Black tank/Gray tank termination valves - Montana Owners Club

Arizonacouple · 01-03-2015, 08:09 AM

Are these valves electrically operated? I can pull out both the black and gray termination valve T-handles only about 1/2". Nothing seems to be draining although there was quite a bit of black/gray waste water when I pulled the shutter? valve at the drain opening. If they are electrical they might be part of a bigger problem in that my water heater and refrigerator only work on gas and should be both. The lights on the panel show gray 2 - E; gray 1 - F and black 2/3. The manual is not helpful at all. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

Arizonacouple · 01-03-2015, 11:40 AM

NVM. I read the post about stuck valves and I used brute force to open my valves. Normally, I use force as a last resort (broken too many things in the past due to lack of information). My valves have not been used for at least 12-15 months and must have "froze" in place. They closed much more easily and then re-opening them was a breeze. Thanks for reading post and sorry for being a noob on this topic. I'm much used to the dump valves you can see and pull.

1retired06 · 01-03-2015, 03:32 PM

Not electric unless you had electric ones installed. Cable flush valves and if installed sloppy, as was the case ith our 2015, with long runs and loops, the cables are hard to use. I just dropped my underbelly and reinstalled and keystone had done a sloppy job to include flush valves too tight.

bigred715 · 01-04-2015, 07:36 AM

My galley tank handle works very hard, and it takes 2 hands to open and close. Found out that my tank wasn't leaking but was over filled sitting in one place. Now I am dumping kitchen tank every 5 days.

**DQDick** · 01-04-2015, 09:13 AM

It's always fascinated me that Keystone thinks the place to put a drain valve is under a slide, back by the wheels where those of us with bad knees, and or bad backs can barely work them. They probably put them there so that they can generate a lot of funny stories about folks who didn't even know they had a drain valve there.

poloace · 01-05-2015, 03:03 AM

Black tank valve failed about 1 month ago. Cable also failed only 8 months of ownership. Luckily extended warranty is covering the valve replacement.
Trailer is only 1 1/2 years old.
I like my old trailer setup where the valves were easy to get to.

drsmart · 01-05-2015, 03:29 PM

I've always had stiff gate valves. What I tried recently was to flush the tanks thoroughly, close the valve after letting the tanks completely drain, then mix about 1/2 cup of liquid Calgon water softener and a good squirt of dish soap in about 1 gallon of water. Pour down toilet and same for grey tanks. Let it sit for 5 minutes so it makes it's way to the gate valve, then open and close valves quickly to coat the gate sliders and channels that they slide into. I was surprised at how easily they operated after. I've also read suggestions from other members to pour cooking oil into the emptied tank and operate the valves. As long as cables aren't binding and causing the problem, this should help. I do have cables for the black and one grey tank, and now you wouldn't know they were there. Once the lubricity is gone at the valve, the procedure needs to be repeated.

SteveC · 01-06-2015, 03:05 AM

I use about 8 ounces of Baby Oil with a couple of gallons of water then work the valves back and forth.
Cheers!

sstaylor77 · 12-22-2021, 11:12 PM

I'm new to this, but I can't figure out how to get the handle back in the first hole to screw it back into whatever is behind the floor in cargo hold? I think it would be easier to remove underbelly and go from there? Anybody have any suggestions? I have a 2006 Montana 2955RL, the handle is so close to the wall it's hard to pull, when it wasn't broken?? 🤔

RMcNeal · 12-23-2021, 02:57 AM

Thetford makes a lubricant for the seals that you can pour into the tank.
https://www.amazon.com/Thetford-Drai...ps%2C77&sr=8-7
I have used it before and it worked well, but mine weren't stuck either. Most of the seals I've seen can be broken down using any petroleum product, so be careful what you choose.

jimcol · 12-23-2021, 05:38 AM

Some suggestions from this old thread: https://www.montanaowners.com/forums...ad.php?t=85804

DutchmenSport · 12-23-2021, 05:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RMcNeal

Thetford makes a lubricant for the seals that you can pour into the tank.

I've tried this product in the past, and found it made no difference.

I have found adding dishwashing liquid to empty tanks and then using the tanks as normal did more for the valves than anything. Also, dumping the tanks completely, then adding some dishwashing liquid and about 4 or 5 gallons of water and then driving to your next destination is still the best method to, not only, clean the tanks, but also keeps the valves working.

And yes, if the valves never move, they get stuck and hard to pull no matter what.

Delaine and Lindy · 12-23-2021, 09:18 AM

I have use regular cooking oil, the cheapest available on every RV we have owned, I have had no issues. Just my experience and opinion.

Happy Trails.

scuba dude · 12-23-2021, 07:49 PM

Yes sir cooking oil on a regular basis works wonders. When I winterize I pour it in all three tanks does wonders.

rames14 · 12-24-2021, 06:00 AM

When we bought our new Montana, we had the black and gray tank valves replaced with solid wire Valterra valves. Much nicer to do it on new tanks. Lots of threads on this topic. We put them on our last Montana and they worked great. And, once you install a set, you’ll understand why I had the dealer do it new.

twindman · 12-24-2021, 07:11 AM

I agree with ron above! My black valve was getting so it almost wouldn't close with all the pressure I could muster. I think it even started leaking a bit - too many years ago to remember! But I put on a Valterra valve and I could pull/push it with 2 fingers and no strain. Still operates pretty easily after at least 5 years.

sstaylor77 · 12-28-2021, 04:54 PM

Ok Guys,

I guess I didn't make clear what I needed help with? Sorry, I guess I'm not as articulate as I thought ��

My black tank pull handle came off in my hand. Wondering what is the easiest way to see the set up where the handle screws into whatever it screws into??? I'm assuming dropping the under belly is probably going to be all that will provide me with the capability to actually see what I need to do.

Any suggestions? Love the above help and thank you to everyone that took the time to respond!
Susan Taylor

**AZ Traveler** · 12-28-2021, 05:49 PM

Susan,

You can either pull the coroplast down or cut a small hole to view through. The challenge with cutting a small hole is determining where to cut it. I am not familiar with the layout of your 2955RL so maybe someone else can help if that is the path you want to take.

**Carl n Susan** · 12-28-2021, 06:34 PM

Susan: those year Montanas (I had a 2005 2955RL) used straight threaded rod connectors to the valve unlike the cables used in newer rigs. You can buy replacement rods at places like Camping World.

Did just the handle come off the rod, or more likely, did the handle and rod come out?

The 1st case should be easy to just spin the handle back on the threads unless they are stripped. If they are, then you are going to have to get a new rod and find where the connection point is.

The handle and rod screws directly onto the valve assembly (ASIR it is a 1/4" x 20 thread). The valve is directly behind the hole in the drop down wall. I can't for the life of me remember exactly how far in.

If it were me, I would undo one or two of the screws holding the coroplast, pull it down a bit and shine a light in there. If you are lucky you might be able to see enough to screw the new rod onto the attachment point. If it is too hard to see/get to, you now know where to cut a flap in the coroplast at the valve location.

Clean the coroplast well, cut the flap so the opening is at the rear, and then seal it up with Black Gorilla Tape. That stuff will last for years.

jimcol · 12-29-2021, 05:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sstaylor77

Ok Guys,

I guess I didn't make clear what I needed help with? Sorry, I guess I'm not as articulate as I thought ��

My black tank pull handle came off in my hand. Wondering what is the easiest way to see the set up where the handle screws into whatever it screws into??? I'm assuming dropping the under belly is probably going to be all that will provide me with the capability to actually see what I need to do.

Any suggestions? Love the above help and thank you to everyone that took the time to respond!
Susan Taylor

Susan, I thought you articulated your problem clearly and I think the link provided in post 11 provided you the same information you are getting now. What am I missing?

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