Simpson Lawrence SL400

[Hurleyburly]

I have one of these on my boat, but have yet to work out how to use it. I only have the intallation instructions, which indicate the handle moves up, down and to the left. I can only get it to pump water in and not out. Since she's afloat I was reluctant to go too far...

Any comments (apart from what my search returned i.e. replace it) ?

 

[snowleopard]

Pump the handle up & down to empty. Press firmly towards the bowl to flush (fill & empty). If it doesn't empty when you pump you have a problem with a valve or diaphragm. The pump chamber is accessed by removing the ring of bolts around the outside. The inlet valves are accessed by undoing 6 bolts on the rectangular valve chest, watch out for a hair spring which often breaks and prevents water coming in. To reassemble you must force the handle into the 'flush' position and wedge it there with a screwdriver in the hinge. The outlet valves consist of a flap valve at the bottom of the pan (remove pump assembly from pan) and a joker valve inside the outlet pipe - remove the plastic elbow from the pump body.

All but the last are most easily done by removing the whole assembly & taking up on deck.

 

[cindersailor]

These are good toilets, low profile, well made and easy to service. Of the 3 boats I have sailed on regularly they have all had an SL 400! They are still available from Lee Sanitation (www.leesan.com) for £390! Which indicates the quality of build compared to more modern designs. Service kit is about £33.

 

[Hurleyburly]

So let me get this right, up and down should empty the bowl and no water should be entering ?

To the left should fill the bowl ?

I seem to get up and down fills the bowl with sea water.

 

[snowleopard]

I'm afraid that sounds a bit expensive. With the handle in its normal position a small plastic lever lifts the inlet valve and prevents water intake. One possibility is that the lever has broken off. Possibility No. 2 is that the handle shaft isn't sliding in and out - try pressing the handle to the left and the shaft should slide out about 1/4". If it doesn't, dismantle and clean the shaft so it slides easily (there is a powerful spring on the shaft).

There is a big white plastic nut holding the shaft - it should be screwed up tight and shouldn't move as you pump.

Occasionally the main diaphragm fails. It may split but more commonly the centre disk comes adrift - it is a pair of discs either side of the diaphragm held togethr by plastic rivets. Drill out and replace with s/s bolts.

As you can see, I've spent a lot of time repairing these things!

 

[Hardley]

Do not press handle down beyond horizontal, when emptying.