Center Head filling up to the rim

[Dreamboat]

The center head on my 1985 53' MY is flushing ok, but fills up to the underside of the rim after the flush. It just started doing that. Any ideas why?

 

[saltshaker]

The center head on my 1985 53' MY is flushing ok, but fills up to the underside of the rim after the flush. It just started doing that. Any ideas why?

Replace the stator

 

[SEVEN]

X2. That will cure your issue. Just did mine 2 months ago. No problems sense.

 

[davidwigler]

Try shutting off the seacock for the seawater. Flush momentarily until the water level goes down. Open the seacock and try it again.

 

[JLR]

I cured similar issues with one of the heads on mine by installing a vented loop. The stator was not the answer for me.

 

[MikeP]

Both answers may/will work - stator and vented loop. The problem is that as the stator wears it can no longer maintain a good seal and water seeps through from the the sea cocks, seeking it's own level. As long as the top of the head bowl is above the water line, it will not overflow.

Replacing the stator usually does the job; a vented loop absolutely will.

Interestingly, the installation instructions for the Galley Maid heads that came installed on most of these boats specifically require/show a vented loop as part of the installation. These instructions are part of the paperwork originally supplied with the boat when delivered. For some reason, Hatteras installed the heads without the loops. I suspect that they found that there was no issue with sealing on the then-new head pumps so they figured there was no reason for the loop...and probably wasn't for the time the boat was under warranty...

 

[rsmith]

Sounds like a Tampon to me.

 

[JLR]

One thing I would like to add to what Mike said. While the vented loop did resolve my issue, I have come to learn that the vented loop does require minimal maintenance. The little duckbill at the top of the loop should be changed every year or two. It takes less than 30 seconds and the duckbill itself is about $9. So, make sure you can get to the duckbill if you do add a vented loop.

 

[Dreamboat]

Thanks to all for your advice. Replacing the stator fixed the problem. Now I just have to buy a couple more spares to have on hand for the others.

 

[nautibake]

One thing I would like to add to what Mike said. While the vented loop did resolve my issue, I have come to learn that the vented loop does require minimal maintenance. The little duckbill at the top of the loop should be changed every year or two. It takes less than 30 seconds and the duckbill itself is about $9. So, make sure you can get to the duckbill if you do add a vented loop.

What is a good supply source for the replacement duckbills? I searched and found the whole vented loop assemblies, but not just the duckbill.

 

[SEVEN]

Raz Marine

 

[nautibake]

Raz Marine

Perfect - thanks!

 

[JLR]

Defender Industries

 

[JLR]

Change which stator? Intake or discharge? Thanks.

 

[SEVEN]

If you can change both even if one is still working. The working one will eventually go bad.

 

[JLR]

Will do. In the meantime, I raised the vented loop a few inches and that seemed to do the trick. I guess the water line really does rise a bit when on a trip with full supplies and a large crew.

 

[mgernes]

Would the same advise apply if my center head was only filing up an inch or two from the bottom of the bowl? Not even enough water to float a single ply of toilet paper. I spend alot of time cleaning the inside of the bowl and was not sure how to address this issue.
Marcus-Beach House

 

[MikeP]

The OEM GM head is designed to have 4-5 inches of water in the bowl after flushing - very similar to a home toilet. This is done automatically by the head pump/toilet design. The water in the bowl "closes" the water trap (same as a home toilet) so odors from the waste output hose/plumbing don't back up into the boat.

 

[SEVEN]

Perfect explanation Mike.

 

[davidwigler]

Would someone who has done it care to explain how to replace the stators? Did you have to remove the intake and sewage hoses? I'm debating just ripping them out and replacing with Raritan Atlantes.