Joker Valve restoration?

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cpedw

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Here's a joker valve after one season. IMG_20220128_121218.jpg There's a gap approaching 1mm near the middle so it doesn't work so well as a new one.

I tried to restore its shape by clamping the three slots shut and immersing in boiling water for about 20 minutes then into cold water for 30minutes. It didn't change the gap noticeably.

But a postie's rubber band (doubled) and carefully adjusted so tension is the same in each part achieves pretty good closure. IMG_20220128_121400.jpg
Is the rubber band likely to stay put in active service? I've tried poking my thumb through a few times and it seems to be stable.

I have already serviced the heads this winter, replacing with a new joker valve so I won't be testing this scheme myself this season. Does anyone care to give it a go?
 
I doubt it wiil last. Rubber bands deteriorate with age in normal use. Being immersed in salt water isn't likely to prolong its life. Then when it breaks it will end up on the sea bed or be eaten by by something ?
 
The purpose of the valve is twofold of course. So far as letting water back in this has been largely solved by the lock and twist pump.
I would worry about the band dislodging or perishing and being pumped along to partially block the skin-fitting or worse to create havoc in the holding tank and macerator/pump that empties it.
 
I suspect a Butyl Rubber band cut from a moped innertube would be perfect. By adjusting its width the strength of 'clasp' can be adjusted.

A joker valve for my Raritan heads is over 40 quid.

From Leesan a repair kit with VAT and Shipping is as much as a new Jabsco heads :(
 
cpedw said:
Here's a joker valve after one season. View attachment 129440 There's a gap approaching 1mm near the middle so it doesn't work so well as a new one.

I tried to restore its shape by clamping the three slots shut and immersing in boiling water for about 20 minutes then into cold water for 30minutes. It didn't change the gap noticeably.

But a postie's rubber band (doubled) and carefully adjusted so tension is the same in each part achieves pretty good closure. View attachment 129442
Is the rubber band likely to stay put in active service? I've tried poking my thumb through a few times and it seems to be stable.

I have already serviced the heads this winter, replacing with a new joker valve so I won't be testing this scheme myself this season. Does anyone care to give it a go?
Click to expand...
Was it actually leaking back into the bowl? When I have leaking back I remove the joker valve and clean off the deposits that are holding the lips open. Mine often look like yours after cleaning but after replacement the weight of water in the loop closes the gaps.
 
I replaced mine with a new one last week since there was other work going on (calcified blocked outlet pipe...now fixed). The old Joker valve is currently residing in the garage after 8 years use in our careful ownership and who knows how many before that. It still worked just fine and I would be very happy to post it to you. Or perhaps I will put it on the for sale section, one careful owner...:-). I have not even mentioned anchors.
HeHe
 
vyv_cox said:
Was it actually leaking back into the bowl?
Click to expand...
No but that's down to the Jabsco twist-lock operation. It was replaced because the heads was misbehaving intermittently when pumping so I got the full service kit and replaced all the slightly worn parts.
 
rotrax said:
I suspect a Butyl Rubber band cut from a moped innertube would be perfect. By adjusting its width the strength of 'clasp' can be adjusted.

A joker valve for my Raritan heads is over 40 quid.

From Leesan a repair kit with VAT and Shipping is as much as a new Jabsco heads :(
Click to expand...
Raritan Toilet Pump Housing Repair Kit

get 2 sets for only a little above uk price for 1. arrived in 3 days!
 
david_bagshaw said:
Raritan Toilet Pump Housing Repair Kit

get 2 sets for only a little above uk price for 1. arrived in 3 days!
Click to expand...


Thanks for that - I got a fellow Island Packet owner based in the USA to send me two kits plus four spare Joker and Flap valves.

As you say, less than half the UK price.

I am stocked for the foreseeable future................................ ?
 
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