[VAC] Re: Thetford Slide-O-Matic

[Alexkensington@xxxxxxx]

Rick -

I rebuilt this toilet last winter, and I can suggest restoration of it 
original design is the best idea. This toilet is completely salvageable, but 
a challenge. If the china and cast aluminum base are intact I would try a 
rebuild. Also nothing available new today fits without as much or more of a 
hassle of retrofitting as you'll go through with the rebuild.  

The water path is indeed curious. The syphon breaker is important and should 
be used. It's also proper plumbing code, in this instance. What it prevents 
is any possibility of backflow of water from the toilet into the fresh water 
system in the event of the loss of pressure. You know; any time you turn the 
water pump off! Not exactly what you want to brush you teeth with. For the 
Syphon breaker to work correctly it must be higher that the rim outlet of the 
toilet so the water has a down hill slope to drain out. This is why it's in 
the closet; it's mounted higher there. 

Water fed to the bottom side of the Side o Matic valve keeps the valve clear 
of waste and paper, and can be an over flow path in case the bowl gets too 
full. The rim water path work well at what its designed to do as well. 

The place where Thetford feel down on was the water valve which opens the 
fresh water feed to the toilet when the step pedal is operated. This valve 
just plain sucks in design in my opinion. Its not really available new 
anymore but there are close fits. And it leaks. Badly. Either onto the floor, 
or internally over filling the bowl, and causing cycling water pumps, and 
empty water tanks. To make the needed adjustment is bloody hard and usually 
means needing to pull the whole toilet out and testing it on the bench. I am 
seriously considering a solenoid valve here at 12 volts energized by a switch 
hit by the pedal linkage, and be done with it.  

Good luck. A working commode in a trailer is a happy thing indeed. 

Alex in Indiana
66 Safari & Overlander