabsco Twist-n-Lock Compact Head - 29090-3000

A good step up would be the Raritan PHII.

Raritan PHII Marine Toilet

If your existing bowl isn't too nasty you can save a few bucks by reusing it with one of these new toilets. It will fit either.

There are also some good electric toilet options.
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Old 12-10-2014, 08:22   #3
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Re: Wilcox-Crittenden Head Not Taking Flush Water

The proper fix for a WC head is a new Raritan PHII.

It is among the most popular recommendations on the Sabre Sailboat group. https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Sabresailboat/info

If you have a question about a Sabre Sailboat this is the place to go. 840 members strong with a 15 year history.
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Old 12-10-2014, 08:46   #4
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Re: Wilcox-Crittenden Head Not Taking Flush Water

Thanks for the recommendations. $416 seems like a fair price for a new head. I will probably go down that route.


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Old 12-10-2014, 09:26   #5
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Re: Wilcox-Crittenden Head Not Taking Flush Water

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Originally Posted by fallingeggs View Post
Thanks for the recommendations. $416 seems like a fair price for a new head. I will probably go down that route.


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Old 12-10-2014, 10:30   #6
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Re: Wilcox-Crittenden Head Not Taking Flush Water

Quote:
Originally Posted by fallingeggs View Post
Getting to know my new to me boat and one of the more immediate items on the list is figuring out why my head doesn't work.

I have so far narrowed it down to the pump not bringing in the flush water. Here is how I determined that: (1) with the left up, no water enters the bowl when pump, (2) if I put water in with a bucket, the pump out works fine, (3) pulled the intake hose from the seacock and the seacock isn't blocked, and (4) I detached the in take hose from the head pump and I can suck water through it.

When I detach the intake hose from the head pump and pump it, I get zero suction. When I detach the foot long hose from the pump to the bowl and pump, I feel no pressure.

Anyone have any thoughts on how I can remedy this? If it is just a bad pump, can I just replace this part?

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The lack of suction in the upper chamber of the pump is caused by an air leak at one of two points. In either: (a) the flapper assembly at the top of the pump which may be caused by debris holding the discharge (to the bowl) flapper open or the deterioration of the rubber flappers (including, sometimes, the little circular weights having separated from the rubber due to corrosion etc.) themselves; or, (b) the failure of the lip seal the pump shaft passes through as you withdraw and depress the pump handle. The lip seals often fail when the tiny spring-ring around the shaft throat (where the lip is situated) corrodes such that the lip is no longer held firmly against the shaft, allowing air to enter. If parts are still available, including the lip seal, the flapper valve assembly and the piston O-ring, the pump can easily be restored without much difficulty. If not, finding replacements--particularly the lip seal--becomes very problematic. BTDT...
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Old 12-10-2014, 11:57   #7
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Re: Wilcox-Crittenden Head Not Taking Flush Water

If your so inclined look into the Raritan "fresh head" I just got through converting my PHII to a fresh head and so far am pleased, but I wanted a fresh water head without the electric part
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Old 12-10-2014, 16:46   #8
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Re: Wilcox-Crittenden Head Not Taking Flush Water

"Check Defender. Much less "

Oh no it isn't! I will always match an advertised price if I can.
Dave, Thanks for the heads up on that.

Raritan PHII Marine Toilet
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Old 30-11-2014, 18:17   #9
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Re: Wilcox-Crittenden Head Not Taking Flush Water

HopCar, thanks for the help! Took my time reading through Get Rid of Boat Odors to make sure I wasn't missing anything else, but just placed my order with you guys.


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Old 01-12-2014, 10:00   #10
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Re: Wilcox-Crittenden Head Not Taking Flush Water

Fallingeggs
Thanks for the order! The toilet will ship today.
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