Need to replace black water valve

[SteveH]

Because of damage caused by a tire blowout I need to replace the black water valve and so need to remove the holding tank covers. It seems the rod going to the grey water valve will prevent the cover from coming down after the bolts are removed.

My question is how do I remove the rod from the grey water valve? Any and all advise on this repair/procedure appreciated.

[Siegmann]

Try unscrewing it.

[airdreamers]

I agree unscrewing the handle. Then sliding the cover off. BTW I would cut out an area then make an access panel with new aluminum to finish up. Cut out enough metal so as not to struggle witht the removal etc of the black water valve assembly. This what I did to replace and repair my fresh water tank valve etc. Good luck. Blow out not fun, been there! Welcome to the club.

[SteveH]

Unscrewing was the first thing I tried. No luck, it just keeps turning the shaft in the valve.

[Gene]

I've never done this, so I'm fully qualified to comment.

I did remove the plate under the black tank once to see what was in there (I was working on the fresh water tank, replacing the exterior spigot, so I thought I'd take a look while I was under the trailer). I did find the sensors for the water levels in the tanks and tried to clean them off, something else to do while working on the valves (it didn't help, the sensors still were wrong). The sensor wires are just telephone wire with telephone connectors. The dealer had cut a hole and not put a plate over it, so I made some out of aluminum flashing, sealed it with something and screwed it on. Cutting a bigger hole makes sense to me since the area you have to work in is really small and suitable for children's hands only.

Good luck with this awful job Steve. Photos would be nice, but I wouldn't want to put dirty hands or gloves on my camera. After you fix this, you deserve a case of beer.

Gene

[SteveH]

Thanks Gene. Personally I think I frequently deserve a case of beer, but that's another subject.

Anyone else have information?

[dznf0g]

No, but I've always wondered about how to accomplish this without damaging plumbing and vent stacks. Please document what you do.

[AirHeadsRus]

Steve,
I have changed valves on two Airstreams. With both of them, the extension rod was attached to the valve rod with a rivet which I drilled out.
Can you post a photo of what you have?

[SteveH]

OK, my mistake, I got under there and took a closer look and the cover is slotted so it will cone off with the rod in place.

Thanks for everyone's input.

[gdod25]

While were on the subject, above the valve is a large hose clamp that I loosened but it looks like the plastic it surrounded is too thick to be squeezed by the clamp. I am trying to remove my valve but the screws are rusted so bad I cant turn them and dont want to break the tank. Should the valve come loose after loosening the hose clamp?

[Gene]

To loosen the screws try WD40. It is a penetrating oil and may loosen the screws. When I have a hose stuck like that, I gently ease it side to side to see if I can work it off. WD40 may also loosen the hose. If that doesn't work, then you may have to cut the hose to get it off. The male plastic part the female hose is on doesn't have to be squeezed by the clamp (you wouldn't want it to be); only the hose needs squeezing.

I haven't looked at this (yet, I'm sure my time will come), so I'm not sure that's the right approach.

Gene