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Old 06-15-2009, 11:56 PM   #1
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1975 25' Tradewind
Sammamish , Washington
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Black Water Tank Leak

Looking for a temporary solution to 1) stop toilet from draining due to bad seal and 2) stop black water tank from leaking due to bad seal. Ironically, both seals were fairly good until I used a toilet tank tissue digester and now both have gone bad.

Ultimately I know I will need to replace both but hope to make it through this summer before taking on this project in the fall.

Any simple and tried suggestions that will help me limp through the rest of this camping season. For example, is there a thick lubricant that I can apply to help the toilet seal (i.e. petroleum jelly??). Thanks for any and all input.
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Old 06-16-2009, 12:18 AM   #2
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Originally Posted by nalesueur View Post
Looking for a temporary solution to 1) stop toilet from draining due to bad seal and 2) stop black water tank from leaking due to bad seal. Ironically, both seals were fairly good until I used a toilet tank tissue digester and now both have gone bad.

Ultimately I know I will need to replace both but hope to make it through this summer before taking on this project in the fall.

Any simple and tried suggestions that will help me limp through the rest of this camping season. For example, is there a thick lubricant that I can apply to help the toilet seal (i.e. petroleum jelly??). Thanks for any and all input.
Unfortunately, the only way to stop the holding tank from leaking, is to not use it.

Is it the tank, or the dump valve, that's leaking?

Andy
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Old 06-18-2009, 11:28 PM   #3
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It is the dump valve that is leaking, not the tank. I've been reading the other posts on how to replace it. Sounds straightforward, but not necessarily a quick fix.
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Old 06-18-2009, 11:47 PM   #4
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Originally Posted by nalesueur View Post
It is the dump valve that is leaking, not the tank. I've been reading the other posts on how to replace it. Sounds straightforward, but not necessarily a quick fix.
With a couple of instructions, you can change that valve in about an hour.

Andy
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Old 06-19-2009, 02:27 PM   #5
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Any good recommendations for sources to find repair manuals? We have a 1975 25' tradewind
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Old 06-19-2009, 02:37 PM   #6
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The dump valves are not AS specific. Your local RV dealer should be able to supply the parts. These aren't hard to change, just kind of nasty.
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Old 06-21-2009, 02:15 PM   #7
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I replaced the dump vaulve on my 69 overalander. What I thought would be a simple repair turned into a 2 weekend job chipping away soaking wet foam, pulling and rebuilding the rusted metal box the black tank is enclosed in, and minor reblumbing to hook it all up.

Works great now.
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Old 07-18-2009, 05:47 PM   #8
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ohh gawd....i'm scared....
my black water valve leaks, i'm rendering it useless till after a few pints of bleachy water

are there any tips or pointers?
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Old 07-18-2009, 06:05 PM   #9
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You can put the cap on the end of the tank line. Even if the valve leaks the cap on the end of the line will stop the stuff from coming out.... Until you go to dump it, then be ready for a little mess, have a bucket ready...
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Old 07-19-2009, 11:28 AM   #10
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thankfully there is nothing in tank....whew!
but of course it wont hold the bleachy water either...

i'm gonna replace both valves and the Y

i have a 310 motorhome. can anyone tell me if this is a simple afternoon job, or is this a plumbing messy part scavenging nightmare that i should just pay to have fixed?
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Old 07-22-2009, 09:37 PM   #11
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Changing the valve on the motor home is straight forward as the plumbing is readily accessible.
The parts are standard and available.
Best of luck.
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Old 08-05-2009, 01:43 PM   #12
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where do you get instructions for this? How do we find out what valve to replace it with? Do you have to take it apart first? A dealer I called asked what color it was. It is enclosed in a metal box where you can't even see it.
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Old 08-05-2009, 05:05 PM   #13
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Here is one reference. I went through this process earlier this year.
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Old 08-24-2009, 08:16 PM   #14
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Called Airstream Parts in Jackson Center. They identified the correct replacement based on model and year. You may need a dealer to drop ship it to you.
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Old 05-11-2011, 03:10 PM   #15
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I need new seals for my dump valve in my 1973 argosy. Nothing at the RV store fit. Any Ideas ? I called Thetford themselves but got no luck.
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Old 05-11-2011, 03:31 PM   #16
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I need new seals for my dump valve in my 1973 argosy. Nothing at the RV store fit. Any Ideas ? I called Thetford themselves but got no luck.
Plastic shrinks in time. "IF" you found the seals, and installed them, you will spend a bunch of time, that might last a few months.

The best solution is to replace valves that are 38 years old.

New valves will probably last another 38 years.

And, the new valves will save you some headaches and gray hair.

Andy
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