Krappy problem, black tank leaking, costs??

[gypsybanker]

Hello airstreamers,

I need to bring in my argosy to fix what I think is just a valve(s) on my black tank. It leaks quite a bit and I'm tired of looking like a dirt bag with a bucket under the let out. I'm bringing it in to a shop in Reno that I'm unfamiliar with. I wonder how much this will cost me so I can avoid being way over charged. Any one know the answer or have some suggestions??

Thanks:-)
Suzi

[AWCHIEF]

Rates are about $115 an hour for Airstream work. Has the shop given you a quote?

[sandlapper]

It is likely a Thetford valve, a very good valve, but difficult to access and work on. I would anticipate several hours labor, plus parts.

John

[the frog]

I am in the process of replacing both valves in our 1980 31ft international. It is our first airstream and we are going from the axles up,and not trying to be original.
After several hours of trying to get the valves out to be able to only replace only some rubber gaskets,'' it had never been touched'', I gave up and got a hacksaw and cut the ""Y" apart so I could get the valves to come apart and save the part that is glued to the tank so I wouldn't have to take the tanks out.
Long story shorter, I will have app.$200 in parts, would have been a lot cheaper online but I had to walk in the r v store with what I had and say I need to replace all of this. I can complain about the price but not the service.
Not knowing what I was doing ''learning'' I expect to have around $275 in parts and probably 8 hours of labor'' on my back'' doing it myself.
I have found that airstreams were built to last and not to be worked on.
They are theford valves, about 3 times the price of others.
After doing this I wouldn't think about only doing one without doing both while I was in there.

[gypsybanker]

very helpful info from all 3 of you, thank you. The theford valve, is that primarily only used with airstreams or any trailer? hope the shop has this brand. And I agree they are built to last. I've hardly had to do anything to my 75 and have spent a lot of time and miles in mine:-)

[TG Twinkie]

It should be no more than a 2 hour job. I replaced the BW valve in less time than that in my '74 Argosy 26'.
About the only tools required are screw drivers and a spin tight. A hack saw to cut the PVC pipe and PVC cleaner and glue.



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[gypsybanker]

Hi twinkie, did you need to use one of these theford valves the other members mention?

[TG Twinkie]

Yes. I found the valve online. I can look in my receipt book and find the vendor and part number.


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