Jabsco life expectancy?

[Nostrodamus]

So how long is a manual Jabsco heads pump supposed to last?
There are four of us living aboard and it does get more use than most things aboard but I fitted a full new stem and head at the end of January and now when pumping out we get that judder and resistance.
We don’t put anything not eaten down and use the marina for a paper reading job when we can.
Is four months realistic? Can you do anything to prolong the useful working life?
What should be the life expectancy or do I need to carry numerous service kits or spare replacement pumps?

 

[Bobc]

Squirt some baby oil into the pan once a week and pump it through. That'll keep the seals lubricated and stop the sqeaking and juddering.

 

[Nostrodamus]

I have heard a squirt of baby oil in the right place can do wonders.
Thank you.

 

[jordanbasset]

We replaced a couple of the service parts after 18 months of liveaboard use with two of us. Do not know how long it had lasted up to then with the previous owner. To answer your question think it should last longer than 4 months. Have used olive oil to lubricate it but have not done so this time and still seems okay. On the rare occasions we are in a marina we use large quantities of fresh water to flush through when using the heads, seems to keep it fresher.

 

[vyv_cox]

From your juddering description it sounds like lack of lubrication of the piston O-ring against the cylinder. Baby oil should help to improve this, but it is water soluble and its effects won't last long. I use silicone grease for this job, which does mean you have to remove the piston to apply it, but it lasts pretty much for a season with two of us on board.

Don't put any detergent down the toilet as this removes lubricant film.

 

[Vara]

From your juddering description it sounds like lack of lubrication of the piston O-ring against the cylinder. Baby oil should help to improve this, but it is water soluble and its effects won't last long. I use silicone grease for this job, which does mean you have to remove the piston to apply it, but it lasts pretty much for a season with two of us on board.

Don't put any detergent down the toilet as this removes lubricant film.

Second this.

Since smearing silicone grease round piston every three months or so have had no problems at all.

Silicone will not damage seals, baby oil and other mineral oils might.

Still saving up for a Lavac though.

 

[Tranona]

Life is very variable on Jabscos. Some people have good service for years and others have endless problems. It is a "cheap" product, but problems are almost always to do with the pump. Many people, like me carry a complete spare pump (a bargain at about £60) and just swap it over if there is a problem. You can then fix the other one at your leisure rather than struggling with it in situ.

Better still, junk them and buy Lavacs if you want really trouble free pumping.

 

[samwise]

Second this.



Still saving up for a Lavac though.

Good man!

 

[Trundlebug]

Put some cheap vegetable oil down as an alternative to baby oil.

Probably cheaper, environment friendly and works a treat.

 

[oldvarnish]

White vinegar! Give it a regular dose. The acidity dissolves the build-up of salts etc in the pipes and valves. Then use baby/cooking oil for lubrication. Transformational!