jabsco solenoid valve leaking into bowl

[funinthesun]

I have a Jabsco 37045 solenoid/syphon valve mounted in the head to allow my toilet to use fresh water to flush. Now, even when power is off to the solenoid, the toilet fills with water, at a very slow rate, until it overflows. The toilet still flushes, it's just that it keeps a tiny bit of water flowing afterwards. Does anyone know what the problem might be or how to fix it?

Thanks,
Ed

 

[Planeguy]

Something like this was just covered a day or two ago but about a different brand I believe. Someone was saying that your water pressure also helps to keep the solenoid valve closed so if your pressure is low the water will flow. Hey that rhymed! You might check your water pressure. Here is a link to that thread. http://www.boatered.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=99923

 

[Vic Willman]

Solenoid valves have a diaphragm inside them that opens and closes when the electric is applied or taken away from them. What has likely happened is that a dirt particle, a piece of shaving from the tank or some other bit of foreign material is probably lodged in the diaphragm's seat, stopping it from closing tightly - and thus, some water continues to flow through it. Disassemble the solenoid valve and clean it out, then add a fine mesh strainer in the line before the solenoid valve, and you should be good to go.

 

[funinthesun]

Vic - Thanks! After dinner I'll be down at the boat, removing the valve to inspect.

Planeguy - Thanks for the heads-up. My pressure is fine but I'm going to check out the other thread anyway.

Ed