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Topic: Wet tank bleed valve (Read 717 times) previous topic - next topic

Wet tank bleed valve

The other day when we put the coach in our rented garage Pat said she heard an air leak when she shut down the engine.  I didn't hear it (my hearing is less than ideal) and said "I can't hear anything, don't worry about it."  She responded, "Listen to me!  I hear an air leak and it's coming from the rear of the coach."  I went back and sure enough, something was leaking.  Another lesson on why I should listen to her!

The leak turned out to be in the bleed valve for the wet tank located just in front of the driver's side rear wheels.  See attached.  I tried adjusting it a bit which slowed the leak, but it seems to have a small leak no matter how the valve is oriented.  I'd like to replace this valve but can't get it off.  Spraying it with penetrating oil does not seem to help.  I don't want to break it.  Suggestions?

Thanks in advance.

George
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George Hatfield

  Never ever use World Line Motors of Nacogdoches for service!

Re: Wet tank bleed valve

Reply #1 –
Get something non flammable to put between the threads of the fitting and the coach. Heat the threads not the valve with a small propane torch. Then try to unscrew the valve. If that doesn't work reheat the threads again and put an ice cube on the valve and try again. Looks like 1/4 pipe threads which are tapered.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Wet tank bleed valve

Reply #2 –
Quote from: craneman –
Get something non flammable to put between the threads of the fitting and the coach. Heat the threads not the valve with a small propane torch. Then try to unscrew the valve. If that doesn't work reheat the threads again and put an ice cube on the valve and try again. Looks like 1/4 pipe threads which are tapered.
That's exactly what I had to do..! To all 3 drain valves.
Hans & Marjet
1995 U300 "Ben" (#4719)
3176B Cat,4060HD,Jake
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Re: Wet tank bleed valve

Reply #3 –
Even if it gets broken it's just a matter of replacing the ell with quick-connect as well as the valve

Re: Wet tank bleed valve

Reply #4 –
Thanks for the suggestions.  I heated it with a propane torch... IR thermometer read about 170 degrees.  That did it!  Now, where do I get a replacement?  And do I need to seal it with tape or teflon paste?  It certainly looks like a tapered thread.
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George Hatfield

  Never ever use World Line Motors of Nacogdoches for service!

Re: Wet tank bleed valve

Reply #5 –

Use liquid Teflon or other sealer.

Kingston KMBVM Series Brass Mini Ball Valve, Lever, 1/4" NPT Male x NPT...

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1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Wet tank bleed valve

Reply #6 –
Quote from: George Hatfield –
Thanks for the suggestions.  I heated it with a propane torch... IR thermometer read about 170 degrees.  That did it!  Now, where do I get a replacement?  And do I need to seal it with tape or teflon paste?  It certainly looks like a tapered thread.
George, tapered pipe threads are intended to be used for positioning and not sealing.  That spiral gap that exists between the peak of the hill and the bottom of the valley is a feature of all but the dryseal threadform.  Teflon tape, or pipe "dope" are your options.
1992 Foretravel Grand Villa
U225 SBID Build No. 4134
1986 Rockwood Driftwood
1968 S.I.A.T.A. Spring
1962 Studebaker Lark
1986 Honda VF700C
1983 Honda VF750C
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AA1OH (H)e who must be obeyed.

Re: Wet tank bleed valve

Reply #7 –
Mine are leaking also.. or atleast 1 is.. looking at McFadden Dale tomorrow

Re: Wet tank bleed valve

Reply #8 –
Update...  After I got the valve off I cleaned it up inside and out with WD-40 and Silicon lubricant.  It seems to work more smoothly and when I put it back on... it no longer leaks. 

George
The selected media item is not currently available.
George Hatfield

  Never ever use World Line Motors of Nacogdoches for service!
 

Re: Wet tank bleed valve

Reply #9 –
Quote from: George Hatfield –
Thanks for the suggestions.  I heated it with a propane torch... IR thermometer read about 170 degrees.  That did it!  Now, where do I get a replacement?  And do I need to seal it with tape or teflon paste?  It certainly looks like a tapered thread.

I bought a drain valve at FOT last week.  $13.39 with tax and 10% Motorcade discount.  I was at FOT so no shipping. I did use Teflon tape. The old one was hard to get out, Teflon tape will make it easier if it needs to come out in the future.
Dan - Full timing since 2009
2003 U320 40' Tag 2 slide