Community Forums

mermald · 04-28-2023, 06:29 AM

I have noticed that over the last month, when I go to dump my tanks (I normally do this weekly) that my black tank is empty. Obviously this would only be possible if I weren't using my toilet, however, this is not the case.

I hook up the flush and close the valve and it appears to be holding water, but if I wait about a minute, a tiny amount of water will begin flowing out into the sewer. This appears to be my issue.

My question, I have a 2019 Keystone Cougar 5th wheel, how would I go about replacing the valve? Has anyone done this and is it possible to do without ripping out the underbelly?

I am moving out of the RV and into a house in less than a month but would like to sell this RV, so I really don't want to sell it with this issue, if at all possible.

AudiDudi · 04-28-2023, 06:38 AM

You could add a 2nd valve where you hook up the sewer hose.

mermald · 04-28-2023, 06:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AudiDudi

You could add a 2nd valve where you hook up the sewer hose.

I've had one of those valves since I purchased the RV, but that seems as good as just leaving the valve open all together.

I would really like to fix this before selling the RV, otherwise I'll have to notify any potential buyers and lower my asking price.

buc1908 · 04-28-2023, 07:04 AM

Time to do dirty job I did it is not to BAD.

**hamm2018** · 04-28-2023, 07:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mermald

I have noticed that over the last month, when I go to dump my tanks (I normally do this weekly) that my black tank is empty. Obviously this would only be possible if I weren't using my toilet, however, this is not the case.

I hook up the flush and close the valve and it appears to be holding water, but if I wait about a minute, a tiny amount of water will begin flowing out into the sewer. This appears to be my issue.

My question, I have a 2019 Keystone Cougar 5th wheel, how would I go about replacing the valve? Has anyone done this and is it possible to do without ripping out the underbelly?

I am moving out of the RV and into a house in less than a month but would like to sell this RV, so I really don't want to sell it with this issue, if at all possible.

You don't need to "rip out the underbelly". What I did, and allot of people is use an inspection camera, find where the valve is located by slipping it in near the screws. Once the valve is located, you can cut a 3-sided panel under the valve in the underbelly, large enough to access the valve. Leave the hinge side toward the front of the rig.
Once the repairs are completed, use some Gorilla tape and tape the 3 sides closed.

There is a zipper access panel you can add, but I can't find a picture of one to show. Somebody else will probably find it.

SailorSam · 04-28-2023, 01:31 PM

The valves are replaceable. You didn't say which model Cougar you have, but here's a link to how a guy in a 276RLS 5ver replace his. Good luck.

https://www.loveyourrv.com/rv-waste-...cougar-276rls/

Edd505 · 04-29-2023, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hamm2018

You don't need to "rip out the underbelly". What I did, and allot of people is use an inspection camera, find where the valve is located by slipping it in near the screws. Once the valve is located, you can cut a 3-sided panel under the valve in the underbelly, large enough to access the valve. Leave the hinge side toward the front of the rig.
Once the repairs are completed, use some Gorilla tape and tape the 3 sides closed.

There is a zipper access panel you can add, but I can't find a picture of one to show. Somebody else will probably find it.

Correct answer, this is what an RV shop would do. I have the new black valve and remote cable in my shop, next weeks project.

mermald · 04-29-2023, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SailorSam

The valves are replaceable. You didn't say which model Cougar you have, but here's a link to how a guy in a 276RLS 5ver replace his. Good luck.

https://www.loveyourrv.com/rv-waste-...cougar-276rls/

Thanks for the reply.

My Cougar is the 344-MKS model.

I will take a look at that link, hopefully the design is similar to my 5th wheel.

mermald · 04-29-2023, 06:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Edd505

Correct answer, this is what an RV shop would do. I have the new black valve and remote cable in my shop, next weeks project.

Just curious, but how much will you be charging for this type of job?

**hamm2018** · 04-30-2023, 08:29 AM

mermald, the key to changing out a drain valve is to make sure the tanks are empty. Also, if possible, jack up or run the rig up on about 4-6" of blocks to tip it toward the opposite side of the drain.

Also, don't be talking to anybody while doing this job, while under the rig!!!!!!

ArtJoyce · 04-30-2023, 09:13 AM

Years a go I had a camper that had a leakey valve. I ended up buying a new valve by the same manufacture. I took it apart and only replaced the ruber seals and paddle.

Edd505 · 04-30-2023, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mermald

Just curious, but how much will you be charging for this type of job?

I don't do this for a living it's on my personal RV. As someone mentioned you maybe able to replace the seat and not the entire valve. I never mention making sure the tank was empty it's just common sense to me. The tipping might be a good idea to insure it completely empty. I hope to do mine today and I'll see just how long and how big a job it turns out to be.

Lv2Roam2 · 04-30-2023, 12:42 PM

Before you remove / replace the valve get a good look at the valve seat - is there anything stuck in there? TP is notorious for clogging things up in small and large amounts along with 'other' debris...

Old-Biscuit · 04-30-2023, 12:53 PM

Sell as is........
Just let buyer know that is leaks a little
Drop price a couple hundred bucks..............you are selling so it is NOT worth the hassle of underbelly, valve etc