Dump Valve Lubricant

[bluka43]

I've recently replaced the slide valve seals on the black water tank. check for leaks and none seen. The valve seems to be a little harder to operate when no liquid is in the tank. I don't believe the bolts are too tight, because it worked fairly freely when I first put it back together. I'm thinking that I need to use a valve seal lubricant at this point. Any suggestions as to what to purchase to use?
Thanks

[down_home]

......wrong post

[jjrbus]

Gjac wrote:

jjrbus wrote:
Drill, tap, Zerk, grease. Do it the easy way!

That is exactly what I was talking about. One think not discussed was this replacement was not the easiest project . I have heard on here where other members black tank valve got so hard to open that the handle and shaft pulled right out of the threaded plastic valve with a full black tank. This was not a pleasant experience to change the valve at that point. The grease(regular Walmart grease) prevents this and is a lot cheaper than any tank chemicals or olive oil.

The first time I saw this I thought Einstein was an RV'er? Simple, cheap, almost bullet proof.

Anyone that has ever ripped a handle out of a valve will understand!

[msgtord]

baby oil and water after cleaning the tank.

[Gjac]

jjrbus wrote:
Drill, tap, Zerk, grease. Do it the easy way!

That is exactly what I was talking about. One think not discussed was this replacement was not the easiest project . I have heard on here where other members black tank valve got so hard to open that the handle and shaft pulled right out of the threaded plastic valve with a full black tank. This was not a pleasant experience to change the valve at that point. The grease(regular Walmart grease) prevents this and is a lot cheaper than any tank chemicals or olive oil.

[jjrbus]

Drill, tap, Zerk, grease. Do it the easy way!

[Rubber_Ducky1]

I purchased a new Valterra Bladex 3" waste valve. The back of the package says that the seals are chemically resistant Santoprene. I was hoping to use Vaseline petroleum jelly to hold the new seals in place when I replace the valve.

[Gjac]

wilanddij wrote:

Gjac wrote:
The easiest way to lube the dumpvalves is to install a grease fitting on the top. When ever the handle gets hard to pull usually every other year I pump some grease in and it pulls out and in with ease. For some reason the black tank always gets harder to pull than the grey.

Can you post us a pic of the zerk install on the valve?

. I would if I could but I am in Florida and my MH is in Ct. Just drill a hole about 1/2 to 1 in from top of dump valve on center and screw zerk in.

[4X4Dodger]

larry barnhart wrote:
When our black water valve becomes hard to pull and push I drain the tank and pour a gallon of vegetable oil down the toilet and wait for as long as I can and then pull and push as fast as possible as the oil drains though the valve. Has worked for every time.

chevman

This is actually the best way to deal with this issue and the way that is recommended to keep all rubber seals from toilets to water supple on Sailboats.

Although a gallon is a bit much I think. A little bit that will sit at the valve for a while is enogh if done periodically. Like a cup.

[wilanddij]

Gjac wrote:
The easiest way to lube the dumpvalves is to install a grease fitting on the top. When ever the handle gets hard to pull usually every other year I pump some grease in and it pulls out and in with ease. For some reason the black tank always gets harder to pull than the grey.

Can you post us a pic of the zerk install on the valve?

[RJsfishin]

Where have ya all been,....the seals are neoprene, nothing will hurt them....well, nothing that I know of, and for sure not any petro product.
They are exactly the same materials that are used in hydraulic cylinders that run in oil all day every day.

[RLS7201]

joshuajim wrote:

RLS7201 wrote:

ernie1 wrote:
Can't say exactly what material the dump valve seals are but absolutely do not use any petroleum based lubricant on them. They WILL swell and cause all sorts of problems. Use a silicone based lubricant and not a petroleum based one!

I installed grease zerks in my dump valves over 10 years ago, and my seals haven't swelled yet. Again, petroleum will not hurt the dump valve seals. They are not rubber. Most likely, they are buna-N.

Richard

Bob is the oil guy did a test using Buna n seals and various petroleum products. All were the same size before test.




This was the result of his test.

Alright! Good deal! You proved that the seals are not buna-N

Richard

[joshuajim]

RLS7201 wrote:

ernie1 wrote:
Can't say exactly what material the dump valve seals are but absolutely do not use any petroleum based lubricant on them. They WILL swell and cause all sorts of problems. Use a silicone based lubricant and not a petroleum based one!

I installed grease zerks in my dump valves over 10 years ago, and my seals haven't swelled yet. Again, petroleum will not hurt the dump valve seals. They are not rubber. Most likely, they are buna-N.

Richard

Bob is the oil guy did a test using Buna n seals and various petroleum products. All were the same size before test.



This was the result of his test.

[Gjac]

woodsmitch wrote:
So just where are putting these grease zerks?

Right on top of the valve. The Zerk fittings thread easily into the plastic. Just drill an under size hole and use a wrench to thread into plastic. When you pump the grease in you can see the handle move in so you know it is getting lubricated also as well as the seals.

[woodsmitch]

So just where are putting these grease zerks?