Mains Water Inlet Leaking - 1999 Jayco Starcraft

NannyJam · Veteran Member

Mains Water Inlet Leaking - 1999 Jayco Starcraft

TimTim · Senior Member

From what I can see, grip the back brass screw piece. Undo your black threaded connection anticlockwise. Inside the brass piece there will be a washer that has perished.

Good luck

Tim

NannyJam · Veteran Member

Thank you, Tim! Appreciate your reply.

That makes sense, now you've said it! lol

And thanks for wishing me luck... probably going to need it haha

TimTim · Senior Member

On my last van I fitted one of these to make it easy for hose connection.

NannyJam · Veteran Member

I'll look at doing that too, I think, Tim. The way it is seems convoluted to me.

Cheers aww

Gundog · Guru

I would suggest the cause is the pressure limiting valve behind the connection point. I had a similar problem, I removed the screws, disconnected the filler and breather lines and then disconnected the john guest hose from the back of the valve.

Removing the plate I was able to disconnect it and clean the valve, I used an inline JG connector and a length of JG pipe to reassemble the inlet and check to see if the leak was fixed.

Its a bit of a pain to access the all the connections from outside the van, if you can get to the from the inside its would be better, my solution was to cut the filler an beather lines a air distance from where they enter the floor likewise I found where the JG under the van to disconnect it, reassembly was a matter if poking the the hoses through the holes and then remount the wall plate, used hose joiners for the filler and vent lines abd reconnected the JG hose, add a bit if silistac around the hose entry points.

NannyJam · Veteran Member

Thank you for taking the time to post that information Gundog - much appreciated!

Given the 'quality' of the water where I am (it's quite murky borewater deemed fit for drinking, although I don't! lol) there is a good chance that your theory of a clogged valve is certainly a possibility!

I'll investigate Tim's suggestion first and if that doesn't solve my leaky/squirty problem I'll give your suggestion a crack!

Thank you! :)

-- Edited by NannyJam on Sunday 3rd of March 2024 12:43:39 PM

TimTim · Senior Member

Hi again Sue,

Gundog has made a good point and hopefully it isnt a pressure limiting valve causing the issue. When connected up how is the water pressure inside tHe van?

Tim

NannyJam · Veteran Member

Hi Tim, the water pressure inside the van seems good, the same as it's always been really.

So, thinking that through, maybe it's not an issue with a pressure valve (?) Although a good thought by Gundog! :)

It's been too hot here (and very busy due to the Labour Day long weekend) to be outside investigating.

I'm hoping to have a better crack at getting it sorted on Tusday, when the crowds clear

elliemike · Guru

he brass bit is a AMERICAN National Pipe Thread (N.P.T) It is also a "Parallel thread" i.e. not Tapered It is usually a Compression type fitting and uses a washer (with Filter screen) to seal on. Therefore NO Thread Tape.

The bit you are screwing in is most Likely a British Standard Pipe Thread and tapered to boot. It is not getting in deep enough to actually seal on the washer.

Re Tim Tim's suggestion. Buy an American Fitting for hose connector.

Make sure the Washer and filter screen are inside the Brass part on your van

The brass fitting is a Compression fitting and uses a rubber washer to seal. You do not need to use Thread Tape on Compression fittings

-- Edited by elliemike on Sunday 3rd of March 2024 11:29:20 PM

-- Edited by elliemike on Sunday 3rd of March 2024 11:29:55 PM

TimTim · Senior Member

I agree Sue, if water pressure is good then probably not the valve.

Thanks Mike I had forgotten about the filter, they are a common item at most hardware stores. Mine was on a Jaco Hawk which I havent used for a few years. From what I recall I just bought a standard hose fitting and the brass section just cut a thread into the plastic. It has been on for about the last 20 years so has served me well smile

NannyJam · Veteran Member

Thank you elliemike and Tim! That is all really useful, and helpful, information!

I really appreciate the time taken to help me out... amazing how something as simple as a tap fitting has had me baffled! confuse

elliemike · Guru

See these Pics. Rough Dwg, (mine) Cross section drawing of the compression fitting.

Sealing Washer with filter screen.

And a Brass American thread (NPT) compression Hose fitting. You can get the poly ones fairly cheap in Bunnings for about $4.

NannyJam · Veteran Member

That's brilliant, elliemike! Thanks for taking the time to do that :)

That's super useful knowing what bits & bobs I need... especially the pic of the Sealing Washer with filter screen (now I know what I'm looking for when I head to McBunnings

Possum3 · Guru

NannyJam wrote:
now I know what I'm looking for when I head to McBunnings

It is difficult to determine the differing threads on fitting by looking at them - ensure you are getting parts marked "American thread".

Gundog · Guru

When I resolved the issue with my PLV I found a small amount of calcium in it.

Recently I made the decision to relocate PLV and water connection to the rear of the Caravan where I have twin water filters mounted, the PLV is mounted on the IN side and the out side is connected with JG pipe.

The next project is to replumb the filler connections and breather tubes with JG hose also to the back of the van where Its a simple operation to open a valve to fill a tank. I have not decided how to make the manifold the allows direct fill from the filters, most likely it will be with JG hose and fittings.

I find the existing Jayco system of filling water tanks is a pain, surely they design a better system.

NannyJam · Veteran Member

Thanks for the clarification Possum3... that's definitely something that would trip me up! American Thread it is :)

Gundog, that sounds like a major project to me! I'm having enough trouble getting this inlet fitting apart, let alone redesigning the entire system! And yes, Jayco has made heaps of poor design choices over the years... probably designed by people who've never camped a day in their lives! haha :)

TimTim · Senior Member

Sue,

Bunnings have them. smile

https://www.bunnings.com.au/pope-12mm-20mm-sprinkler-adaptor-american-thread_p3111033

You will need a multigrip or similar to grip and hold the brass section and a spanner to fit the nut section of the black connector, then turn the spanner anticlockwise. Do not be afraid to ask for help. As the new fitting is a pressure fitting against a washer it only needs to be just past hand tightness.

As Gundog stated, no thread tape needed .

Let us know how you go.

If you stay in places with turbid water, although you might not drink it it is always nice to be able to wash etc in nice sparkling water. I was up at Punsand Bay recently and water was brown but running through this filter it was sparkling. Ended up filling containers for a number of people.

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/142047531713

Or just a double

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/132787799995?

Tim

NannyJam · Veteran Member

Success! (almost )

Thank you all for your helpful advice! It's really appreciated!

There is still a slight drip but that seems to be coming from the hose fitting attachment and definitely not from the metal inlet fitting... and I can live with a drip haha

The washer was easy to remove to put the new one in, and the brass fitting was the same price as a plastic one

Pics attached :)

(And thanks for the water filter advice Tim, I'll look into that! :)

Gundog · Guru

NannyJam wrote:
Success! (almost )
Thank you all for your helpful advice! It's really appreciated!

There is still a slight drip but that seems to be coming from the hose fitting attachment and definitely not from the metal inlet fitting... and I can live with a drip haha

The washer was easy to remove to put the new one in, and the brass fitting was the same price as a plastic one
Pics attached :)

(And thanks for the water filter advice Tim, I'll look into that! :)

That was the exact problem I had, I saw that drip a waste of water.

Hence my solution as previously described.

NannyJam · Veteran Member

Thanks Gundog :)

I totally get where you're coming from as I hate wasting water too! I'm probably one of the most frugal water users I know! :)

However, my current fix will have to suffice for now simply because I just don't have the kind of knowledge or skills that you do unfortunately - that would be way above my 'caravan repair' pay grade. cry

If the drip gets worse then I'll definitely have to look more closely at your kind advice & enlist some help to sort it. And thanks again! :)

Possum3 · Guru

NannyJam, From your photos it appears you have purchased the incorrect adaptor spigot.

The American thread unit screws directly into Jayco water inlet - You don't need the old brass union in between.

TimTim · Senior Member

Hi again Sue,

Glad to see you have the leak sorted.

Not sure where the drip is coming from but hope you gave the inside of the brass fitting a wipe out before inserting the new washer and your new brass fitting smile .

Minor corrosion and small remnants of the old washer can affect the sealing of the new washer. Another possibility is at the end of your hose connection. Sometimes you will get a drip from there and the solution is to take the hose fitting off and cut about 40mm off the end of the hose to give a new tight seating.

Hope that helps.

Tim

elliemike · Guru

NannyJam wrote:
Success! (almost )
Thank you all for your helpful advice! It's really appreciated!

There is still a slight drip but that seems to be coming from the hose fitting attachment and definitely not from the metal inlet fitting... and I can live with a drip haha

The washer was easy to remove to put the new one in, and the brass fitting was the same price as a plastic one
Pics attached :)

(And thanks for the water filter advice Tim, I'll look into that! :)

Click on this below to see the NPT fitting.

https://www.bunnings.com.au/pope-12mm-20mm-sprinkler-adaptor-american-thread_p3111033

-- Edited by elliemike on Wednesday 6th of March 2024 04:53:37 PM

NannyJam · Veteran Member

Possum3 wrote:
NannyJam, From your photos it appears you have purchased the incorrect adaptor spigot.

The American thread unit screws directly into Jayco water inlet - You don't need the old brass union in between.

Hi Possum3 & elliemike,

Thanks for your help in this :)

The brass fitting is brand new and replaces the convoluted black plastic fitting that was originally there... it screws into the grey metal fitting that is connected directly to the van. I hope the attached pics make it clearer :)

I was assured by *three* 10 staff members (I was a little hard to convince lol) that the new brass fitting was the correct thread (I took in the old black plastic fitting and showed them a screenshot of the Pope fitting from Bunnings)

Basically, instead of the Pope fitting from Bunning which is ABS Plastic, I got a brass one for the same price (simply because Mitre 10 didn't have one made of ABS Plastic :)

Hopefully that clarifies and makes sense :)

-- Edited by NannyJam on Wednesday 6th of March 2024 05:59:21 PM

Possum3 · Guru

The old metal fitting which you detail as "fixed" is not an original Jayco fitment the female thread that is screwed into has an American thread - obviously I cannot determine the thread of the fitted "fixed" fitting, but I assume it to be a pipe threaded unit forced into a American thread. If it isn't leaking leave it there, if there is any leaking you may have to replace it with an American threaded adaptor.

TimTim · Senior Member

Hi Possum, from what i recall on my Jayco Hawk there was a union fitting on that as well and was easier to just screw the hose connection into it. There is nothing wrong in the way Sue has done it. It serves no purpose in taking the union fitting off unless it is leaking from that point.

Sue, you have the correct threaded hose connection. What Possum is stating is the grey union fitting that you have screwed the hose connection into can be removed to reveal an American thread connection behind. You could then have bought an American threaded hose connection to screw into. It is not necessary though unless as above it is dripping from there. From what you have stated you have done a good job so no need to be pulling apart things without any real need.

Good luck

Tim

-- Edited by TimTim on Wednesday 6th of March 2024 11:21:09 PM

PeterD · Guru

NannyJam wrote:
Possum3 wrote:
NannyJam, From your photos it appears you have purchased the incorrect adaptor spigot.

The American thread unit screws directly into Jayco water inlet - You don't need the old brass union in between.
The brass fitting is brand new and replaces the convoluted black plastic fitting that was originally there... it screws into the grey metal fitting that is connected directly to the van. I hope the attached pics make it clearer :)
I was assured by *three* 10 staff members (I was a little hard to convince lol) that the new brass fitting was the correct thread (I took in the old black plastic fitting and showed them a screenshot of the Pope fitting from Bunnings)

NannyJam, I agree with Possum here. The picture of the packet with the new fitting did not have any wording on it indicating it was an American thread. Those fittings that you generally purchase for your garden fittings have nothing on them to indicate they are BSP threads, that is because very few Australians do not come in contact with the American threads, only us caravanners. Thus, they do not have to be labelled BSP. In fact, probably over 50% of caravanners don't seem to know that. The thread pitch of the two is not very different and if you are using plastic fittings you can get them to mate with a bit of BFI (brute force and ignorance.)

If you took your old fittings to the hardware store, do you know if the previous person who lashed up that fitting on the van knew what they were doing or did they just BFI that fitting into the water inlet? If that is what happened, then that was part of your problem with the leak. Sure, you got a fitting with the same thread as the fitting you showed the salesmen, but it is the wrong one. If you showed them a picture of the grey one from Bunnings, there is nothing in that picture to indicate that it's an American fitting

I would suggest you have another attempt to get the correct fitting. This time, make sure the packet includes American fitting or NPT on it. If you went to a Mitre 10 store, they do carry one of those fittings Link to fitting. I prefer the plastic fittings for the water inlets, if they leak where the hose clicks on, don't replace them, just replace the "O" ring. Replacing what you purchased with the correct fitting will ensure you don't have another leak where you did previously.

-- Edited by PeterD on Saturday 9th of March 2024 12:26:48 AM

NannyJam · Veteran Member

Arrrgh! lol

Right-0! That Gardena American Thread Adaptor that PeterD posted is *exactly* what I went in to Mitre 10 originally to get. I had taken a screenshot and had the SKU Code.

The lady at the counter looked it up and said there were 10 in stock - so we went to look but she couldn't find any. So, she called another guy, who in turn called another guy (yes, it was quite the party!). None of them could find any of the '10 fittings in stock'. One of the guys found the one I eventually bought declaring that he 'would stake his job on it being the right type of fitting'.

I should have stuck to my guns but I felt rather out numbered at 3 to 1 :(

So, I'm going to do a 'click & collect' which will hopefully force Mitre 10 staff to hunt up at least one of their missing Gardena America Thread Adaptors!

From there I'll put in another new washer with filter and hopefully have 100% success when I eventually fit the correct American Thread Adaptor.

Thanks again *everyone* for your kind patience and advice! Hopefully my drippy-leaky hose fitting will eventually get sorted! :)

bristte · Veteran Member

Caravans Plus in Queanbeyan has the adaptor. I can vouch for theirs.