VacuFlush toilets not working after new parts

A

AllanS

Active Member
Oct 30, 2020
180
Boat Info
1989 440 Aft Cabin
Engines
Twin Caterpiller 3208 (375 HP)
Head issues, what’s new, right? I thought I’d be clever and renovate the Mansfield 848 type VacuFlush toilets this winter, which were beginning to leak vacuum and water at the base. So I replaced the water valve, spring assembly, ball and ball gaskets on both toilets. First time doing it, be it seemed straightforward and I reassembled as I had disassembled. Today when commissioning, I test both toilets and both failed. The forward toilet added water fine and flushed, but would not seal around the ball. The second toilet was worse…when I lifted the foot lever to add water, the hose on the back side of the ball burst loose and began spraying water everywhere!

So advice please…on the forward head, how can I get the ball seal properly positioned? I received two seals…one thin and one thick. What order do they go.

On the rear head, I have no idea what is wrong. Please help! What is the purpose of that hose in the rear, and why should it be pressurized with water?
 
Edit to my post, the hose that runs to the back side of the bowl (not ball).
 
If you have the model I am familiar with, the gray one goes on first, then the black, then the toilet.
See this video:

Not sure why the hose burst loose? Did you remove and reinstall it?
 
Nater Potater said:
DUDE! PUT SOME GLOVES ON! Ack! Yes, I know you didn't make that video yourself (or did you?)
Click to expand...
Heck no I did not make that video. But I gave had my share of problems twice with teen age guest that came on board. Thus, it required that the wife gives them a long chat when they step 1 foot on board!
 
Thanks, Tony, I’ll check the order of the two seals again. The way they sit on the base with the notch, it’s hard to believe that they are out of position.

On the other head, could a bad anti-siphon valve cause water to come through that hose?
 
Hi Allen,.
I don't remember an anti siphon valve in any of my boats. Just a water line from the fresh water pump to the back of the toilet. When you step on the pedal, that simply acts like an faucet ( on or off). I do remember the cartridge of the pedal being tricky during the install and removal as there is one screw not easily seen. Bit it is in the instructions. Sorry, it's been a while since I last did this repair. So I may not have the exact terminology here.
 
The forward head……you said it ‘leaked vacuum and water at the base’. You’ve replaced a number of parts and now it is not sealing (leaking vacuum and water at the base). Sounds like those parts were not the culprit, maybe the head itself has cuts and deep scratches from decades of use that now requires a completely new head.?.?
 
I recently replaced the seal due to loss of vacuum with the traditional two black rubber discs but it still lost vacuum and even leaked water onto the floor from the bowl. I then ordered what was presented as a new and improved design that promised a better fit and seal. It was a far superior product, fitting very snugly onto the plastic base and solved both the vacuum leak and water leak. Inexpensive too!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09NRK7H58?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
 
tony1b2000 said:
Hi Allen,.
I don't remember an anti siphon valve in any of my boats. Just a water line from the fresh water pump to the back of the toilet. When you step on the pedal, that simply acts like an faucet ( on or off). I do remember the cartridge of the pedal being tricky during the install and removal as there is one screw not easily seen. Bit it is in the instructions. Sorry, it's been a while since I last did this repair. So I may not have the exact terminology here.
Click to expand...

The hose on the back of the toilet is to supply fresh water as or before you flush. The pressurized water flows out of the little holes under the rim to "wash" the bowl and leave some water in the bowl once the foot pedal is quickly released. It does have an anti-siphon valve incorporated into it (basically a one way valve) so icky water from your bowl (should it overflow for some reason) will never find its way back into your fresh water supply plumbing. If that one way valve becomes stuck shut the pressure could pop off the supply hose.
 
jmcdboater said:
The forward head……you said it ‘leaked vacuum and water at the base’. You’ve replaced a number of parts and now it is not sealing (leaking vacuum and water at the base). Sounds like those parts were not the culprit, maybe the head itself has cuts and deep scratches from decades of use that now requires a completely new head.?.?
Click to expand...

That may be, or the bowl may actually be cracked (once removed check the bottom of the bowl). It is more likely that the seal just isn't doing its job like the cheap new one that I tried. It is more likely that the half ball itself is in poor shape. There is a replacement kit for that and youtube videos on how to remove and replace. If the ball is scratched it won't seal.
 
Jimmy Buoy said:
I recently replaced the seal due to loss of vacuum with the traditional two black rubber discs but it still lost vacuum and even leaked water onto the floor from the bowl. I then ordered what was presented as a new and improved design that promised a better fit and seal. It was a far superior product, fitting very snugly onto the plastic base and solved both the vacuum leak and water leak. Inexpensive too!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09NRK7H58?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
Click to expand...
+1 to @Jimmy Buoy, I’d first try the new seals as he suggests, will most likely cure your ills. If not, :(, then it’s onto replacing the half ball, IMHO.
 
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