Re: Black Water Tank Removal
Reply #2 –
Chip,
I agree with Pamela and Mike. Actual leaks of the tank are rare. Most likely the connection for the drain. Pulling panels is the first step no mater what. I personally don't like the panels because I want to see a leak ASAP and not after it's made it's way out from under a panel days/weeks later.
(so here's the post I was working on before P&M posted)
I have a '91 which I think is very close to the same as your coach. At most a few details might be different.
The actual bottom of both tanks is slanted for draining. Each tank sits on a special made stand to conform the to slant of that tank.
Floor (drain) pipes from the living space drop down into each tank and a special rubber sleeve seals between the pipe and the tank. The stands will pull out from under the tanks on the passengers side and this will allow the tanks to drop down enough so the floor pipes clear the top of the tanks; then the tanks pull out.
General Steps (from memory)
1. Disconnect the 3" dump connection pipes that are on the drivers side. Panels will need to be removed to gain access (this differs quite a bit depending on model years). The 3" pipes are glued together with the valves so both grey and black will be disconnected together. This connection may differ from the photos from mine. I think your tanks are black ABS where mine are a "natural" color of some other plastic.
2. Remove the panels on the passengers side of the coach where the tanks are.
3. Remove the s ensors wires from tanks. Label first before removing.
4. Remove "L" bracket on the bottom of the tank stands. (it there to keep the stands from vibrating out towards the passengers side)
5. From the drivers side push the grey water stand out toward the passengers side.
6. The grey tank may fall or you may need to help it drop down. Spraying some silicone or other rubber lube on the floor pipes will help. Once down it will pull/push right out.
7. There is a long strip divider between the stands that needs to be removed. It's screwed down to the floor of the basement.
8. Pull out the Black tank stand. This one needs to slide into the grey tank space in order to avoid an "L" bracket that is welded to the rear bulkhead.
9. Let the black tank drop or as in my case lube the 3" drain pipe like crazy and work the lube down between the pipe and rubber with a blunt object. Mine was tough but I eventually got it to move. Once down, it can even tilt a little to clear the floor pipes.
Topic: Black Water Tank Removal