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Old 08-07-2012, 05:14 PM   #1
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2011 25' FB Flying Cloud
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chalk hill , Pennsylvania
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First emptying of the black tank

and the rod won't pull out. Pulled pretty hard. Looks like the original to my 03 Classic. How hard should I pull on it. Do you turn and pull or just pull? Anyway to unstick it?
thanks,
Dave
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Old 08-07-2012, 05:31 PM   #2
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I don't think you can turn it without breaking-it appears to be a gate valve that just pulls in and out. They sell waste valve lubricant that you put in the tank -I suppose it's heavier than water and sinks to the bottom and down the drain line.
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Old 08-07-2012, 06:00 PM   #3
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Its possible that inside face of the valve is glued into place by previously hardened TP etc. If it's convenient, I would fill the tank about 1/2 full and drive around a bit. You might want to spray a jet of water up the outlet pipe also.


Ken
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Old 08-07-2012, 06:36 PM   #4
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You might try adding "Geo Method" products (Calgon Water Softener, Tide or New Dawn detergent, and laundry bleach), and hot water, if the black tank is not very full (i.e., almost empty). After an overnight soaking, whatever is causing the valve to stick may have dissolved or softened.

Link to the "Geo Method": https://sites.google.com/site/cbruni/

Alternately (and I'm not sure this is a good idea), you could put the drain cover back on and open the gray water valve to flood the back side of the black water tank valve with water. However, you should think this process through thoroughly and make sure the surrounding area (driveway, drain area) is OK for the small amount of waste water that will run out when you remove the cap, as this could be really nasty.

By the way, after allowing this to soak and BEFORE removing the cap and reattaching the sewer hose again, make sure you close all valves. Otherwise, you'll probably be back on the forums to verbally thrash me for coming up with this hair-brained idea.

Normally, this valve is easy to pull out, so it may take some coaxing if it's stuck. Just be gentle and pull a little, then push a little (back in), then repeat. Hopefully, it will loosen and start moving back and forth a little more with each cycle. Resist the urge to strong-arm the valve and yank, as you may end up holding the T-handle while looking at the valve still closed, with no way to open it. The next step after this is bad, bad, bad! This involves disassembling and removing the entire valve assembly, while the black tank is full. I think you can guess what comes next...
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Old 08-08-2012, 05:19 AM   #5
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Got it loose and drained. I'm off to find some calgon and dawn.
thanks
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Old 08-08-2012, 09:33 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Getahobby View Post
Got it loose and drained. I'm off to find some calgon and dawn.
thanks
When you get time let us know how you did it. Whatever it was, I'm glad to see it working without you having to take it apart.

Ken
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Old 08-08-2012, 11:07 AM   #7
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Jiggled it a bit then gave a couple pretty good tugs. I think I'll look into replacing the valves before they break.
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Old 08-08-2012, 11:21 AM   #8
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Originally Posted by Getahobby View Post
Jiggled it a bit then gave a couple pretty good tugs. I think I'll look into replacing the valves before they break.
I've often thought about cutting a hole in the belly pan under all that tank draining stuff, and then putting an access door there. However, I often think of a lot of thing's that never get done.

I'm glad it was an easy fix.

Ken
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Old 08-08-2012, 11:32 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Getahobby View Post
Jiggled it a bit then gave a couple pretty good tugs. I think I'll look into replacing the valves before they break.
I would use some lubricating stuff in the tank and verify that the valve is functioning with no leaks.
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