Waste tanks

Keystoned · 02-08-2020, 08:16 AM

So after working on mine for a few days now I have to wonder how the heck the factory installs these. Replacing the valves on the T'd system makes me think they install the tanks tied together as an assembly with the black flusher installed also.
There is not enough room to install new drain valves w/o spreading the tanks apart, for which there is also not enough room. The flusher hose can be removed, but not replaced, etc.

I used a 2x4 cut to 16-3/8" to get the black drain valve installed. Good news, it doesn't leak around the valve, bad news, it leaks thru the blade somehow. Maybe I have not tightened the screws enough as it opens and closes really easy and seems to shut at the far end, but a small dribble keeps coming thru.

I may have to just plug the flusher and install a new one elsewhere.
The more I try, the worse it gets...so any insights here?

ctbruce · 02-08-2020, 10:16 AM

Is the gasket installed in the blade valve?

Keystoned · 02-08-2020, 10:38 AM

I hope so, brand new, but I did not inspect

**JRTJH** · 02-08-2020, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keystoned

I hope so, brand new, but I did not inspect

Often times, sliding the new valve into the space will dislodge the seal. You may have pushed the valve assembly into that "too tight space" only to pull the seal away from its seat. If tightening the 4 bolts doesn't stop the leak, you should be able to visualize the cable end of the valve. Push it closed to see if it's an adjustment of the slide blade/cable actuator. If you can't stop the leak by pushing the valve closed and it's mounted tightly against the tank and plumbing, then it's probably a torn/dislodged seal.

Keystoned · 02-08-2020, 02:44 PM

The seals on both of the outsides seated well after opening the gap sufficiently and there is no leak at that joint. Is there an internal seal also around the sliding blade?
As I push it closed, it slides freely until close to the end of travel and then a bit more force gets it another 1/8" or so. I have not hooked up the cable yet so I am using the handle that came with it until I'm sure of no leaks at all. Then I'll tackle the gray valve.
I'm leery about tightening the 4 bolts too much and cracking some plastic...I also used Vaseline on all the rubbers.

**chuckster57** · 02-08-2020, 03:57 PM

There is a seal on each side of the blade valve. Sounds like the “inner” one slipped off the flange and is getting pinched. Wasn’t there 2 in the replacement pack?

Keystoned · 02-09-2020, 07:32 AM

I think a picture might help. So I am sure the 2 gasket seals shown are seated correctly. I'm not sure how any 'internal' seal touching the gate valve itself could move and not seal...

**chuckster57** · 02-09-2020, 07:54 AM

When you put the seals on, the larger side sits on the flange (pipe) and when the blade valve assembly is inserted the smaller end of the seals ride against the blade.

The issue comes with a lack of space when inserting the blade valve, it can catch the lip of the seal and pull it off the flange “lip”.

I have found if you grease the seals, put them in the flanges first. Then brute strength to spread the flanges, insert the valve assembly (handle in the closed position) and then rotate it back and forth about 1/4 turn. If it spins easily, you probably got the seals in correct. Trust me when I say it can take a few (many) attempts. I have walked away and came back a few times.

ctbruce · 02-09-2020, 07:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuckster57

When you put the seals on, the larger side sits on the flange (pipe) and when the blade valve assembly is inserted the smaller end of the seals ride against the blade.

The issue comes with a lack of space when inserting the blade valve, it can catch the lip of the seal and pull it off the flange “lip”.

I have found if you grease the seals, put them in the flanges first. Then brute strength to spread the flanges, insert the valve assembly (handle in the closed position) and then rotate it back and forth about 1/4 turn. If it spins easily, you probably got the seals in correct. Trust me when I say it can take a few (many) attempts. I have walked away and came back a few times.

This right here, ^^^^^, is gold.

Keystoned · 02-09-2020, 08:14 AM

Okay, got in now. The two gasket seals touch the blade on the inside and touch the flanges on the outsides. Like I said, I'm pretty sure they are doing both jobs as I spread the flanges apart so that I could get the assembly in with no contact on either side. It did take a few tries to prevent one side from catching and there is no leaking on either side of the valve. There seems to be leak through past the blade though as a slow stream does not stop flowing down the line.
I'm wondering if I still have to tighten the 4 bolts more to seal better on the blade. Is there a max torque spec to prevent cracking the plastic?

**chuckster57** · 02-09-2020, 08:26 AM

Tighten them until they are tight. If it still leaks the seal isn't in right or there is a foreign object in the way. Look at the flanges for any residual glue from the factory. Look at the seal for any sign of pinching.

Keystoned · 02-09-2020, 08:51 AM

Thanks, I will give it another go.

**chuckster57** · 02-09-2020, 08:59 AM

Your welcome. NOT what you wanted to hear Im sure but I've been there. my second day as an RV tech I had to replace the seals on the black tank in a Simba Super "C" with the poop pile up into the toilet, laying down in the compartment, and about 6 inches of working space. Needless to say it took me a few tries. now almost 9 years later my boss still remembers that job and said he was thinking " if he makes it through this job he just might be a keeper"

Keystoned · 02-09-2020, 09:05 AM

Now that the tank is empty, here is what I'll do first. Close the valve, add water, looks for that leak, tighten the bolts until it stops, have a beer. If not, start over...

**chuckster57** · 02-09-2020, 09:07 AM

Sounds like a winner

Keystoned · 02-09-2020, 02:29 PM

As Rosanne Rosanadana would say...nevermind.

Success! No leaks past the blade so I guess it's time for a beer.
Not looking forward to the gray valve though.
Bad weather coming in so I'll work on inside stuff for a while. This unit is a victim of neglect so I have a ways to go before we can actually use it.

**chuckster57** · 02-09-2020, 02:44 PM

One HUGE step forward!!!

Keystoned · 02-29-2020, 07:31 AM

Still working on the black tank. Swapped in the new sensors, plugged the old sprayer and mocked up the new sprayer. I did get a tornado locally in case it didn't spin well, which it seems to. Had to get a new hole saw kit for the 1-3/4" hole required and should get it in today.
Also hope to get the gray tank valve swapped, we'll see about that PITA.

Keystoned · 03-02-2020, 10:05 AM

So I got the tornado installed and have 2 option to plumb it.
1. use the parts supplied in the kit and abandon the stock inlet port
2. use the stock inlet port with simplified plumbing
#2 would require the use of an adapter to get from 1/2" pipe thread to 3/4" garden hose thread, male on both sides, no problem. My question is using the stock 'vacuum breaker'. It would fit between the adapter and stock water line at the tank, but does it need to be above the highest water line to work correctly?

The tornado kit has one to be used only when attaching to fresh water, so I'm guessing black water can get into the supplied line between the input and the sprayer...I'm a little confused by this.

Keystoned · 03-03-2020, 07:35 AM

Any thoughts on the above post?

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