Electric vs. Manual clean outs

RVluvin · 04-24-2011, 08:17 AM

I replaced the Drain Master electric valve on my black tank last year along with new switches for both tanks. My problem with these valves is most of the time they work, but some times they don't. If I play with the switch I usually can get them to open. Installation of them is poor as they are installed horizantally and instructions clearly state the valve is to be installed vertically, some where in the vicenity of 10 - 2 oclock position. There is no room to manipulate there position choosen by Fleetwood. My gray tank lately has been giving me more trouble than usual and need replacing, or at least re-greasing, but the work involved to access the valve, I might as well replace it. I could install manual clean outs for less than half of what one of the electirc valve cost. Has anyone else giving up on these electric valves?

**"007"** · 04-24-2011, 08:27 AM

I would say that installed as they are when you activate to dump fluids the fluid is backing into the electrical motor driven chamber causing the a short.
If you can not have them in up right position as instructed you would have to use manual setup.
Is it possible to re-plumb the piping to gain the clearances.

HandyBob · 04-27-2011, 07:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RVluvin

Has anyone else giving up on these electric valves?

Yes. Plastic gears. Not reliable. It had been taken apart and put back together wrong by some RV tech. I figured I was lucky to only have one, on a grey tank that was difficult to get at. I threw it in a dumpster.

Cat320 · 04-27-2011, 09:40 AM

Electric dump valves are totally unnecessary...and something else to break.

ralper · 04-27-2011, 10:50 PM

When installing these electric dump valves do not tighten the 4 bolts too much. Just enough to keep them from leaking. Too tight and you squeeze the frame and bind the gate thus keeping it from moving and damaging the gears. I went through a pair of dump valves and then read the instructions.

wa8yxm · 04-28-2011, 10:11 AM

I will tell you of another issue with electric dump valves.. If you do not get in there and perform the needed maintenance (IE: Lubrication) they can become very "Heavy" that is hard for the motor to operate the valve, eventually siezing up and then short of going in and manuall opening the valve you don't dump.

Where as with manual valve.. this is not an issue.

Also, I once considered an electric valve modification on this coach but was basically talked out of it.

I mean, let's say I had remot operated electrics (And the temptation to remote them would be great) and half way to the hole in the ground.... the hose breaks.