Hayward Navigator vacuum sticks on plastic drain cover

[Mike C.]

I had the exact same problem. Started after our pool was refinished a couple years ago with drain cover replaced. Very annoying.
My Navigator is about 10 years old, but otherwise works well. I have been very good about replacing parts (even though expensive to buy!!) as needed.
I emailed the Hayward company about the "getting stuck constantly on the pool drain" problem and asked for their suggestions.
A very nice gentleman there sent me a brand new "Variable Throat Assembly" (part no. 29 on their parts list). This was perhaps the only part that I have not replaced through the years. The one he sent differed from the original in that there were two much beefier "lugs" cast into the plastic on the underside. Perhaps this is a new design??
Anyway, to make a long story short, it's been a week now and the Navigator has not gotten stuck on the drain, not even once. Occasionally it will sit atop the drain for about 30 seconds to a minute, but will then manage to walk off on it's own. Hallelujah!! Problem solved!!!

[RPMc]

Mike has discovered the solution.

If the lugs or hold offs on the throat assembly are worn down, as they where on mine, the suction at the throat will capture the cleaner as it passes over the top of the domed drain cover. The lugs prevent direct contact of the throat assembly to the drain cover allowing a break in the suction and the ability for the Navigator to continue on its merry way.

Replacing this part has solved the "sticking problem" for me . As this a Hayward product, I was expecting to have to take out a second mortgage to pay for it. To my surprise, it only cost $13.00!