Toilet Blade Problem

[RayT]

I have a Thetford toilet, step-flush, with a sliding blade valve. The blade occassionally gets stuck in the open position. I have to feel around with my hand, pushing & pulling, and it finally closes.

I notice that Thetford recommends the valve be kept open during long periods on non-use. Is it normal for the blade to "catch" in the open position? Is there a special way to close it without digging into the unit?

Comments appreciated.

[RayT]

I have a Thetford toilet, step-flush, with a sliding blade valve. The blade occassionally gets stuck in the open position. I have to feel around with my hand, pushing & pulling, and it finally closes.

I notice that Thetford recommends the valve be kept open during long periods on non-use. Is it normal for the blade to "catch" in the open position? Is there a special way to close it without digging into the unit?

Comments appreciated.

["007"]

I would say just the opposite leave close and with water or RV anti to protect the seal. The seal can be cleaned with vasoline and ball also to operate smoothly. Dirt or someother stuff has to be cleaned from around the seal at times.
Your blade may have a burr on it file or sand off.

[SacsTC]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">The seal can be cleaned with vasoline and ball also to operate smoothly </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
Not unless they changed the composition of their seal. Vaseline will cause the seal to swell and fail. If it is an old seal you can sometimes use this method for a while to fix a leak problem (seal not holding water in toilet) until you can get a new seal and replace it.

[igor2brvn]

The blade valve on my Thetford toilet was sticking. Cleaned the seal and blade groove with a silicone-based spray cleaner (definitely do not use Vaseline or other petroleum-based lube/cleaner). Blade has operated flawlessly since cleaning.

[DSouthw524]

Check to assure there is not something on the outside interfering with the handle/step mechanism.

If not, you must have something (as mentioned) in the path of the blade. I strongly suspect that you will find compacted TP. A tool to easily clean the area can be made by bending a cheap flat blade screw driver to a 90 degree angle (with heat). Use the tool to scrape the path for the blade to remove debris.

If all else fails, you may be in for disassembly to replace the seal. Good Luck

[read & learn]

You can buy a seal cleaner that looks like a very thin nail file that cleans all of the built up TP+ from the blade and seal.
You add a paste to the cleaning stick, this will clean and lube the blade and seal.
Works great.
I think it is made by Thetford.

[rvgrandma]

Question: when stepping on the foot pedal, does it go back all the way? We too have the foot pedal. It was sticking and eventually came loose. Had to pull the front off and 'remount' the pedal. It is doing it again and I know it is only time before dear DH will have to repair again(the pedal delays in bouncing back and water isn't staying in the bowl all the time).

[Rocky Larson]

After following all the cleaning/clearing suggestions this is the product you want to use to lubricate the seal: Plumbers Silicone Grease You can find it in HD/Ace/Lowes, etc.