Grey Tank Valve Hard to Close

[Doc Mark]

I've noticed recently that the waste gate valve on my grey tank is getting harder & harder to close completely. It's moves OK until the last inch or so then I have to push substantially harder than I do on the black gate valve to get it to close completely.

Any ideas as to what is going on?

[Doc Mark]

I've noticed recently that the waste gate valve on my grey tank is getting harder & harder to close completely. It's moves OK until the last inch or so then I have to push substantially harder than I do on the black gate valve to get it to close completely.

Any ideas as to what is going on?

[troth]

I'd suspect rust may be forming on the cable; -I doubt that they're stainless but I don't really know. I have a friend who used 100% silicone spray to lube his cable and he said it worked great...

[rogueii]

Try to dump a cup of good dish soap down the sink with some water. Open and close the valve a few times while dumping. There may be some grease or something stuck in the gate / or valve slide. This might help free it up. If not, dis-assemble the valve and clean/lube.

[Doggie]

I have Thetford drain valves and the grey valve was getting extremely difficult to open or close. I bought some Thetford drain valve lubricant, emptied the tank, poured some lubricant down the drain, and it worked beautifully.
Don't leave home without it!

[elgarc]

Years ago on the SKP forum I learned a trick with the gate valves that has served me well for both grey and black. On the plate just above the puller, drill a small hole. After emptying the tanks, use silicon spray, with the flexible nozzle, to spray inside the housings, both with the valve closed and open. Distribute the lube with a few pulls, and the valve is as free pulling as new. Put a screw in the hole (I use a faucet washer under the screw head to seal it). Four years old rig, 9 years 'new' rig always easy pulls. I need to do this about once a year. Works for me.