Excel Leaking From Grey Tank

[rockintom]

Hi All,

I have an apparent leak from my grey tank when near full. The underbelly is dripping in that area. Let some grey drain out and it stops. Inspection from the basement area where the drains enter the grey on top proves it's all dry. Has anyone experience this situation and have any great tips of where the issue may be. Any thoughts or help would be helpful. Guess I will pull the underbelly in the AM. I'm working tonight. Thanks all! rockin'

[BookIIRoadtrash]

Time for a new Excel! I think those tanks are made in two pieces, the top part is flat and the glue must be giving out. It does put a lot of pressure on those tanks when they get completely filled.

[rockintom]

Thanks DU, I have had the grey full a few times.....you know you hear the gurggling in the drain and know it's time. I have never moved or towed the trailer with the tank near full. I do know when it's full when you drain it, it makes some interesting creaking and cracking noises until it get down to about 3/4....you almost wait for it to go "aaaahhhhhh" like when you relieve some brews. Everybody wish me luck!!!

[Workshop]

Morning Rockin'.....

...one problem we never hope to have! Guess you have narrowed it down to grey water from the color and smell and since it stops when you drain down some of the tank?

After being in the belly of the Beast several times.....my thoughts of the tank and connections are grouped into those that___ 1. enter from the top ( vent and inlets from waste from the sinks and shower) on my unit the vent line is part of the inlet waste lines and branch off before entering the tank. 2. are connected to the tank as an outlet. If the tank 'seems' to be leaking when partly full....might consider all the joints or the gate valve as a cause. (the tank outlet is reduced from a 3" to 1 1/2" line and gate and back to 3" to the main line). Worst cause might be a crack in the tank at some location and not visible. Only other connection on the grey would be the sending unit connection.

When the area is opened and ready for inspection....fill the tank and look for leaks.

No great words of wisdom....not an easy area to get a full view of the tank, as least on mine. Was going to post photos of that area of my unit but will have to get used to the "new' photo section. Couldn't find me listed in the members section and had a hard time getting to my already posted photos. If you go to '101', page 2, #15 Waste System Overview: 33RLE, the first photos shows the outlets of the tank and piping.

[rockintom]

Thanks workhorse for taking the time to answer. All the stuff on top entry is dry......I'm afraid it may be a cracked tank......we'll see.

[Still Working "NOT"]

SKIA, you might go to the auto parts house and buy you a mirror that extends and folds around and take a peak to see if you can see a leak that way. Go in from where the water pump and vac are at. Yes you will need to clear some of the stuff out of the basement to get axcess to the area.

[Money Bags]

I wonder if putting red food coloring in the tank might help you find the leak quicker. Might be easier to spot.

[rockintom]

Thanks Still and MB,
There is plywood that covers the area over the grey tank so the mirror trick won't work. MB, the dye is nec. at this point. I still have to get access to the lower portion of the grey tank to see what's happening.

I have been working much of the morning trying to get the underbelly off, without success. Can't believe it is all that hard. I've got all the screws and bolts out and it (the underbelly) still is very rigid. I must be missing something. I wrote to Jack at PI to see if he could help me. Working conditions are not good. It's 46*F windy and raining off and on. Feet and hands get numb pretty quick. The site is very pitched and the front of Journey is about 8" off the ground when level. I have to raise the heck in the front to be able to get myself under the rig to work. Thanks for listening. Gotta work at my job this afternoon. rockin'

[ChiefJohn]

Wishing you the best -- darn leaks are sometimes the hardest problem to locate and fix -- hopefully, this will be the last of your "problems" for awhile!!

[ExcelRVGuy]

If the tank leaks when full, I'd be rather certain that you have a leak where the top glues to the side. We fill the tanks to "Over Full" in the factory until they are bulging.

When we have a leak, it is almost always at the seam.

Bryan

[rockintom]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ExcelRVGuy If the tank leaks when full, I'd be rather certain that you have a leak where the top glues to the side. We fill the tanks to "Over Full" in the factory until they are bulging. When we have a leak, it is almost always at the seam. Bryan

Thanks Bryan,

That sounds right to me. Is the cure to replace the tank or are they repairable? Now if I can just figure out how to get the underbelly off. (see previous comment). I sent Jack an email asking for help. rockin'

[Endeavor2BnC]

Tom,
I remember the auto repair guy using a dye that shows up under "black light" for detecting leaks. Might want to try that to pinpoint the leak. Colored dye might be hard to see exactly where the leak is coming from.
Good luck
TIm

[rockintom]

Thanks Tim,

My big issue now is figuring out how to get the underbelly off so I can gain access to see where it's leaking. rockin'

[ChiefJohn]

Your problem has me rethinking my preference to travel with a full tank of fresh water?? In our case, the more weight that I carry on the Excel chassis is is better -- however!! IF I'm risking a tank rupture from the pressure of a full-tank water moving around, I'll start traveling with a half tank.
John