black tank leak '99 classic

[coastal me]

tank leaks in left rear corner, street side.
Leaks even with valve open. Most contents travel to leak site, not out valve opening.
Leak in same site, even with front of trailer lifted or lowered.
"new leak". Was parked on concrete, where no leak was seen.

[coastal me]

Where/why could the tank be leaking? No damage to tank seen. Valve doesn't seem to be the issue.
Should I take it to Sutton's Airstream, in Eugene, Oregon or to Porter's RV in Coos Bay, Oregon?

[Tin Diesel]

This is a hard question to answer from afar... but I've had to drop my black tank belly pan twice, so here's my two bits.


When you say it leaks in the same place... do you mean its coming out of the belly pan in the same place? OR... is it actually leaking from the tank itself?


My experience is that wherever the actual leak is, it will always travel to the low spot on the belly pan, and that's probably the streetside rear.

I had to replace a black tank valve as it was leaking. Dropped the pan, replaced the valve (did grey tank also... what the heck, I had it open!) Turns out, the valve had a section that looked like it had been smashed. Don't know how it happened, as there was no dent on the belly pan.

Anyway, replaced both valves, got belly pan back in place, tested tank. No problem. Four months later, black tank valve is leaking into the pipe opening. (Grey tank valve OK)


Reluctantly, I dropped the pan again, and pulled the valve. Couldn't see a problem, but it seemed that the large O-ring gasket had a crease in it. I replaced the gasket, put it all back together.


Half a year and 6000 miles later, no problem.


I have a 1999 30' classic also. I highly doubt your tank is leaking.
But the belly pan is going to have to come off to find the actual source.
Not a hard job if you don't mind being on your back... and make sure to flush the tank REALLY WELL!


Good luck. Please let us know what happened.

Here's my posts on the problem

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f444...unk-69988.html

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f444...ket-85112.html

[damonbeals]

We had the same issue with our 98 and it's not the tank or the valve that is leaking, but it's the adapter from the tank to the valve, it's made of a soft plastic that cracks with age, the replacements are made of ABS and won't have that issue.

This is the part you need.

Waste tank slip-in adaptor 0310107 [0310107] - $6.95 : Out-of-Doors Mart!, More Airstream Parts on-line than anyone!

If you look at the URL above they have a picture of the cracked older 'white' part.

Now the hard part is you either have to drop the pan and tanks, or cut a hole in the pan so you can access the fittings. Not a super hard job but not a 10 minute fix either.

Damon

[coastal me]

Pros/cons of dropping tank or cutting hole?
It seems both adaptors should be replaced?Tank Leak - Airstream Forums
Other work while repairs are made? Sealants to use? Replace valves?
Thank you for your help.