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Electric gate valve stuck closed. Update - Drainmaster valve # 5197

May 15, 2014, 11:17:56 pm

Just dumped both black and grey tanks.  Grey tank gate valve just moves a bit then stops.  Will not open completely and no motor sound.  Replacement of the valves was on my long list - guess it's moved up on the priority list.

Are the valves made by Valterra or Thetford and are they interchangeable?

Have thought about going manual with a  cable actuated waste valve kit and eliminate the electrical gizmo. 

As usual - we really appreciate your input.

Thanx.

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Re: Electric gate valve stuck closed.

Reply #1 – May 16, 2014, 08:41:17 am

@Scott you might want to try lubing the valves first. Drain your tank(s) and close the valves then pour a quart or more of vegetable oil down the nearest drain. You have to use enough to get past the trap. Let it sit for a while then exercise the valves. Hopefully that will loosen up the valves. Might as well do the black tank as well. Just pour the vegetable oil down the toilet and do the same procedure. Go to Walmart or Costco and buy the cheapest biggest jug of vegetable oil they have.

If it's a problem with the motors this won't help but I bet the valves are just sticky and keeping the motor from working. Mine are manual and they get so sticky I have to man handle em' to get them open. After I lube them they just glide open. I lube about every 2 months.

see ya
ken

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Re: Electric gate valve stuck closed.

Reply #2 – May 16, 2014, 09:14:55 am

Thanks Ken - I put in some valve lub yesterday PM.  Hoping that it works. 

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Re: Electric gate valve stuck closed.

Reply #3 – May 16, 2014, 10:34:19 am

Hey Scott, my '02 was converted to manual dump valves by the PO. Not as neat as electric valves however, they are dependable. The PO also put in the 3rd valve. I am going to put in some oil also, what a good idea.

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Reply #4 – May 16, 2014, 11:09:35 am

Costco and SAMs club great for cheap oil, goes in immediately after dump, since water heavier than oil, oil will float on top of oil as tanks fill

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Reply #5 – May 16, 2014, 11:20:09 am

Thanks guys.

Old Hippie - could you take and post a pic of your wet bay showing how your drain valves exxit the coach?  I have attached a pic of ours.  Wuld love to put a third valve in but haven't found a simple solution yet.

I am going to replace ours with a Valterra electric.  Will be here on Monday.

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Re: Electric gate valve stuck closed.

Reply #6 – May 16, 2014, 12:28:49 pm

They are narrow and compact when in closed position. Looks like cut into straight section after elbow and before Valtera connection. Buy valve first, check to see if door would close with valve handle pointing towards bay door

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Reply #7 – May 16, 2014, 12:40:23 pm

FYI Sewar parts, even new in original packaging usually can not be returned.

Or go to MOT and say "let it be so" and wave your Visa card over your head

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Re: Electric gate valve stuck closed.

Reply #8 – May 16, 2014, 02:19:27 pm

Scott,

For your 3rd valve if the gate valve won't fit you may be able to install another type of valve such as a ball valve.  There are ones made to handle chemicals, which should be suitable, available at places like Farm & Fleet.  Alternatively you could make up a valve that fits on the pipe bayonet and put it on when at dumping so you could back flush the black tank.

Keith

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Re: Electric gate valve stuck closed.

Reply #9 – May 16, 2014, 02:25:50 pm

Tx Tim - I have a Valterra valve and will try to dry fit it when I get the Thetford fitting off the end of the 3" ABS.  I do not think that I have enough clearance when the valve is closed to shut the door - we shall see.  I could use a twist on type - but....

Tx Keith - may have to look into that option.

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Reply #10 – May 16, 2014, 03:39:48 pm

Aim handle up At 45 degrees?

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Reply #11 – May 16, 2014, 07:21:13 pm

Tim - I am afraid that if I tilt the handle up to the 45 deg spot I might not get the cover off.  I will dry fit valve and try.

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Reply #12 – May 16, 2014, 07:34:17 pm

I like Keith's Ball Valve idea.  Just my 2 cents.  If you can get the right size upon which to glue a Valterra bayonet fitting, it should work great in those tight quarters.

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Reply #13 – May 17, 2014, 10:46:39 am

Scott, this is not a great picture but you can see the valve. In order for this to work the PO must have shortened the piping somewhere. I am thinking he took out the electric valve?

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Re: Electric gate valve stuck closed. Update - Drainmaster valve # 5197

Reply #14 – May 19, 2014, 01:07:23 pm

Took the cover off of the Manibloc bay and discovered that the gray waste valve used in my FT are made by Drainmaster.  I ordered a replacement valve kit for $88.00 and a maint. lube kit for $20.00.  Drain Master Recreational Vehicle, Marine, Industrial 

The gal I talked to, Marsha, was very helpful and directed me through their website to documents that tell how to perform maint. (never use veg. oil only a silicone based product and valve must be removed to clean and lubricate.  Must replace valve seals when removing and cleaning valve.)

I will return the Valterra valve that should be arriving today. 

She advised that the flanges are NOT universal. She also advised that their valve would Not fit into a valterra flange fitting.  I do not know if this is correct but I would rather replace with like kind. 

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