Black Tank Flush Repair

[AirMax]

While using the black water back flush, a "pop" followed by water leaking from the underside of our '03 Safari tells me I blew the connecting hose off of the tank. Looks like the repair involves drilling out the rivets on the underside sheet metal to get to the hose. Is this something I can tackle myself? I'm a fair distance from Airstream dealers. Thanks in advance for your help.



(PS- if the answer is yes regarding DIY, what size rivets are those and do you recommend a specific brand rivet?)

[cammur]

Not the answer to your question, but I noticed in my 05 Safari manual a contradiction regarding this operation.

The No-Fuss Flush instructions from the supplier sez the "sewer valve must be open when using this inlet" while Airstream's instructions sez "the gate valve should be closed for the first couple of minutes, and then opened to let the water out in a rush."

Did you have it closed and it possibly overfilled? If so, I think I'll follow the supplier's instruction on mine!

[AirMax]

Good question. I did have the valve closed, but don't think (using the term loosely) overfill was the problem. Interesting contradictory instructions though.