Black Tank Valve Issue

[gmarsha2]

I am am having a problem with a small leak at the discharge valve, which appears to be at the stem of the handle. It appears that the brand name of the valve is Valterra. At first glance it looked like I might have to buy the whole assembly, however having looked at the Valterra site it appears that the valve can be bought separately. Has anyone had to change one of these and what pitfalls should I be aware of, other then the obvious...empty tank first.
Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

[lanerd]

Just replace it with one of these: 3" Slide Valve with Gate Seals - Valterra T1003 VPM - Sewer Fittings & Adapters - Camping World

Not a difficult swap.

Ron

[allynne]

gmarsha2,

As noted above the change is not difficult, however if the black tank valve is the issue, I think you need a 4 inch valve not 3 inch. Unless Newmar has downgraded recently it would be very difficult to make a 3 inch valve replacement work.

Al Sawyer
'05 Mt. Aire

[dennis45]

Originally Posted by allynne

gmarsha2,

As noted above the change is not difficult, however if the black tank valve is the issue, I think you need a 4 inch valve not 3 inch. Unless Newmar has downgraded recently it would be very difficult to make a 3 inch valve replacement work.

Al Sawyer
'05 Mt. Aire

I have a 3" slide valve on the Black side and an 1 1/2" on the Grey side that go into a 3" Y fitting to the 3" standard sewer hose. I don't think Newmar has made any changes to the water bay layout for quite some time.

Just looking, I don't think replacing the valve should be a big deal other than getting at the two bolts at the back side of the valve.
As said, I would make sure the tank is flushed REAL WELL before removing. I believe there are O Rings on each side of the valves to seal it.
I would suggest using a good O Ring Grease to lube them before installing. See attached link.
This stuff is pricy but is a Very Good product. I use it at least once or twice a year to lube the seal on the toilet ball.
http://www.amazon.com/CORNING-MOLYKO...ow+o+ring+lube

[wildtoad]

While not a Newmar owner (Yet) swapping out the Valterra valve is not a big deal. I just did both the grey and black. Do empty and flush the tank first, maybe several times...

[dennis45]

Originally Posted by wildtoad

While not a Newmar owner (Yet) swapping out the Valterra valve is not a big deal. I just did both the grey and black. Do empty and flush the tank first, maybe several times...

Are these sealed by O Rings?

[Dutch Star Don]

"gmarsha2"......Whenever you have a valve fail, it's easier to just replace the entire valve assembly. You can buy them from Amazon for $18.00 http://www.amazon.com/Valterra-T1003...ra+waste+valve

There are four 7/16" bolts and nuts that sandwich the valve between the two drain pipes. Many don't know or realize that you can grab the valve handle and move the valve up or down so the handle is in a good/better position. When you remove the valve, it's just a flat plate with a large rubber o-ring on both sides. Getting them out is easy. Don't be afraid to force the plumbing apart a little. The hard part on some installs is to get the valve back in without knocking the O-rings out of place, while sliding it between the plumbing.

Here is a tip. Take a one gallon plastic milk carton and cut the sides out making two pieces that are larger than the valve. Lube up both O-rings, white grease or vasoline will work, to help keep them stuck to the new valve. Lay a piece of the milk carton on both sides of the valve, making a sandwich. Slide the new valve into place with the milk carton sides until the valve is situated where it should be. Slowly remove the milk carton pieces. This will keep the O-rings from being dislodged. Reinstall the four bolts and nuts. Don't overtighten, they're lock nuts and should be snug. I like to use a 1/4" drive socket set to do the job.

Good Luck.

[allynne]

I stand corrected it is a 1 1/2 inch grey and 3 inch black.

Old memories are a terrible thing to deal with.

Al Sawyer
'05 Mt. Aire

[dennis45]

Originally Posted by Dutch Star Don

"gmarsha2"......Whenever you have a valve fail, it's easier to just replace the entire valve assembly. You can buy them from Amazon for $18.00 http://www.amazon.com/Valterra-T1003...ra+waste+valve

There are four 7/16" bolts and nuts that sandwich the valve between the two drain pipes. Many don't know or realize that you can grab the valve handle and move the valve up or down so the handle is in a good/better position. When you remove the valve, it's just a flat plate with a large rubber o-ring on both sides. Getting them out is easy. Don't be afraid to force the plumbing apart a little. The hard part on some installs is to get the valve back in without knocking the O-rings out of place, while sliding it between the plumbing.

Here is a tip. Take a one gallon plastic milk carton and cut the sides out making two pieces that are larger than the valve. Lube up both O-rings, white grease or vasoline will work, to help keep them stuck to the new valve. Lay a piece of the milk carton on both sides of the valve, making a sandwich. Slide the new valve into place with the milk carton sides until the valve is situated where it should be. Slowly remove the milk carton pieces. This will keep the O-rings from being dislodged. Reinstall the four bolts and nuts. Don't overtighten, they're lock nuts and should be snug. I like to use a 1/4" drive socket set to do the job.

Good Luck.

Good points Don,
I gotta disagree on using Vasoline or White grease on a Buna N O Ring. These are Petroleum based products and will cause the ring to swell.

[Dutch Star Don]

Honey and peanut butter works too!

[dennis45]

Originally Posted by Dutch Star Don

Honey and peanut butter works too!

Only on toast....

[Dutch Star Don]

Don't laugh, I had a neighbor when I was a kid that owned a junk yard. He was always rebuilding engines to run in his tow truck. He would use peanut butter, when nothing else was available to make his main bearing stay in place.

[Luv2go]

Originally Posted by Dutch Star Don

Don't laugh, I had a neighbor when I was a kid that owned a junk yard. He was always rebuilding engines to run in his tow truck. He would use peanut butter, when nothing else was available to make his main bearing stay in place.

Maybe that's why he was always rebuilding them!

[dpinvidic]

Even when the tank is empty, use your DS jacks to tilt the coach to eliminate any remaining drips.

Dan