Rebuild PAR 6800J (Jabsco 36800) or Replace with New Pump

[trevisgardne]

I have an original PAR 6800J (Jabsco 36800) in my 73 Sovereign which is running fine but leaks a little dribble from the top diaphragm housing. The best price I have found on a rebuild kit is about $80. This cost is similar to a new mid grade Flojet or similar pump.

I am looking for advice. Is my old pump an el primo model that I should preserve or would I be better served by a new pump?

Trevis

[overlander63]

The old Par reciprocating pumps are relatively low amp draw compared to the newer types, although they are very noisy, They are also very rugged compared to newer units. It would be a very good idea to make sure the mounting bolts for the diaphram are not siezed or rotted off, they are very difficult to get out without breaking them.

[Jim Clark]

Originally Posted by trevisgardne

I have an original PAR 6800J (Jabsco 36800) in my 73 Sovereign which is running fine but leaks a little dribble from the top diaphragm housing. The best price I have found on a rebuild kit is about $80. This cost is similar to a new mid grade Flojet or similar pump.

I am looking for advice. Is my old pump an el primo model that I should preserve or would I be better served by a new pump?

Trevis

I have 3 of those 1 in service on my sail boat and 2 for parts. I would replace with a modern unit which makes less noise.

[HiHoAgRV]

I just swapped mine last week. It was DOA after de-wintering- wouldn't pull a prime. I went with a Flojet VSD and it's real quite compared to the old thumper pump. Due to the port orientation of the PAR, the install is not effortless. It does require some extra hose and I cannot get a drill into the shelf where the old pump was so it's now mounted behind the pee trap on the cabinet shelf.
If you order from camping world and want the pre-screen, there is an issue with the part they recommend. It uses a slip-on fitting for the screen but the 4.0 pump has hose barbs only. I'm still waiting on a response from Customer Service.