Community Forums

bevberry13 · 06-26-2016, 09:01 AM

I just wrote a very long explanation of my problem and when I was previewing it, it disappeared and I'm assuming it is lost and not posted but just in case it did post, I'll make it shorter now.
Had a blowout that bent my exhaust pipe. My son cut it off to remove the bent part. Now it appears that the heat has melted a huge hole in my fresh water tank. But, also my gray water is leaking out through that hole as well.
What I'm looking for answers to:
1. Will I be able to just replace the exhaust pipe or will I have to replace the whole system?
2. How can my gray water be leaking out of the same hole as my fresh water? Aren't they on opposite sides of the RV? And is it possible they both have holes now? Also, is the black tank also in danger of being burned?
3. Has anyone ever had to replace any or all of these things and do you know how much money I am looking at for repairs?

Thanks.

**CLIFFTALL** · 06-26-2016, 09:06 AM

Welcome to the forum. It would be helpful if you posted your year , make and model RV so others can assist.

plasma800 · 06-26-2016, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clifftall

Welcome to the forum. It would be helpful if you posted your year , make and model RV so others can assist.

Absolutely. Tons of knowledge here, but in order for someone to really dig into this for you, they'll have to know what unit you are talking about.

are you positive that grey water is discharging from the hole in the fresh tank? Or is it possible that grey water is dripping from above, and running down the side of the fresh water tank?

bevberry13 · 06-26-2016, 10:32 PM

Thanks. I had it in the previous message and then forgot on this one. It is a 2013 Fleetwood Jamboree Searcher 25K.

Update: I discovered the fresh water tank seems fine and it looks like the gray water has the huge hole. It also melted holes in 2 of my storage areas.

Appreciate any ideas or help. Thanks.

OLYLEN · 06-27-2016, 08:15 AM

Any good muffler shop can replaced just the part now missing or just a bit more. As to your tank issue if you are able most likely you may be able to put a plug over the area and screw and glue in place or put and replace tank. Other wise you insurance may cover the fix. If not look at $100 plus an hour and the cost of parts.
Sorry to hear of your problem.

LEN

plasma800 · 06-27-2016, 08:26 AM

consider adding your rig to your signature by clicking USER CP in the upper left, then selecting SIGNATURE along the list of links on the left side.

It aids in others being able to help quicker.

If you could get a patch to the grey tank, marine goop or marine sealant #5200 would lock it in place for sure. I'd patch the storage compartments too. If it's not a big hole, #5200 on it's own would fill it, but the stuff runs until it sets up, so you might be better with a patch of heavy duty plastic.

How big is the hole?

bevberry13 · 06-28-2016, 08:09 AM

Thanks for the hint about adding my rig info to my signature. I will do that.
Regarding the size of the holes, unfortunately - BIG. The whole short side of the gray water tank is essentially melted with plastic actually hanging down from it. I'm guessing the whole thing will need to be replaced. One one of the storage spaces the hole is about 6"x8" so a piece of plastic might do there. The other storage doesn't have a hole but the plastic has gotten hot enough to come away from the top side and leaning into the storage area leaving a gap at the top. I guess if there was a way to heat it and then push it back where it belongs that could work, just not sure I have equipment to do that.
I was looking for a plastic welder because I read something about that on one of the posts here but have not been able to find anyone who does that. I don't think I can do it by myself.
Taking the rig into a regular muffler shop today to get that part of the problem fixed. That is first so I can actually drive it to have the other parts fixed without doing more damage.
Anyone have an idea of how much a new gray water tank will cost. Thanks for the info on the $100/hour labor. I'm trying to piece together an estimate so I have the money together for it.

Mich F · 06-28-2016, 08:16 AM

A new tank is probably a few hundred dollars. I would assume your insurance should cover the repairs.

bevberry13 · 06-29-2016, 07:28 AM

Thanks for everyone's time and input. Insurance set a check to cover it but my son thought he could save me money by just cutting off the bent part but of course that didn't work and caused more damage. Pretty sure they won't cover customer fault and stupidity. Thanks for the info on possible cost of the tank.

Old Scout · 06-29-2016, 07:36 AM

No offense intended toward your son but based on the damage, sounds like you are luck the entire rig didn't "melt"--consider yourself lucky and press on with repairs.....

Road Pilot · 06-29-2016, 07:44 AM

I had a tire blow that took the end of my tail pipe off. I knew it would melt my rear quarter panel so as a temporary solution I went to a hardware store and bought a length of stove pipe. That channeled the heat away from things that could melt.

bevberry13 · 06-30-2016, 09:47 AM

Yes, Old Scout I was lucky. Especially since it also melted a hold in my storage bin and there was paper about 2 inches away and if it had caught fire right over my gas tank, my whole rig whole have been toast. No pun intended.
And I wish my son or I had been as smart as Road Pilot and did a temp fix on that. Unfortunately, I and evidently he, did not think of that. Duh!
Tail pipe was replaced yesterday and now working on getting estimates on the replacement of the gray water tank.
Thanks again for all the help and support.