LAVAC toilet models / spares

[Billjratt]

I believe there are several Lavac models - so far I've found Zenith, Popular and Standard but which is mine - how do I tell???
Trouble is, SWMBO wants a new seat/lid assembly and I need reassurance that one size fits all before ordering.
Anyone been through this maze before and can offer advice?
So far, I believe I need a TLZ8068 from Mailspeed Marine which is labelled Standard, but the seal appears to be universal, so it could fit.
They wouldn't change the hinges just to mess me about - would they?

 

[VicS]

Popular and Zenith were the two models available until recently. The Zenith has now been discontinued.

Both are described and illustrated in the owners manual which is downloadable from the website http://www.blakes-lavac-taylors.co.uk/

It is easy to distinguish between them by their different dimensions, esp the height.

The lids and seats are not interchangeable between the models.

Of a "standard model" I know nothing. Presumably what existed before the other two. It probably was the same as one of them but I don't know which.
At one time the bowls were coated aluminium ... horrible when the coating started to fail.

I dont see TLZ 8068 listed among the spares but I do notice that the Zenith part numbers begin with a 9 whereas the Popular part numbers begin with an 8

maybe a phone call direct to BTL would answer your question for sure.

 

[Deleted member 36384]

Whatever model you have shop around for the spares. If its a Zenith, then you can buy a complete new Popular for the price of a lid and seat assembly.

You can tell by the height. The Zenith and Popular models are different heights, for example.

I have two Zeniths and lost both the lids and seats during a refit. The most expensive mistake I have ever made on a boat. Initially not much change from £500 quote for two complete sets, including hinges and seals. By shopping around and sourcing parts from many mail order chandlers I got 2 sets for about £250. Still bl00dy expensive.

VicS is correct about the Zenith being obsolete. Parts like seats are getting rare. Stuff like hinges can be made from stainless / brass rods. Seals are still common. The bowl is getting very rare, so I believe.

 

[Billjratt]

Thanks both of you. As usual, this forum has excelled itself.
The info on Vic's link leads me to believe I have a zenith, but I must go aboard again and check the hinges to make sure.
As to costs, once I know what I'm looking for, I can make some sensible decisions.
Perhaps I'll get away with polishing the old one...........
All pigs fuelled and ready, sir.

 

[samwise]

Mailspeed do Zenith seals and I also got a set of vent plugs ( which are common with the Popular) and a replacement seal kit for the flush water intake ( which is not the same as the Popular). I don't know how long Zenith parts will continue to be available, but I have bought in a couple of seat seal sets just in case.

The Zenith pan is a slightly different shape, not so round as the Popular and more accommodating for those who are larger in the botty department.

As I understand it, the Zenith was dropped because there were problems in the manufacture,in particular, getting the top face of the pan consistently flat enough to ensure a good seal.

 

[Billjratt]

Thanks again. The one I have is round, but has the hinge mounting flanges in line with the flushwater intake, rather than above it, as in the Popular. It also has the single hinge pin setup of the Zenith, so that's my decision made.
I've got the offending bits into the shed and will threaten them with cleaners and polish, then tell SWMBO that they've arrived already.
Wish me luck.

Edits - the owners handbook published by Chillington Marine Ltd. (Pool) quotes the partnumber TLZ9065 as being a seal for the seat or cover for ALL models.

 

[Billjratt]

update -phew!

The original seat was stained yellow in places - SWMBO's original concern.
It didn't respond to the usual household cleaners so I assumed it was similar to the waterline stains we get from the sea.
Therefore, I set to with oxalic acid. The result was an instantaneous release of noxious gas similar to the bad egg smell if the toilet is unused for a while. (sulphurated hydrogen?)
This (I suppose) supports the argument that the staining is connected with stale seawater.
It certainly took some shifting involving the use of a Black and Decker polishing/buffing stick - probably not made any more, but it finally come up to standard and was finished with a polish of solvol Autosol.
Passed muster and now ready for re-assembly.
Saved anything from £19 to £66 and got to play with chemicals in the shed - result!
Thanks again to Vic &co for info.
To anyone in a similar situation- the quality of plastic used seems to be very good, so I think it's worthwhile trying to save the original even if it takes a while, rather than get a modern possibly flimsier replacement.
The suppliers I contacted haven't replied yet anyway.