Black Tank Valve Binding

[Randyf22]

The black tank valve on my 2015 27 ft International takes much more force to open and close than the grey tank valve. The valve does not leak. Does anyone have an explanation have a similar situation?

Can anyone offer an "anatomy of a valve" or direct me to a detailed discussion on valve construction, removal/replacement.

Thanks,

Randy

[Wingeezer]

Basically just a simple slide valve - ie a blade that runs back and forth in a track when you
pull / push the operating lever. There will be rubber seals that bear against the blade to stop it leaking and Maybe these are sticking

You can buy a commercial product (Thetford?) which is a slide valve lubricant - not sure how well it works. Some folks - me included - just throw some veg. oil . in the toile t now and then for the same purpose.

[ALANSD]

I add Calgon water softener to the tank with water in it, to keep the seals fresh.

[CRH]

I would also go the vegetable oil route.

[KJRitchie]

My 2008 Classic 25fb black tank valve sticks a little compared to gray. Last year tried the water softener trick and it seemed to help but after winterizing with antifreeze it started out sticky again. I might try it again put it isn't so sticky that I'm thinking something will break.

Kelvin

[fth]

I had this problem with our previous 2005 AS Classic 30. I replaced the valves and in so doing I think I know why none of these solutions work. Grit gets behind the valve and can't be cleared from the upstream. I "think" I would try running a hose up the discharge from outside until it got to the valve and then run a strong stream of water while operating the valve to flush out the grit. If that works then you have saved yourself one heck of a lot of work because replacing that valve while laying on your back in the grass is a bear. Let me know if that worked. I didn't try it because by the time I think I saw the problem I had the valve out and just replaced it. BTW my worry is that where the rod that moves the valve connects to the plastic slider it might break and either leave it open or closed.

[JerryMcMunn]

I sprayed the rod that goes into the valve body with silicone lube. That made it much easier to operate. Then I adjusted the length of the handle rod so the handle went into the proper position when the valve was closed. Problem solved!

[BoscoMN]

Here are two videos that do a good job of showing what you can expect the job to take if you have to replace or repair instead of just lubricate. The first one is the RV Education 101 series that I have gotten some great general information from.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=toD1epBKjnc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IF6JfnI2AzY

[MelGoddard]

Originally Posted by Randyf22

The black tank valve on my 2015 27 ft International takes much more force to open and close than the grey tank valve. The valve does not leak. Does anyone have an explanation have a similar situation?

Can anyone offer an "anatomy of a valve" or direct me to a detailed discussion on valve construction, removal/replacement.

Thanks,

Randy

Yah! I have the same problem. No answers yet to free it up successfully.
Veg. oil didn't do the trick.

[Randyf22]

I lubricated the shaft and threw valve lubricant into the black tank. Significantly better now. Thanks guys!

[Randyf22]

We have been on the road since 21 August. I began dumping a 1/4 cup of Dawn into the black tank via the toilet prior to departing camp. This seems to help the valve significantly.

[rmkrum]

Try slightly loosening the bolts that hold the valve together. If that makes it easier to slide open and shut without leaking, it was probably over tightened.

Replace the original nuts and also bolts if possible with stainless steel. Use the nylon insert self locking nuts and tighten gently. Big box home stores have them in assorted sizes in the hardware department. Those nuts will not fall off if you don’t tighten them to death like an ordinary nut. Adjust for smooth open/close and not leaking

[Troutboy]

Anyone try this:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?utm_camp...m_medium=email