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dano73's avatar
dano73
Explorer
Jun 20, 2014

Stuck Closed Grey Dump Valve

I have a cable actuated dump valve. It has always bee real tight to open and close, not like the other 2 valves. I went to open it and it was super tight, so sensing it wasn't working properly I tried to slowly push it back in, well the casing came loose from the housing and its pretty much in free flight right now with the valve closed. I cut open the belly to find the valve, and it appeared to be in the closed position. I grabbed the metal piece that is attached to the blade valve with a pair of pliers and pulled it back to the open position, water still doesn't drain. Question, could the blade valve have separated from the actuator internally, and how would I go about emptying the tank before changing it?

3 Replies

  • The_Texan's avatar
    The_Texan
    Explorer
    Jun 21, 2014
    Even with all 4 bolts, the valve will rotate. The big thing is the space between the valve and the frame, for the blade housing to clear the frame as you push on the blade. It's worth giving it a try, before you have to take the valve housing loose and taking a bath in the swill.......:)
  • dano73's avatar
    dano73
    Explorer
    Jun 20, 2014
    Texan, I hear what ur saying, that's a great idea, but the valve is tucked up on the inside of the frame rail the side I need to drill is facing the framerail. Idk if I can take 3 bolts out and loosen the 4th to maybe control the leakage, I might have to try that tomw, I got a bad feeling this is gonna get ugly!!!

    BTW.. how would I rotate the valve?
  • The_Texan's avatar
    The_Texan
    Explorer
    Jun 20, 2014
    Been there done that....LOL. Rotate the handle portion of the valve away from you, then drill a 3/8" hole in the valve housing on the back side. Make sure the hose is hooked up to a sewer, then take a straight blade screwdriver and through the hole you just drilled, "slowly" push the blade to the open position. There will be a little "seepage" through the hole, but not enough to worry about. Once you have the tank empty, remove the valve and replace. On your next valve, add a zerk fitting so you can grease it and use a NON petroleum grease to keep it working smoothly.

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