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azfiredog300 · 11-18-2008, 11:08 AM

Thanks to some input from Lumatic I finally got up the nerve to change out my leaky dump valve. First was to get to it, Marshal thankfully had just been there and advised just to peel back some belly skin and there it is. Sure enough it was that easy, also the PO had repaired the valve once before apparently and cut the belly skin off in that location and replaced with a piece of sheet aluminum. To my surprise I found an old nest for something,

azfiredog300 · 11-18-2008, 11:10 AM

After I cleaned out the nest, I was able to get a pretty good view

azfiredog300 · 11-18-2008, 11:13 AM

The collector was the one thing that seemed to give the most problem because it was glued to the plumbing and seemed hard to get around. So I cut it off using a hack saw blade which went pretty easily.

azfiredog300 · 11-18-2008, 11:15 AM

The dump vavle came off pretty easily as well, a little rust on the bolts but with a little fortitude they came out and voila.

azfiredog300 · 11-18-2008, 11:18 AM

Next was to replace the valve, but it seems the new one isn't quite exactly like the old. The old was more flush with the tank and the new seemed to be about 1/2 inch deeper.

azfiredog300 · 11-18-2008, 11:27 AM

At this point I'm thinking that it's gonna take a little manuevering to get it to line up so I slip the collector on the valve and try to slide it all into place temporarily to see how it's gonna work. I found out my original idea of getting one of those rubber coupler clamp things to mount the collector back to the plumbing was a bad idea cuz, they don't make them the size you need, so now I'm in a canundrum. I realized they only thing to do because they don't make the collector any more is to cut the ABS out of the collector and the plumbing and use new ABS. At first I thought I would have to remove it manually with a knife or chisel, much to my happiness my brother (the plumber) told me of a device called a RAM bit which is made for just the job I need it for. It acually went very quick and easy once I went to the plumbing supply house (not HD or Lowes) and bought it for about eighteen dollars.

azfiredog300 · 11-18-2008, 11:31 AM

At this point I mounted the collector to the valve, glued a piece of ABS into the collector then put glue in the plumbing and slid it all together. It all mounted very easily even with the increase of 1/2 inch in depth. I forgot to get that pic before I covered it all up but it was a nice fix.

Gkiesel · 11-18-2008, 11:32 AM

Jerry, Thanks for that bit of info. I will keep that tool in mind, for someday, I will be faced with a similiar dilema. George.

azfiredog300 · 11-18-2008, 11:37 AM

By the way, if anyone wants the original valve all it needs is a new seal where the blade closes the hole and a gasket. Should be a simple fix.

Distantdrummer · 11-18-2008, 01:14 PM

Hey Jerry put my name on the old valve, but I relly don't want it. Here's the deal.
There is a thread here somewhere called Dump Station Blues.
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f42/...ues-45905.html
In that thread (page 2 ) which I started for other purposes the question came up regarding dump valve failure. Not leaks but the T-handle ripping completely out of what ever holds it in.
I am hoping someone with a good camera and a good understanding of what the question is, could take apart an old Thetford and let all of us know what holds the rod of the T-Handled apparatus onto the blade. In doing so maybe we can figure out if the damm thing could be addressed in the rare and bad case of a rip out.
I called Thetford and they were clueless and useless. Unfortunately the Thetfords are considered to be the primier valves out there. According to Inland Andy. I will detail my call to Thetford later.
Are you willing?
thanks

Oh BTW Jerry, what is your floor plan? (wheres the bath and black tank) ?

azfiredog300 · 11-18-2008, 06:23 PM

I would be happy to take it apart and post pics. I think my camera is good enough but if not, I will find one that is. I already took it apart to see what it needed to be repaired and the pull handle looks like it would break out if pulled to hard. But I will get pics and let you see for yourself.