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The Two Waste Tank Electric Valve Actuators, Can They Be Serviced?

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Ron Dittmer

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The Two Waste Tank Electric Valve Actuators, Can They Be Serviced?
« on: October 27, 2016, 12:56:07 pm »
Hi Everyone,

I was wondering if anyone here has ever serviced a waste tank valve electric actuator, opened it up, cleaned it, lubricated it, etc.

Our PC is coming up on it's 10th birthday.  This past trip I noticed that our black tank electric actuator opens the valve normal, but strains a bit to close it.  We have never pooped in the black tank but it does get toilet paper from my wife, so the valve itself should not be difficult to open and close.

My end-of-season PC prep-for-storage in our garage under our bedroom, one of the things I do is bleach both waste tanks to eliminate sewer gas.  I add about a quart of bleach to each tank and then fill them to their tippy-top capacity with water, then soak them for about an hour, then drain & refill with fresh water and soak a while, drain & refill again, then the final drain to remove any remaining bleach residue that I hear could damage the valves.  I don't believe my process is cause for the sluggish actuator, but I wanted to share my practice, just in-case you wonder about that.

Ron
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TomHanlon

Re: The Two Waste Tank Electric Valve Actuators, Can They Be Serviced?
« Reply #1 on: October 27, 2016, 01:08:52 pm »
Ron have you sprayed the rod with silcone spray? I had to repair my black water tank valve because the gear wheel broke in half. The biggest problem I had was that there is no, l mean NO, slack in the electric wires. I ended up splicing in about 6" of wire in order to have something to work with. You might be able to remove the whole motor and valve in one piece with out having to disconnect the wires. Good luck and let us know how it goes for you.
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RKS

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Re: The Two Waste Tank Electric Valve Actuators, Can They Be Serviced?
« Reply #2 on: October 27, 2016, 01:15:58 pm »
On our 2350 I also had to disassemble one of ours due to a gear wheel problem, self inflicted and as Tom said there is no slack, plus your working on your back. However, with an extra pair of hands from my son in law we were able to do it without cutting any wires, but it wasn't fun.
Good luck.
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bhgareau

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Re: The Two Waste Tank Electric Valve Actuators, Can They Be Serviced?
« Reply #3 on: October 27, 2016, 01:46:06 pm »
We had a blinking light that did not go out when the valve was closed. Long story short, accumulation of road debris had gummed up the gears. Several hours of disassembly and cleaning to get valve to close properly and light to go out. Same observation as above on wiring challenges.
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Ron Dittmer

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Re: The Two Waste Tank Electric Valve Actuators, Can They Be Serviced?
« Reply #4 on: October 27, 2016, 02:42:22 pm »
Hmmmm!  It doesn't sound like an easy project to be digging into, but something can be done to get it working smoothly again.  I'll have to get under there to see with my own eyes, what you all are saying.  I suppose it wouldn't hurt to spray the heck out of everything that moves with silicone spray to flush away dirt and to lubricate, and see if it resolves the sluggish closing of our black tank valve.

Thanks Tom, RKS, and bhgareau for sharing your experiences.

Ron
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Pax

Re: The Two Waste Tank Electric Valve Actuators, Can They Be Serviced?
« Reply #5 on: October 28, 2016, 05:00:06 am »
Dry silicone spray, Tom?

   - Mike
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Ron Dittmer

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Re: The Two Waste Tank Electric Valve Actuators, Can They Be Serviced?
« Reply #6 on: October 28, 2016, 05:15:04 am »
Quote from: Pax on October 28, 2016, 05:00:06 am
Dry silicone spray, Tom?

   - Mike
Hi Mike,

I believe Tom will respond with a "YES"  It goes on wet just like WD-40, but dries fairly quickly leaving a film of slippery silicone.  This so that it does not attract dirt.  At least that is what I plan to apply.

Ron
« Last Edit: October 28, 2016, 05:17:16 am by ron.dittmer »
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TomHanlon

Re: The Two Waste Tank Electric Valve Actuators, Can They Be Serviced?
« Reply #7 on: October 28, 2016, 06:49:57 am »
I use WD40 heavy dute water proof silicone spray. It does not atract dirt like regular WD40. In the past I would use regular WD40 then wash the them every spring and re-spray. I still wash every spring but I find less dirt now.
« Last Edit: October 28, 2016, 03:39:58 pm by TomHanlon »
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donc13

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Re: The Two Waste Tank Electric Valve Actuators, Can They Be Serviced?
« Reply #8 on: October 28, 2016, 10:03:01 am »
Download the info here    https://www.barkermfg.com/auto-drains.html

They are easy to service.   Msybe hard to get to,  but thrn easy once out.

It's always a good idea to replace the valve itself now and then pour a quart of coconut oil in each tank a couple of times a year.

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jatrax

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Re: The Two Waste Tank Electric Valve Actuators, Can They Be Serviced?
« Reply #9 on: October 28, 2016, 03:28:35 pm »
Quote
coconut oil in each tank

Ok, I have to ask.  Coconut oil????
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Pax

Re: The Two Waste Tank Electric Valve Actuators, Can They Be Serviced?
« Reply #10 on: October 28, 2016, 06:53:46 pm »
Long way from Colorado to the islands!  LOL
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Doneworking

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Re: The Two Waste Tank Electric Valve Actuators, Can They Be Serviced?
« Reply #11 on: October 28, 2016, 07:42:57 pm »
I have a feeling Don posted about the coconut oil because he has used it for many successfu years of rving!   Yep, the old line standard treatment for seals in the dump valves and for the seal in the toilet as well.  The stuff really livens them up, is totally inert and totally biologically and environmentally safe.  A lot of folks swear by it.   I must say I tried it and got great results every time.  I have never had to replace a seal or valve.   And no, don't let your pet monkey in your rig or he will head for the seals.  Sorry, couldn't resist it.   roflol

Paul
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jatrax

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Re: The Two Waste Tank Electric Valve Actuators, Can They Be Serviced?
« Reply #12 on: October 28, 2016, 11:12:31 pm »
Learn something every day.  Well I suppose at least it smells better than Canola............. :-D
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donc13

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Re: The Two Waste Tank Electric Valve Actuators, Can They Be Serviced?
« Reply #13 on: October 29, 2016, 02:25:01 pm »
Quote from: jatrax on October 28, 2016, 03:28:35 pm
Quote
coconut oil in each tank

Ok, I have to ask.  Coconut oil????

Yes,  available in most grocery stores, keeps valves lubricated.   You'll see many commercial valve lubs contain "coco oil" which is coconut oil.    But they cost a lot more $.
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Carol

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Re: The Two Waste Tank Electric Valve Actuators, Can They Be Serviced?
« Reply #14 on: January 09, 2017, 08:14:08 pm »
Thanks for that tip, Donc13!
Like Ron's situation, my macerator valves had become stubborn about closing all the way for a couple of months this past fall (light would not stop blinking).
Since you made your suggestion, I have used the coconut oil every 2nd or 3rd dump and the situation is much improved.
Thanks!
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