The rebuild was not very technically challenging, just disgusting. Rags, a bucket, and Lysol are a must. Unfortunately, I did this without the benefit of Vicks Vapor Rub under my nose. (That was mentioned in another thread, yes?)
But I don't think the rebuild is all that much worse than installing a new head. You've got the unpleasantness of disconnecting the waste line in either case. But in a rebuild, it doesn't have to come off the hose barb; you're just taking off the whole elbow to replace the joker valve. Otherwise, everything else, with the exception of the piston (which isn't that bad) and the intake valve (also not that bad) is stuff that's on the clean water side of things. Replacing the valve box for the water intake was the most time consuming part. I didn't bother replacing the bowl gasket, even though one came with the kit, as that appeared to be fine.
Ryan
Tesara, #337
P.S. Isn't the joker valve named after the poor fool who gets stuck replacing it?
P.P.S. My worst head experience wasn't the rebuild, but a pumpout gone bad. The seal between the nozzle and the deck fitting wasn't tight, and it caught me by surprise, exploding EVERYWHERE, even into my (unfortunately) open mouth. Eeeew!
