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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 25 Specific Forum

leaking pump handle on head

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johnnkay
Deckhand

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USA
8 Posts

Initially Posted - 11/24/2005 : 11:52:45

Where would I get parts to replace seals on the head of a Catalina 25? When flushing head water leaks out of the handle seal while pumping.

John Bargmann

Edited by - on

Leon Sisson
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1893 Posts

Response Posted - 11/24/2005 : 13:42:30

John B,

That depends on which head you've got. Catalina doesn't manufacture heads, they only install them. Since a head was an option on the C-25, many C-25 heads were installed (or replaced) after the boat was sold. Look around for a brand name and model number on your head. There are rebuild kits available for the better ones. Also, I think there are good quality marine heads available for under two boatbucks. I happen to like the Raritan PH-II as a good balance of price/quality for our boats.

-- Leon Sisson

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wmkoines
1st Mate

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56 Posts

Response Posted - 11/25/2005 : 06:59:00

I just pulled my head out. I decided to replace it for the same reason. While I was at it, I wanted to replace all my hoses and tank. I have been having an odor problem along with the leak in the pump. And have been told that the odor can, with time pass through the plastic / rubber hoses and tank.

I have not decided which head to get. My head, tank and hoses are about 24 years old so I was thinking about time to change. I do want to suggest you change out your hoses. I found that one of the hoses had actual started to wear through. I guess from the rocking of the boat over time.

Best to catch some thing like that before you have a major spill.

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Leon Sisson
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1893 Posts

Response Posted - 11/25/2005 : 09:30:12

Regarding head hose replacement - not all hoses are created equal. I would suggest that odor permeation is the most important criteria in selecting a new hose. Sealand OdorSafe is the way to go. Don't let the price deter you. Head work is not a good place to be overly frugal. Sealand OdorSafe hose is also miserable to work with because it's so stiff. Remember to double hose clamp any hose that could spill sewage.

If you decide to replace the holding tank, I recommend you get one with at least 3/8" thick polypropolene(sp?) walls, and two large vents for cross flow. I installed mine all the way forward under the V-berth to preserve as much usable storage space as possible.

-- Leon Sisson

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aeckhart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1709 Posts

Response Posted - 11/29/2005 : 12:51:44

Part of the leak problem could be from over-tightened/broken screw anchor points in the body of the pump handle housing. They are very brittle and will snap off if over tightened. Replacement of the housing is the only option to stop the leaks.

On the same subject, if you find that your head suddenly doesn't pump out or suck water in, check the flapper valve in the above housing. Mine is a rubber flap with a brass disk attached. Sometimes the disk corrodes and sticks in the open or closed position, causing the pump not to work. Apply a thin coat of vaseline to both sides of the disk and it will work great.

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oldsalt
Admiral

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USA
578 Posts

Response Posted - 12/11/2005 : 11:00:34

If it's leaking from around the pump shaft it's probably only the wax packing gland seal.

All you need to do to replace it is unscrew the pump handle, remove the nylon packing gland and drop in a new one.

If you've got a North and Judd Wilcox Crittenden Head Mate like the one installed on my boat, the complete rebuild kit is part number is Head Mate 1520 followed by 149195.

When my boat was new I replaced all the cheap waste hoses with heavy duty industrial hose designed for pumping pertoleum products. It's mutli layered with a layer of wire mesh between the rubber layers and is over 1/4" thick.

I've never had any head odor at all.

Edited by - oldsalt on 12/11/2005 11:05:50

SailFisher
1st Mate

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USA
62 Posts

Response Posted - 12/11/2005 : 18:32:16

To stop the leak at the handle, just tighten the nut a quarter turn, that would ussually fix the problem on mine. Also I just finished replacing the entire head and plumbing, added vented loops (highly recommended) and thought the whole job was a bear due too tight spaces and very stiff sanitation hose, use the right hose but also use a heat gun to soften and install. Good Luck and I hope eveything comes out OK.

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The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.