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Catalina 25 Specific Forum

Head won't pump in water

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jlguthri
1st Mate

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USA
93 Posts

Initially Posted - 09/30/2004 : 16:19:40

I have a Greco HE head on my Catalina 25. Ever since I have had the boat, it won't pump water into the tank. I have done the rebuild kit thing and that didn't fix it.

It seems that it won't suck enough vacuum to get water into the piston. Has anyone ran into something similar? Could it be something other than it is just worn out? I have no idea how old the thing is.

thanks
-josh

----
Joshua Guthrie
www.westmouthbay.com

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RichardG
Admiral

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USA
990 Posts

Response Posted - 09/30/2004 : 20:45:06

Josh,

Sorry to break the news after the fact, but many folks feel that the cost of a whole new head is not that much greater than the cost of the rebuild kit, and it greatly reduces the hassle of an especially dirty job, as well as the risk of not being able to fix the problem.

Anyway, I'll first ask the obvious -- is the thru-hull open? Next, some have had luck by pouring some water directly into the bowl and then pumping, in effect priming it.

Good luck.

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jmeadows
1st Mate

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52 Posts

Response Posted - 09/30/2004 : 21:19:29

Check and see if the head intake uses the same thru-hull as the sink drain. It thats the case you will need to use a rubber stopper in the sink drain each time you want to fill the head in order to get any water intake flow.

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jlguthri
1st Mate

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USA
93 Posts

Response Posted - 09/30/2004 : 22:19:35

I'm afraid I did open the sea cock and used a rubber stopper. However, I also closed the sea cock and filled the sink with about 3 gallons of water, and the bowl would pump (a little). It looks to me like it needs a dead head of pressure on the inlet to do any pumping... that it won't suck water in.

After your comments I think a new head is in my future... ..I think you've helped me confirme in my mind it is just worn out...

thanks for your comments

ps: I agree now that the rebuild thing is a rip off.... my opinion, there was only one component in the whole thing worth more than 5 bucks..... thankfully, i was working with a clean tank..

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MattL
Admiral

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USA
990 Posts

Response Posted - 10/01/2004 : 03:14:30

OK, this may seem like a dumb thing to say, but with difference to a post talking about dumb things in the general section.
I have been having problems with my head. I ordered a rebuild kit. Part of what came were directions. I didn't know about that little lever at the top of the pump that you have to rotate up for it to pump water into the bowl. Could it be that yours is pointed down as mine was?

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ajniemira
Deckhand

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18 Posts

Response Posted - 10/01/2004 : 21:08:36

I used the overhaul kit and it worked fine. The lever does need to be in the up position to pump water into the head. You need to check if you put it together correctly.

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ajniemira
Deckhand

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18 Posts

Response Posted - 10/02/2004 : 09:40:02

It also takes around 6 pumps to get the water flowing.

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jlguthri
1st Mate

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USA
93 Posts

Response Posted - 10/02/2004 : 10:52:41

I put it in the wheelbarrel and found it would only suck water about 3 inches or so. I am forming the opinon that I should have a better seal on the piston than I do. Also, I broke a mount taking it on and off. I also think the whole thing is more brittle than it should be. I don't know if this is from age or abuse. I'm going to call it a dead horse.

Thank you for all your replys. They have been invaluable, even if I've done them. It leads me to think that I may be on the right path and that the thing is just worn out... and not something stupid I'm doing.

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aeckhart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1709 Posts

Response Posted - 10/02/2004 : 11:05:56

A couple of years ago a motor boat ran into my C25 at night - full moon, white hull, no proper watch. I now have a Davis cockpit light as an anchor light to save batteries. Anyway, he hit the boat so hard it completely displaced the head. Practically broke the pedestal in half. I didn't notice it until I started getting water on the floor.
Installtion of a new Jabsco replacement was simple and straight forward. It took about an hour, including removal of the old head. I did not like the new plastic seat so I retained the original pressed wood model. Much nicer feel

. My long-winded point being that I'd get the replacement head.

Al
GALLIVANT #5801

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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
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.