Lubricating the Head Pump

[Duke 48]

The Headmistress, in GET RID OF BOAT ORDERS, says to use Teflon grease for routine maintenance. I have no experience with Teflon grease. However, I have used Dow Corning 111 silicon O-ring lubricant / sealant in similar applications. Any comments: Pros / Cons / or Recommendations for head lubrication.
Duke

[Fullmoon]

We have been using Peanut Oil for the last year. Works great. Put in about a 1/2+ cup and pump it through. Another tip: Thompson Deck Sealer for your bimini canvas. Lasted a year before recoating.

[MarkJ]

I use vegetable oil in the head. Hasn't grown any veges yet

And I have some lithium greese for when I want to pull the thing apart and lubricate it internally.

[nigel1]

Have used both silicone and teflon (PTFE) grease on the pump during overhaul/rebuild. I think nay similar grease which does not degrade rubber would be OK, and in between overhauls, veg oil or similar.

[DeepFrz]

Didn't the Head Mistress say "save the veg. oil for cooking veggies" or something like that? You guys aren't paying attention.

[malbert73]

I do two things which makes my head odor free and smooth operating (Raritan PHII manual)
After each cruise, or every 3 days of use, I close my intake/head sink drain seacock, and fill sink with mixture of fresh water with some raritan enzymatic head cleaner, which helps a tiny bit with lubrication.
Every 7-10 days of use, I just pour a splash of veggie oil into head and pump until I feel handle get nice and loose.

[malbert73]

oops forgot to write, veggie oil is probably cheaper than anything else, and you get dual purpose from it!

[Vasco]

It's a lot easier to remove the top of the pump and clean and lube the inside than pouring oil in the bowl. I use vaseline.

[Cruisin Cat]

Originally Posted by Vasco

It's a lot easier to remove the top of the pump and clean and lube the inside than pouring oil in the bowl. I use vaseline.

How hard is it to pour some oil in the bowl and pump it???

[phantomracer]

I started using vinigar, in addition to vegi oil , after a freshwater flush, when we leave the boat for a period of time. Dramatically easier pumping when we get back days/weeks later

Nothing like making salad dressing in the head

Have only used oil when doing maintenance on the rubber parts

[zeehag]

i drain tuna packed in oil into head. i use vinegar to remove salt caused blockages. works great--i live and cruise my formosa and so far, only problems have been from octopi and oysters in the thru hulls.....is why i have divers with brains do my underwater hull work.
for the rotten egg smell coming from standing salt water, a constant thru flush of more than 2 gallons of sea water removes that stink and all is well in my world.

[malbert73]

Originally Posted by Vasco

It's a lot easier to remove the top of the pump and clean and lube the inside than pouring oil in the bowl. I use vaseline.

Really? let's time it! how many tools does it take to remove the cap on a bottle and pour?

[Vasco]

Originally Posted by malbert73

Really? let's time it! how many tools does it take to remove the cap on a bottle and pour?

You forgot the pumping! Wrench to loosen the cap on the pump, clean with paper towel, grease, replace. Two heads in less than ten minutes and the barrel of the pump is well greased.

[Duke 48]

Originally Posted by Vasco

It's a lot easier to remove the top of the pump and clean and lube the inside than pouring oil in the bowl. I use vaseline.

It is my understanding Vaseline isn't good for the rubber seals in the system.
Duke

[MarkJ]

Originally Posted by Duke 48

It is my understanding Vaseline isn't good for the rubber seals in the system.
Duke

Nor rubber ducks. Nor condoms.