Marine Maintenance Weekly Challenge

This week's challenge....the Forward Head!

We've got a complete new replacement pump assembly!

Just in case it has simple, no frills, view on which model heads it replaces---yep, does them all.

Even includes detailed instructions.  Of course if you have a Man Card then these are not necessary.  Certain young and wayward nephews may be allowed to view the complicated procedure if they have a sponsor from a certified Man Card holder :)

We'll be using the Stanley All-in-One Socket and Ratchet kit today...sans the 7/16" combination wrench which it's loss is a truly sad nautical tale best told over a mug of grog.

From previous experience we've liberally applied an excess of bleach---and continued to use it as needed throughout the process.

First step is to dis-assemble the hosing.

Due to a leaky (though minor) bowl gasket we'll be disassembling this as well as replacing the valve.  Notice that just one nut holding down the bowl has been removed----I found out I need to get to both sides in order to split the bowl and base.  Certainly a design defect in design in my book.

Here is the probable culprit we're after today---a pinch valve that is not quite "pinching".

Looks like the stainless screws are not quite stainless--typical of foreign made (read China) metals over the last couple of decades.

Completed removal of the entire head.

Here is the bowl base showing the results of the weeping gasket.  Note the expert grip applied from the gifted Craftsman Robo-grips!

Here is the bottom of the base showing the reason why you have to remove the base along with the porcelain bowl.  No capture mechanism for the through-bolts.

 

The spiffy clean base ready to install. 

The base has been cleaned and is ready as well.

A long time favorite---111 Silicone Grease!

And the part we've been waiting for. 

All assembled and ready to go!!!