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Topic: Black tank mystery (Read 1879 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Black tank mystery

Reply #20 –
Current temperature at Elephant Butte shows to be 47 degrees F.

Don't know if that is her current location.

Re: Black tank mystery

Reply #21 –
Susan,

They are dark, but viewable.  So, it looks like the shaft that should be opening the valve is being pulled up.  Now the next question: is the shaft still attached to the sliding gate, or has it come loose?  Best way to determine that (I would think) is push some kind of flexible rod up into the open drain pipe, and see if you can feel a "hard" barrier when you get to the approximate location of the valve.  If the gate is remaining closed (while the shaft is pulled up) the resistance should be very firm.  A "blockage" of built-up waste matter would be softer...I would think.  But best be prepared for a dousing when probing up the drain line with the rod, just in case.

Re: Black tank mystery

Reply #22 –
If the rod has come loose from the slide, the rod will move VERY easily (too easily). 

If that is the case, CAREFULLY try to screw the rod back into the slide (it is threaded).

I would temporarily disconnect the cable so you can get a better "feel" for what is happening.

Re: Black tank mystery

Reply #23 –
I'm currently north of Santa Fe. Was 70's last week. Mid 30's today with a little snow expected.

Re: Black tank mystery

Reply #24 –
Wolfe 10, do you mean the cable to gate?

Also I will try the little snake up through the dump opening and see if I hit a solid gate. Waiting for it warm up a little......

Re: Black tank mystery

Reply #25 –
That must be a really old, not-brand-name electric dump valve.  I can't find anything even close to that design with a Google search.  Looks like it has a metal frame with a rack and pinion lifting mechanism.  Anybody here ever seen one like that?  Red Tractor?

Re: Black tank mystery

Reply #26 –
I have seen that type of valve before but has been a while. I am not sure if the metal can be removed and see if the mechanism is hooked to the blade. Maybe some type of long screw could be used to hook the blade. Good luck.

Re: Black tank mystery

Reply #27 –
Susan,

Ran your pics through one of my photo editing software programs to lighten them up.  Can't help with electric valves though.

Keith

Re: Black tank mystery

Reply #28 –
I think that is just an attachment that went onto a regular valterra valve

Re: Black tank mystery

Reply #29 –
I have heard that if you can't fix the problem then just touch up the photo. >:D

Re: Black tank mystery

Reply #30 –
I agree with RT  The ? is the pull lever still attached to the valve or just sliding back and forth with the valve staying closed.  I can see if tank was frozen and tried to open the valve the rod could come undone from the valve.

Re: Black tank mystery

Reply #31 –
That looks like a manual valve as there is a cable going to the top of it in a nice even bend and it has a support clamp holding it at the top right side. Those wires could be just going past the valve to something else.
JohnH

Re: Black tank mystery

Reply #32 –
Quote from: John Haygarth –
That looks like a manual valve as there is a cable going to the top of it...
Agree - sure does look like a cable going in the top of the mechanism.

BUT, what about the straight gear teeth that can be seen in 1st photo to the left and behind the operating rod?  (rod pulled up)

AND, in the very first post, OP said:
"When I click on button to open the black tank and drain it, the lever seems to make the same noise it ever did that accompanied the opening of that tank and I can see the lever opening upwards but nothing comes out. "

Which is why I assumed it is a electric valve of some sort.  Perhaps it is electric with a manual backup provision?

Still waiting to hear back from Susan as to her progress, if any, in solving the problem.

Re: Black tank mystery

Reply #33 –
Got home from work this afternoon, warmer and no snow.... I took off drain hose, after closing both black and gray tank buttons. I put the above mentioned snake up the drain and it hit a solid something, meaning probably that the door is still closed.

Re: Black tank mystery

Reply #34 –
Quote from: Susan –
Got home from work this afternoon, warmer and no snow.... I took off drain hose, after closing both black and gray tank buttons. I put the above mentioned snake up the drain and it hit a solid something, meaning probably that the door is still closed.
I hope you meant that you opened both valve buttons, if closed you definitely would hit the door.

Re: Black tank mystery

Reply #35 –
Susan,

If you decide the valve is stuck in the closed position, then someone is going to have to get in there and figure out why.  I don't see any other way to solve this situation.  I thought about the possibility of getting the tank pumped out through the toilet, but the valve is still going to require either repair or replacement.  If you don't feel up to this task, then you will probably require the assistance of a experienced RV repair person.

Can you take a photo pulled back some so we can see what the bay area surrounding the valve looks like?  I'm trying to figure out what the light colored object is in the left half of your photos.  Is it something that could be removed, to allow better access to the valve?  The more room there is to work around the valve, the better the chance of figuring out how to get it open.

I am guessing that the final solution will be similar to that described in the link I posted in Reply #13.

Re: Black tank mystery

Reply #36 –
Hi Chuck and Jeanie,

That light colored object is another mini wall separating the battery bank from this tank/water/electric plug, area.  I thought about taking it apart but it has my blue sky attached to it. I guess it will have to be dismantled as well for me to get closer to this valve.

Tomorrow is another day... (as in Tara that works as an elementary school teacher/ not.)

I will try to take it apart without disturbing my wonderful Blue Sky... tomorrow after work.

I will keep you posted. :)

Thanks for everyone hanging in here with me.

Re: Black tank mystery

Reply #37 –
Chuck, I did  ot read her comment regarding activating the a switch for valves I just looked at the picture, so, with saying that I take back my comment re it not being an electrically operated item.
JohnH