Hi i just purchased a 2002 Itasca Spirit I used it for th first time on the weekend but didn't use the water/shower etc. because i did not know where to dump yet as I just purchased it. I was planning on filling up with water on my next trip once i had located a place to dump (where i use it there usually are not any dump stations). My friend was looking at it on the weekend and she said that the lever to release my grey tank seemed seized. I had it checked out today and i was advised it was seized and it is a really big job to fix as the tank has to be dropped in order to get access. I want to ensure that this is the case and that i am not getting 'ripped off' as i am a female with not much knowledge when it comes to the black/grey tank disposal as my ex used to take care of that. Any help / advice would be appreciated. I was quoted $1200 - $1500 to fix (in Canada).Thanks

Before you do anything else see if you can spray the dump valve shaft and innards with PB Blaster. 2-3 shots over a few days ought to free it up

ragdogs wrote:What is PB Blaster?Thanks,It is a penetrating oil, designed to help free up things that are stuck.In addition to that, just having a bit of water with a dash of detergent IN THE TANK to soak for a while might help free it up too.Are we to assume that the "black" valve appears to be working ?Also a second opinion would DEFINITELY be in order.I haven't seen a lot of those things but all that I have seen could be replaced a LOT easier than what you are being told.

You should be able to change the valve without removing the tank, but as said above maybe you can free up that valve.

I was told that apparently Winnebago / Itasca design of the grey / black water tank is such that the tank needs to be dropped in order to replace the valve??

Question regarding Grey Tank Lever | Good Sam Community

Tvov
Explorer II
Jun 29, 2016
You may want to plan on replacing the valve... after it is "freed up", the seals may be ruined.
Sam_Spade
Explorer
Jun 29, 2016
ragdogs wrote:
I was told that apparently Winnebago / Itasca design of the grey / black water tank is such that the tank needs to be dropped in order to replace the valve??

My Winne certainly does NOT.

The whole valve assemblies are in plain site with plenty of space to work on all sides.

There are thousands of Winnebago/Itasca models.
I think it is doubtful that ANY single component is identical to all models over the years.

When you need specifics, you should ignore generalities which are often wrong.
Sam_Spade
Explorer
Jun 29, 2016
Tvov wrote:
You may want to plan on replacing the valve... after it is "freed up", the seals may be ruined.

This is excellent advice......since it is probably the gate that is stuck to the seal causing the problem to begin with.
wbwood
Explorer
Jun 29, 2016
For 1200-1500, I would think they could replace the whole tank for that much...I agree, don't go back to who ever told you that.
ragdogs
Explorer
Jun 29, 2016
It is where I am storing it I don't know if it's bcuz I am female or if he tries to rip everyone off :(. I am happy that I posted it would prob be cheaper for me to call a mobile repair guy when I am in the states this weekend. In the meantime I am going to try PB Blaster Thanks for all your help.
j-d
Explorer II
Jun 29, 2016
If you can get it working, there's a Valterra Twist-On Valve that goes where the cap comes off to connect the dump hose. Lets you use the system till you do something more permanent. Or not...
Sam_Spade
Explorer
Jun 29, 2016
ragdogs wrote:
In the meantime I am going to try PB Blaster Thanks for all your help.

Odds are that the "gate" is stuck to the inside seal......where it will be almost impossible to get anything like Blaster to contact the right place.

Please do also put a gallon or two of water down the stool (OOPS, make that the kitchen sink since it's the grey valve) with a teaspoon or so of dish detergent. After sitting for a week it might amazingly start working again. If not, nothing is lost.
F1bNorm
Explorer
Jun 29, 2016
Do not use PB Blaster or any other mineral oil based solvent! This is not good for rubber or plastic parts. Probably a silicone or veg oil base is OK. Check the product website to verify proper use.

Norm
ragdogs
Explorer
Jun 29, 2016
F1bNorm wrote:
Do not use PB Blaster or any other mineral oil based solvent! This is not good for rubber or plastic parts. Probably a silicone or veg oil base is OK. Check the product website to verify proper use.

Norm

Can you suggest an alternative product ?

Thanks
dicknellen
Explorer II
Jun 29, 2016
I have a Winnebago Chalet 24VR the same as the 24V Minnie & Spirit. The gray valve is way back and they use an added metal rod attached to the valve. My gray has always been hard to pull due to the metal rod running thru some metal guides. I think you can get to the valve if you get under your Spirit. Have not needed to replace my gray or black valve so don't know for sure. I did get under mine once to check the level sensor wires. Dick