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Rick Alston · 10-27-2003, 11:20 AM

I need advice on how to un-freeze the black water dump valve-pulling just doesn't move it. Will pouring a valve lubricant into the tank do the job? How about WD40 or some other liquid?

thenewkid64 · 10-27-2003, 09:13 PM

Instead of trying to unstick it form the inside buy pouring lube down the drain that may ruin nthe seals anyhow, I would pull the valve apart and see what is causing it to be frozen.

I can guess what the cause is, (tank partially full, left for a long period and the contents dried out and solidified) but if you fill the tank with water and the valve does not come loose, then you have a full tank behind the valve when you pull it. The valve is 2 halves that can be taken apart and the gate can be removed. New seals are reasonable and while you have it apart you may as well change out the seals.

It may be a messy smelly job, but needs to be done in order to use the unit.

Rick Alston · 10-28-2003, 06:28 AM

Brett

Your suspicion is correct. The unit has sat unused for 20+ years! The black water tank looks empty, but that is probably due to evaporation.

I've got the belly pan off and therefore have access to the valve. I will attempt to take it apart while keeping my fingers crossed all the time. Nothing like nuts and bolts fozen over time.

While I have your attention, this 1973 20' unit has no bathroom door! In its place is a curtain. Both the top and bottom door rails/guides are present along with a "OEM" curtain rail/guide. I can't imagine anyone wanting to replace a door with a curtain. Your thoughts, please.

Rick

59toaster · 10-28-2003, 10:21 AM

Ours was stuck as well. Once I unscrewed the cap where the slide rod goes through it poped right open after a little side to side wiggle.

InsideOut · 10-28-2003, 11:15 AM

Quote:

While I have your attention, this 1973 20' unit has no bathroom door! In its place is a curtain....I can't imagine anyone wanting to replace a door with a curtain. Your thoughts, please.

Sometimes in the smaller trailers, owners find the doors cumbersome and replace them with a curtain that isn't quite as confining. It's all personal...

We have an unusual set-up in that we have double doors (see photos) and they do get in the way. Sometimes I'd rather have the accordian door that most other 64's have. We believe the doors were either an upgrade made by the A/S dealer or the original owner as they are integrated very well...match the interior and look original, but we've never seen another bathroom like it. Hmmm...

Shari

Rick Alston · 10-28-2003, 11:54 AM

Shari

Love the pictures! You've got quite a trailer-a result of hard work and vision.

I have already fashioned a door on paper. Two sheets of 1/4 in oak luan (stained just right) with 1/2 in insulation board in between will provide a light-weight door. On my previous A/S 31', the door was pretty heavy, so I aim to remedy that. Now, matching the top rail rollers is the challenge. Went to Home Depot to look at closet door/screen door top hanging rollers and I think I can pull it off. Wouldn't that be nice.