The spitter

[Dave Neptune]

Hi guys, I am looking for a consensus of opinion on "head parts". The part is the spitter of which there are a few manufactures and two styles. There is the straight cut and the "Y" cut or 3 splits.

I am having problems with them staying sealed so I am posing this question. Which one is best by style or manufacturer?

I have been told that "urine" and salt water can form crystals that can hold them open a bit and I have been told that that is BS too. Any body know the science here?

Any input or opin will be appreciated.

Thanx, Dave Neptune

[Jimmy]

Does a Spitter= Joker valve?

I think what you are calling a spitter, we Canuks call a Joker Valve.
Just replaced mine last week, and I questioned the life expectancy, as the entire head was replaced 4 years ago. The Jacobs unit came supplied with the 3 seam flap.
I was informed 4 years is slightly above average, and to extend that 4 years, I would need to open up the system, and “ lube’ the valve, as part of spring commissioning. THATS NOT HAPPENING!
If I’m opening up the system, it will be with the 12 dollar valve in hand, so I can skip the next 3 springs

Admittedly I am in fresh water, with minimal wear and tear on head parts- maybe 3-4 pump outs per season. YMMV

Cheers
Jimmy

[capnward]

I just cleaned mine. It isn't BS. Something creates the 'salt crystals', and it really is the salt. Think of kidney stones. Not pumping it all the way through, and not using an additive to cut the stuff, like vinegar, or other products they sell, will clog it up eventually and distort it. Raritan calls that part a joker valve, and the one they sell is a straight cut. They must sell a lot of them, but I don't see them on their website except as part of a rebuild kit, and had to call. You can't rely on them remaining completely closed. Taking it all apart and cleaning the parts and hoses, immersing the smaller parts in vinegar overnight, or replacing parts, is a routine task, not very pleasant. Good Luck.

[ndutton]

I've had no problem with mine for 13 years but a regular part of boat clean up is a gallon of fresh water flushed through the system.

[joe_db]

Run fresh water and vinegar through the head every week or month, depending. It will solve this issue.

[Jimmy]

After fighting a " head" odour, I replaced all the hoses, and now always flush using fresh water from a jug, when at a dock, and only use pumped Lake water, when underway, or when a plentiful supply of fresh water isn't avaliable

Cheers
Jimmy

[tac]

I had the same question a bit ago and found this via the Practical Sailor magazine/site.

https://www.practical-sailor.com/issues/37_31/features/Joker-Valves-for-Marine-Heads_11065-1.html

You can find other stuff on jokers at Practica Sailor by searching for “joker” on their site

[Administrator]

Once or twice over the years, I've had to replace the joker valve because of reflux. Invariably, the problem was caused by a small wad of toilet paper or other "debris" getting hung up in the slit. Over time, the slit would take a set around the foreign matter. When the offending material did eventually move thru (or worse yet, if it didn't), the set remained and the slit would no longer fully seal.

Bill

[GregH]

The joker valve I think is the most replaced head item. Some seem to need a new one every year from backflow issues, and Some treat it like their engine impeller- gets replaced every year.

[Dave Neptune]

Wow, thanx for all the replies. I do not have any odor problems due to a regular dose of vinegar. I do have a "tall" holding tank IE it the entry to the tank is about 3 1/2 feet above the bowl. I get a bit of back flow. I have 2 heads with the same set up one holds well and gets little use and the other gets most use and won't hold for long.

Tac, thanx for the link. I will order up a "Jabsco" spitter (joker) for my Raritan. I have rebuilt the one head and replaced the spitter twice in two years with the Raritan unit~~YUCH.

If it works any better I will post it up.

Dave Neptune

[sastanley]

Dave, my holding tank is about 24" above the head joker valve. One thing I do is always flush with fresh water..we carry a couple small jugs of tap water from the marina for this purpose. I even disconnected the salt/raw water inlet because I have not used it for years now. If I run out of jug water, I use the "shower hose" from the head sink attached the the 35 gal. house tankage.

I always have a fresh new joker valve on board..kinda like a water pump impeller! I'll send lots of fresh water thru and then change it if it is leaking..it isn't an every year maintenance item, but I rarely seem to get two out of them.