I agree with Truk.... the only way to know for sure if the valve is working properly is to open it up and take a peek :(
Not the most enjoyable of jobs, but relatively easy and you'll know once and for all if the valve is the culprit....
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I agree with Truk.... the only way to know for sure if the valve is working properly is to open it up and take a peek :(
Not the most enjoyable of jobs, but relatively easy and you'll know once and for all if the valve is the culprit....
Remember:
Empty.
Lean.
Glove.
Inspect.
mm
Jim C., Note that in my first post, I said when I open it all the way, and it slows down. I can close it down until it is open only 1/4 of the way and it flows freely. I am going from 4/4 open to onloy 1/4 open.
I have drained the tank twice since I made the first post, and it seems to have drained fine with the valve open all the way. I do agree with Jon that I don't think it is a vent problem.
I think what I need is someone with experience working on this kind of problem!
Because of the nature of the holding tank valves, if the tank is ventilated, and the valve is fully open the flow should literally fill the sewer hose. If it is a venting problem no matter if it is a metal or plastic tank there will be noises that can not be ignored.
So assuming the venting is OK which I strongly believe to be the case, the only reason for a flow interruption would be material inside the tank that is larger than the opening, or a valve that is not fully opening. I will assume Dale is fully opening the valve. That matter in the tank is likely to move around and block the opening sporadically. Before I chose to start disassembling the drain valving and look into the tank to see what is going on I would try some enzymes to digest the material every time I emptied the tank to see if mother nature could digest the waste.
My criteria for deciding to disassemble the valving would be when the drain time starts to take longer than the repair job will take. Until it reaches that point I would find things to do while my tank is draining.
Dale,
After you have drained the tank, have you held a mirror under the opening, and with a goose neck flashlight, looked into the opening to see if there is something blocking it?
Denny, I haven't tried looking in the drain. It always drains with no problem. I just don't understand why it would seem to drain faster at 1/4 open compared to wide open. If I really start having a problem, I will take it apart.
I was originally just wondering if anyone else had ever had a similar problem or if anyone had dissambled one of the valves. I may have to install an electric valve just so I can get that "other" crowd off my back.
Dale, If you quit picking on us Liberty guys we will quit picking on you.
These valves are nothing more than a sliding gate like a guillotine. As it is opened the blade just retracts leaving an unobstructed flow path. I still believe that you have something in your tank that moves towards and blocks the opening. The greater the opening the more that foreign matter is pushed towards the opening thus blocking the flow path. With reduced flow that obstruction isn't pushed into or towards the opening.
Our push button valves are the same valves you have except instead of pulling a tee handle we actuate an air cylinder that pulls.
If you pay me $5.00 I will let you see the push button at Spearfish. If you pay me $10.00 I will let you push it.
Jon, I'll go for the $15 option. Your crew removes the valve, looks in the tank, and drains and flushes, in that order.
Or I may get industrious and take this valve apart this week just to make sure I don't have a blockage.
Dale,
My people have considered your fine offer of $15 and have decided to forgo the opportunity to earn four gallons of diesel fuel.
It would appear your problem will require your personal touch.
Don't forget to tip the bus AWAY from the drain.
Dale,
I wouldn't worry about the other group getting on your back. That simple valve is much easier and less expensive to replace than the complicated electronic ones. Besides, you still have to get out and place the hose onto the valve and into the dump station. So what are you saving by having an electric valve unless you want to dump while moving down the road? Although, I do remember seeing a photo from a previous POG rally where someone did hit the switch and let the contents flow onto the nice concrete pad they were parked on. I guess there is something for everyone.