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tinsltootsie · 07-25-2007, 07:48 PM

I believe our toilet is a thetford, the vintage of the trailer is 74, and most things are original, so I would assume that it is. The toilet works well, and we have used it for three years. However, when you fill the toilet bowl with water, it leaks out gradually. Any reason for this? We have cleaned regularly with solution and brushes, but it still won't retain the water. Is this normal, and if not, any ideas how to remedy this problem.
Thanks.

Inland RV Center, In · 07-25-2007, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tinsltootsie

I believe our toilet is a thetford, the vintage of the trailer is 74, and most things are original, so I would assume that it is. The toilet works well, and we have used it for three years. However, when you fill the toilet bowl with water, it leaks out gradually. Any reason for this? We have cleaned regularly with solution and brushes, but it still won't retain the water. Is this normal, and if not, any ideas how to remedy this problem.
Thanks.

You can repair that problem in one of three ways.

1. Change the slide valve gasket, andf take your chances.

2. Change the slide valve and lessen the chances.

3. Replace the entire flush mechanism which includes the water valve. That cures the problem and takes cares of the water valve that is 33 years old.

If the new flush mechanism only lasts another 33 years, then you probably got your moneys worth.

Andy

Mrs_RedSHED · 07-25-2007, 08:12 PM

The PO of our 85 Excella made a handy little tool out of a wire coat hanger in sort of an L shape with an extra loop at the top as a grip. He said toilet paper occasionaly gets stuck in the slot where the (hold onto your shorts, technical verbage to follow) slider thingy door moves back and forth. We've used it once or twice and it is great. Don't know if this could be your problem but I will say I know when the toilet paper is stuck in there because the water slowly drains out.

BTW: The PO also used a wire coat hanger to make a thing that keeps the fridge and freezer doors open slightly when in storage to prevent mold and mildew. Great guy, great tools.

Mrs_RedSHED

dudebb · 07-25-2007, 08:20 PM

Quote:

BTW: The PO also used a wire coat hanger to make a thing that keeps the fridge and freezer doors open slightly when in storage to prevent mold and mildew. Great guy, great tools.

Sounds like really neat tools so long as you don't get them mixed up!

Mrs_RedSHED · 07-25-2007, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dudebb

Sounds like really neat tools so long as you don't get them mixed up!

Eeeeeeeeewwwwwwwwwww!

Fyrzowt · 07-26-2007, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dudebb

Sounds like really neat tools so long as you don't get them mixed up!

Great minds think alike

ArtStream · 07-26-2007, 01:51 PM

Spring for a new one or as Andy said:
"Replace the entire flush mechanism which includes the water valve. That cures the problem and takes cares of the water valve that is 33 years old"

I replaced the flush mechanism 2 years ago, and while not the most pleasant of tasks a most rewarding one.

Michael

Road Ruler · 07-26-2007, 02:08 PM

Our 73 Thedford is doing the same thing. Cleaning out the groove no longer helps. The mechanism that needs to be replaced. Is it still available? If so I am surprised, but not complaining. Any idea on pricing?

Chuck · 07-26-2007, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Road Ruler

Our 73 Thedford is doing the same thing. Cleaning out the groove no longer helps. The mechanism that needs to be replaced. Is it still available? If so I am surprised, but not complaining. Any idea on pricing?

mine too. what exactly is "the mechanism"...it includes the water valve? I replaced a leaky ball valve a couple of seasons ago, so that part is ok.

Inland RV Center, In · 07-26-2007, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chuck

mine too. what exactly is "the mechanism"...it includes the water valve? I replaced a leaky ball valve a couple of seasons ago, so that part is ok.

The Thetford "mechanism" is everything except the plastic toilet bowl and seat.

They are available for toilets going back to 1973.

It has the ball valve, the slide valve, springs, foot pedal, etc, etc.

The real way to fix an old toilet, as you can be done with it for another 30 years.

Replacing the mechanism, piece by piece, is not the way to go, unless there was a premature failure.

Andy

Chuck · 07-26-2007, 03:30 PM

sounds like it would be very quickly approaching the point of "just buy a new toilet"

then again, I thought I heard somewhere that the "new" toilets won't fit the space, so maybe thats the only option.

ArtStream · 07-26-2007, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chuck

mine too. what exactly is "the mechanism"...it includes the water valve? I replaced a leaky ball valve a couple of seasons ago, so that part is ok.

Chuck, mine came with a new
sphincter valve, keegel tightener, and some other small parts

Michael

Inland RV Center, In · 07-26-2007, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chuck

sounds like it would be very quickly approaching the point of "just buy a new toilet"

then again, I thought I heard somewhere that the "new" toilets won't fit the space, so maybe thats the only option.

You gave up the privilege of having a "simple" life when you bought your Airstream.

Andy

Chuck · 07-26-2007, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Inland RV Center, In

You gave up the privilege of having a "simple" life when you bought your Airstream.

Andy

ya. now you tell me....

(actually, replacing the ball valve was simple; getting the toilet out so that I could access it was a nightmare.

)

Inland RV Center, In · 07-26-2007, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chuck

ya. now you tell me....

(actually, replacing the ball valve was simple; getting the toilet out so that I could access it was a nightmare.

)

Well, if you just asked tomorrow, I could have told you last week.

Andy

tinsltootsie · 07-26-2007, 07:26 PM

[quote=Inland RV Center, In]You can repair that problem in one of three ways.

1. Change the slide valve gasket, andf take your chances.

2. Change the slide valve and lessen the chances.

3. Replace the entire flush mechanism which includes the water valve. That cures the problem and takes cares of the water valve that is 33 years old.

If the new flush mechanism only lasts another 33 years, then you probably got your moneys worth.

Andy

Sounds like I'll be talking to "your people" in the near future. Thanks for your help, and everyone's entertainment, and information!! I will try the toilet tool, and may even make the fridge tools as well, but I guess in the long run, we will be ordering all the new thingmabobbers (more technical speak) that Andy suggests. While a new toilet sounds like another alternative, I think we will stick with the original for hopefully another 30 some years! May life go smooooooothly for you all!

CharlieE · 07-26-2007, 07:39 PM

Having owned three AS over past 35 years I have had toilets in and out many times. You take it out to replace a part , put it back and something leaks or another part needs replacing. Andy is right, replace the whole valve, pedal and works assembly and do it once. If however your current bowl is scratched or stained replace the whole toilet. I haven't really enjoyed "hugging" the bowl to disconnect and reconnect the water supply line. In the 73 and 74's with rear bath they had a fold down, padded wood cover. I think if you remove that cover the newer Thetford toilets will fit. If you replace the whole valve assembly be cautious not to strip the screw holes in the plastic. When you replace the screws, turn them backward slowly until you feel them click into the existing thread. If you don't do that you can accidentally cut new threads and strip the existing threads in that hole. Charlie E

tinsltootsie · 07-27-2007, 08:07 AM

Some very good tips, and thank you! I'm not sure which route we will take at this point. Right now we are enjoying using our trailer at Cape May, and water thingy will have to wait until we are home again.

Mackhopp · 07-27-2007, 08:11 AM

Just an aside - I had the same problem with a not-quite 1 year old unit. The water would gradually seep out. Hubby thought he'd have to replace stuff, until we noticed that if we lifted our foot off the flush pedal (for lack of a better term) with a sharper, more quick motion than we were previously using, it would close more firmly and voila. No more water seeping out.

lewster · 07-27-2007, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Macfrodge

Just an aside - I had the same problem with a not-quite 1 year old unit. The water would gradually seep out. Hubby thought he'd have to replace stuff, until we noticed that if we lifted our foot off the flush pedal (for lack of a better term) with a sharper, more quick motion than we were previously using, it would close more firmly and voila. No more water seeping out.

Mac,

The foot flush mechanism in your '05 should NOT be operating like that! You have either a weak return spring or a sticky ball valve gasket. It should also be under warranty (depending on the manuf.). I would check with your dealer or service center first.

If no warranty, it's an easy fix. Let me know if you need more info on this.