Thetford Agua-Magic Problem: Follow Up

Just thought I would post a follow up on this problem in case others run into it. When I pulled the head and examined it on the bench, I found the (plastic) ball drive arm was warped from the long term pressure from the spring. This was causing the linkage arm from the drive arm to the water valve to scrape on the bowl casing and not allowing the link to slide in the slot in the drive arm. That held off water being introduced to the bowl until the ball assembly reached an open position and forced the link to open the water valve. Thus water could not be added to the bowl with the ball closed.

Replaced the water valve, ball drive arm, ball and seal, and base seal since it was a perfect time to easily get at everything. Working perfectly now.

Dennis, now I am a little confused in looking at the parts diagram. Is the correct part to order #7 or #9?

http://www.thetford.com/HOME/PARTS/PermanentToilets/StylePlusPartsNEW/tabid/621/Default.aspx

codelld wrote:
Stuart, I had the same problem on my Aqua-Magic. If you take off the shroud you will probably find that the small wire linkage that pulls the water valve has worn through the water valve drive arm that it is attached to. Check a parts list and replace the arm and while you have the toilet taken apart, you might replace the ball seal. The toilet is a lot easier to work on if it is removed from the floor.

Went over to the storage building this morning and it looks like you are spot on Dennis. Am ordering the parts today including the ball seal. Thanks for the post.

Stuart, I had the same problem on my Aqua-Magic. If you take off the shroud you will probably find that the small wire linkage that pulls the water valve has worn through the water valve drive arm that it is attached to. Check a parts list and replace the arm and while you have the toilet taken apart, you might replace the ball seal. The toilet is a lot easier to work on if it is removed from the floor.

Old-Biscuit wrote:
No adjustments....fixed cable length.
Cable slides into slot of water valve drive arm and is held to pedal by a 'ball'

Weak or loose return spring.
Return spring clips to drive arm and is held to toilet by a screw.

If you have room you may be able to check the return spring without removing toilet.
Pull the shroud off and have a look.....two bands in rear hold shroud in place.

Got it. Will pull that shroud this weekend and see what is going on. Thanks for giving me the heads up on what to look for.

No adjustments....fixed cable length.
Cable slides into slot of water valve drive arm and is held to pedal by a 'ball'

Weak or loose return spring.
Return spring clips to drive arm and is held to toilet by a screw.

If you have room you may be able to check the return spring without removing toilet.
Pull the shroud off and have a look.....two bands in rear hold shroud in place.

CloudDriver wrote:
Check here for a list of instructions for replacement of parts on Thetford Style toilets. Perhaps the parts diagrams may be of help in figuring out the problem.

Some of those links will be helpful for reference when I tear into it. Thanks.

Check here for a list of instructions for replacement of parts on Thetford Style toilets. Perhaps the parts diagrams may be of help in figuring out the problem.

Down only. It sounds like you have a linkage problem with the water valve or the valve is loose.

rav wrote:
I can't remember on that model - does the foot pedal lift up to fill the bowl?

No, down only.

Edit. I think down only. I tried lifting with my toe and it firmly resisted any movement. But.....