Dumb valve question.

[Ambassador]

Hi guys, I got a newbie questions. I have been trying to open the valve so I can dumb my black water but I cant seem to open it. Is there a certain way to do it??
I am confused, haha.

d.

[goransons]

Its probably frozen shut with "crud". I have our valve sitting out in the shop but didn't look at the real function of it. If someone doesn't chime in, tomorrow I'll go take a few shots of it in the open position etc for you.

I think since the attachment to the tank was busted up in the PO's gutting of our trailer we'll be glassing in (our tank is fiberglass) a modern thetford flange and going that route.

[Ambassador]

Thx for the reply. Maybe thats it! I have been pulling on it but I'm afraid I'll break it.
d.

[Melody Ranch]

Just from the looks of the valve, and its age, I'd say pull it off and clean it up (rehab it) and reinstall.

[silverleeper]

I have a valve like that on my 60 caravel and if it sets of awhile you really have to pull to get it open. Leverage really helps. GOOD LUCK! If you get it open get after it with some lubrication.

[goransons]

I confirmed that we have the same valve and it does pull to open. I agree with others that if possible remove and rebuild the valve. Hopefully the tank isn't full of it. Might also find this article helpful

Restoration resources-Thetford Dump Valve

[Ambassador]

I hope I can get it to open, unfortunately the tank really needs to be dumped first.
So to open it you just pull the little tap on it right?? If not, does anybody have a suggestion on how to empty the tank??
It needs to be rebuilt tho,thats for sure.

d.

[goransons]

yes that knob at the top of your photo, looks to be at almost 12 oclock. That should pull straight towards you in that photo. Its attached to a plate that pulls out of the way. Imagine that being the end of a sucker stick.... Might spray the end there and around the perimeter of the opening in the valve (where the stuff comes out) to help lubricate anything and let it sit awhile. About the only other option would be to call a septic service and have them suck the stuff out from above.

[Ambassador]

Alright, got some WD40 on it over the weekend and got it to open, seems to be working fine now.
Think I'm going to wait to rebuilt it since its doing its job now?

d.