Black tank valve replace

[Ramp]

I just replaced the black water valve on my 1982 Excella it took all day due to the tight space it was in. I think it may have already been changed at some time because it was a Valterra. The reason it leaked was that the seal was cut upon installation. The ends of the pipes were so close together that it made it very hard to get the new valve in place without destorying the seals as they keep sliping when I tried to slide in the valve. I used some super gule to glue them on to the valve then after greaseing the seals I was able to get it into position. Then I used a 1/4 inch ratchet to snug up the bolts the two on the bottom were a bear. I should have cut a hole in the bottom plate as recomended it would have made the job a whole lot easier.

[clmx]

Bottom plate or belly skin? I've replaced a couple of those things ('64 Bambi, '70 Overlander) and I have concluded that belly skin is totally expendable if it's even a slight annoyance. Replace it with flashing aluminum--available at any hardware store--using pop rivets.

Anyway, you got the job done--good on you . . .

[FlaAirstream]

Not a fun job. I had a full tank of black when my pull rod broke. To make matters worse, my blue buggy was 11 gals. Long story short. VERY good friends added their tanks and a Y valve. Lotahockey river flowed. No toxic spill. Cut the belly pan and replaced both valves during that fun time in my life. Hope it doesn't happen again soon. Vivid memories on the dreaded drips still haunt my memory banks each time I dump.

[Ramp]

The belly pan. I had the benifit of flushing out my tanks before I started the job. The waste system is one that has to be keep in good condition! Supre guleing the seals was the most help.

[Ramp]

By the way what brand of dump valve did your Excella have?

[RUSSELL]

I just finished replacing both of mine dump valves on our 1985 Sov. It was easyer than I figured that it would be.
1. Removed bumper 4 bolts.
2. Remove plastic hose holder, drill out 6 rivets.
3. Cut pipes to get some operating room.
4. Loosen claps on valves.
5. Twist and pull out slowly valve's with a piece pipe out the hole.
6 Remove adapters from the valve for easyer removal of valve.
The reason I did it myself was that our local dealer wanted $500 labor and $200 for parts. I can cut the $200 but the $500 was to high for 3 hours of work. It took me longer since I never did this job before.
Merry Chrismas to all and a Happy New Year.
Regards from Russell in sunny and cool Tucson Az.

[RUSSELL]

I almost forgot why I had to replace the valves. The reason was that in 1985 the idiot who put the toilet on droped a bolt into the black water tank and did not fish it out. The toilet holding bolt was stuck in the valve when I flushed the tank last time. That shows lack of quality control even in 1985. It was nicely rusted .
Regards Russell