Converting Baby Blake

[Leighb]

I saw a post here some time ago which seem to suggest that it is possible to retain the BB pan, but replace the complex and expensive to maintain pumps with a modern pump unit which switches over from in to out.

Is this possible?
Has anyone documented what is needed?
Pointers would be helpful.

Our BB is incredibly stiff on the output side and clearly needs a complete overhaul, and SWMBO is asking if we can replace either the whole thing or - preferably just the pump unit.

 

[MoodySabre]

Is it hard work because the pipe is blocked up?

I thought BBs were the Rolls Royce of loos. It would be a brave man that suggested hooking it up to a Jabsco pump /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[macd]

"complex and expensive to maintain pumps"

Not in my experience. Suspect that either She is incredibly feeble (Rider Haggard would turn over in his grave) or that something's fundamentally awry with your system. I'd urge you, and suspect that plenty of others will agree, not to replace a Blake with the viper's nest of valves and seals that are the main alternatives.

 

[pvb]

eBay...

Rip it out, sell it on eBay, buy a nice sensible Jabsco. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Leighb]

£129 for a service kit is pretty expensive in comparison to <£100 for a new loo.

She is not feeble, the pump is pretty hard work, I think the leather washer has swollen and it needs replacing, along with the gland seals etc.

I will probably try stripping it down and servicing it, but if it continues to be trouble I will probably replace it.

Doubt they are worth much on e-bay though?

Who pays the enormous price asked for new ones about 15 to 20 times the price of alternatives!!!

 

[macd]

Forgive me. Total brain fade. Now I'm off to rinse my synapses in the Blake's Lavac, which should be up to the job since it IS a brilliant loo.

 

[Scarboroughsloop]

If the discharge pump is hard work, the large rubber bucket washers have probably expanded. Just attack them with emery paper/file until they are a better fit.

 

[Gordonmc]

Its not a nice job... but cleaning the discharge pump barrel can make a difference. If the beast has not been used limescale can make the pump action hard work.
Flush through a few times, take off the four screws on top of the barrel and check the state of the barrel. It should clean up with Scotchbrite, or fine grade wet n dry.
Use veggie oil on the cup washers before re-assembling.

 

[Como]

Just a thought - have you tried the well known remedy of pouring a little cooking oil into the pan and flushing it through. When I first bought Como the pump was so stiff that the original handle broke but after making a now handle and using the oil it now pumps with no problem at all.

John

 

[Leighb]

Thanks
I haven't tried cooking/veggie oil, had tried washing up liquid to no effect.
I will try that as well.
I need to dismantle anyway as the gland seal is leaking a bit , and a leak on the output side is not be be tolerated.
I thought the big cup washers were leather?