Groco head service kit

huguley3 · #1 (**permalink**) 02-23-2009

My Groco hf head keeps filling with water. It looks like its coming in from the holding tank as its far from clear.

I am looking at service kits and they have two of them a regular service kit and a master service kit. What is the difference between the two? If I get the master one will it have the same things plus a few more as the regular one will? Or do I need something completely different?

The 2 page manual that came with it is far from helpful.

huguley3 · #2 (**permalink**) 02-23-2009

I partly answered my question. On the 2 page sheet they have the parts that are included in each kit and the master kit has 2 more parts. It also mentions a sticking flapper will allow the waste to get back in. Is the flapper going to be readily apparent when I open up the cap and look at it? I am guessing it is a sort of flattish valve looking thing.

Given the lack of documentation I am guessing marine heads are pretty simple things and once you take one apart its apparent how they work?

TxLnghrn · #3 (**permalink**) 02-23-2009

The Master Kit contains the piston and ring in addition to the regular service kit parts. You probably can get by with the regular kit, but the job is not one you want to repeat too often, so you might want to replace the piston and seal while you have it apart.

Michael

TxLnghrn · #4 (**permalink**) 02-23-2009

The repair kit comes with a nice step by step guide. Not hard to do, just smelly.

huguley3 · #5 (**permalink**) 02-23-2009

Awesome. I ordered the master one. It seems odd that the service kit is a third the price of completely new unit. How often do these service things need to be done? Not sure when the last one was done but the head is from 02 so it could have been awhile ago.

mwrohde2 · #6 (**permalink**) 02-24-2009

I recommend that you call them. I gather they are a small operation. When you tell them you have a question about repairing a Groco head they will direct your call to one guy (I don't remember his name).

He is fantastic. Even if you don't have questions, tell him your question is "Got any tips?" He will slowly walk you through every part in the kit, how to install it, how to avoid problems, and tips to keep it working well.

I called twice. Once to find out what kit I needed (and he saved me money on that), and once when I had the kit spread out on the cabin sole while I was scratching my head. The guy was pleasant to talk to, amazingly knowledgeable about the product, and willing to take as much time as I needed to get it done right.

huguley3 · #7 (**permalink**) 03-01-2009

I bought the master kit and started in on it. Turns out I had a lot of corrosion on the base. A new base was a third the price of a whole new one so I just bought a new one. Instant gratification and all.

If anyone else has reservations about taking the head apart I wrote up my thoughts on it with pictures.
S/V Sunny: Replacing a Groco HF head

Do you think anyone would be buy the old one for parts or something? I hate to toss something that is still pretty functional.