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Jim Keefer
01-27-2017, 02:12 PM
I have the 2005 mobile suite ck3. I am currently having a problem pulling the cable to open the valve on my gray tank. It has been getting harder each time I pull the valve. I have tried different items to clean it within the tank, have used Dawn, valve cleaners etc. to no avail. I was able to take apart and clean the black valve as it was accessible. I did follow the gray tank cable for a short Way and it seems to go forward towards the black tank and then under the blank tank? Now my question to you folks is, where is the black tank valve located so that I can repair, replace and or clean so that the cable pulls easier? Thanks in advance for your help!
Jim

wingnut60
01-27-2017, 02:27 PM
I believe the grey tank is under the black tank, as far as where they are located. You will have to remove the plastic housing where the dump line emerges under the belly to access the valve. Cut it carefully, as it was placed there before the lines were glued up and there is no way to take it off without cutting it. You may be able to take the screws out and move it to see the valve. Cut it with the idea you will want to put it back...
Hopefully, some one else has already done this and can help you more.
How long have you had the unit? Mine is #1869, built not too long after yours was.
Joe

Jim Keefer
01-27-2017, 02:45 PM
Joe, My unit is #1631.

Stripit
01-27-2017, 04:23 PM
Joe is correct, that black cover is not only screwed on but on mine had a sealant installed all around the edges. I used a flat blade to cut that sealant to be able to carefully slide the cover rearward to gain access to the valve & cable. My cable was binding too. I pulled it out used a product like "Brake Clean" and sprayed the cable and casing to remove the crud/dirt that was making the pull handle difficult, along with removing a bend that I thought was a bit too tight. I put bike chain lube back into the cable casing to lube it up an dnot attract more dirt. It really freed up the movement and worked great.

wingnut60
01-27-2017, 04:34 PM
Jim,
Outside of the kitchen arrangement, our trailers should be identical.
Have you had it long?
Joe

golf_bears
01-28-2017, 09:57 AM
Stripit has it right. Did the same as he suggest with his instructions to slide the cover back. I thought the cable was too long with too many sharp bends in it. I cut the cable shorter and rerouted it. Everything works good now.

Jim Keefer
01-28-2017, 11:33 AM
Joe,
We bought our DRV Feb 2005 from Campers Barn in Kingston, NY

Jim Keefer
01-28-2017, 11:37 AM
Thanks guys, I'll probably tackle this when the weather gets back to the 60's next week! I want to definitely shorten the cable and depending what I find maybe install new valve.
Jim

wingnut60
01-28-2017, 09:11 PM
That valve has lasted a long time...both in my unit are original.
We got ours barely used in '07--will be trading on a '15 RSSA next week.
Joe

Jim Keefer
02-05-2017, 11:17 AM
Ok guys, I have the cover removed and can see the valve. Now my question is how does the cable disconnect from the valve? The cable goes into an enclosed area that connects to the valve.

anijet
02-05-2017, 12:29 PM
Here is a picture of the gray valve with the control disconnected. The picture is of the electric valve I installed but I left the original valve in place and is in the upper right corner of the picture.

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/18303010/grayvalve_109.jpg

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/18303010/old_953.jpg

Added picture of old removed controls (and original black valve). Maybe it will help.

golf_bears
02-05-2017, 12:31 PM
There are two parts to the cable, one, the cable housing (outside black part) and two, the wire inside the cable housing. The cable housing is pinched to the valve body with two screws. The cable is attached to the blade piston with a set screw. Both are easily accessible and easy to remove. If I remember correctly, the wire is actually about 3" longer than the cable housing at the valve. So if you're going to cut the cable shorter take note of that.

Jim Keefer
02-05-2017, 12:53 PM
Due to the position of the valve, I didn't see the two screws! That pretty much answers my question. Thanks!

marley.mark
02-10-2018, 11:30 AM
Jim,
Did you figure out how to fix your cable issue? Can you please post how you solved the issue.

Jim Keefer
02-11-2018, 12:12 PM
Mark,
Yes I managed to change the valve. The toughest part was to remove the cover under the rig to access the valve.. not knowing what was under the cover I loosened the cover from the caulk on all four sides but still would not drop or slide out to access the valve, so was beating on the front side of cover and would and still would not drop.. DO Not do this.. You could crack the pvc piping as the pvc are right tight to the cover. The cover has to slide towards the front of RV! I ended up using my 4 1/2” grinder with cutoff wheel to slice the cover in half, this allowed the inner half cover to drop and have access to valve. Do not go to deep with the grinder..
Now having access to valve, I removed the 4 bolts on the valve and removed the knife part of valve. After ordering the new valve online, just install new valve knife. At this time close the valve about 3/4 of the way, install the new gaskets and carefully reinstall the bolts. I had my brother underneath doing this while I was on the top side helped guide the reinstall by holding the two halves together! Re fasten the cable to correct position inside the door.. put back all the insulation on the top side..
Now to re install the cover.. I used the eternabond 3” wide tape to fasten to two halves back together.. add the insulation back under the cover.. fasten cover back in place..
It seems every time I do something, it doesn’t come easy.. as you will notice.. I’m sure you will get responses with an easier way to do the cover than I did! Anyway the end result worked the way I did it and new valve works like when my rig was new! Lol
Hope this helps you, Jim

wingnut60
02-12-2018, 10:43 AM
I don't think there is an easier way than what you did--maybe some refinements if you had to do more than once. Guess they put the box on then glue the drain pipes in place, makes for hard work on the grey valve.
I am seriously contemplating going the electric valve route soon.
I had an '05 TK3 for 10 years, was lucky on the valves--never had to replace them. On the '15, already had to rework the black.
Joe

marley.mark
02-13-2018, 09:38 PM
Thanks Jim. Your answer is really going to help me and others.