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Dreaded Stuck Black Tank Valve with a Twist
Well, I have read about all the instances where people had a stuck dump valve, be it for the black tank or the gray tank but have dodged that bullet until a couple of days ago. Pulled the black tank handle, and it didn't want to come out. Pulled hard, and it released, but then wouldn't go back in.
I used the black tank rinse to really clean it out, thinking I may have to pull the valve. With some persuasion, I got the valve shut and headed for home.
So, today, even though we were pushing 100 degrees here at home, I decided to tackle the problem as I had bought a replacement cable several months ago preparing for this day. Removed the cap, placed a bucket under the outlet and pulled on the black tank handle. It was hard, but I managed to get it open, draining what little was left in the tank.
Next, I eyeballed where I figured the valve would be and cut open the coroplast and bingo, there was the valve and cable. To my surprise, the cable was rather short and made a single bend from the valve to the frame and pull handle. It was around 4 feet long. However, I did notice when it left the valve, it was being pulled to one side and when I moved it, it made a pop sound. I straighten the cable out from the valve and secured it with a wire tie. Crawled out from under the trailer and wow, the handle went in and out fairly easily. The handle staff would catch where I bent it getting it back in at the dump station. Straighten it out, filed and sanded the shaft where some burrs were from being forced back in while being bent, and now it works great. Replace the wire tie with a zip tie and tried it a few more time. Yup, it is working great. So, I sealed up the coroplast, and now we are ready for our next adventure.
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Bob & Shelly - 2022 Minnie 2529RG TT, 400AH LiFePo4 380W Solar
2016 RAM 3500 CC SRW SB Cummins
Remember, no matter where you go, there you are.
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