black tank won't discharge

[vklimovich]

pulling the T handle all the way out, nothing happens. help

[steelpony5555]

Uh ooooh, Since you are trying to pull the handle out I assume you are loaded. Hopefully is is just the cable and you can get at the valve and pull the blade somehow. On an old SOB my handle came off and no way to reattache it or get at the blade so I got a oil catch pan took it out into a field and got a new valve and then very carefully loosened all the bolts while holding it in place. And then as quick as I could slapped the new valve in place. I had also jacked up the trailer on that side as high as I could and had the wife standing by with the bolts too. Yeah, like that really worked, lol lol but luckily it was only about half full and I didn't spill a whole lot but it is still messy. Like they say you really don't know how much you poop till you poop your pants lol lol But there is not too many other ways around it. If you know some one with one of those maserator pumps you could probably pump most of it out the toilet or any porta potty company may be able to pump it out, or better yet take it to your dealer, he will love you for it.

[catskiner]

Victor, go to www.valterra.com ,then rv products,then valve info, then cable install and you will see a print of valve and cable works.usually the inner cable comes loose from valve lock nut or outer cable comes loose from crimp at handle houseing.

[vklimovich]

quote:Originally posted by steelpony5555

Uh ooooh, Since you are trying to pull the handle out I assume you are loaded. Hopefully is is just the cable and you can get at the valve and pull the blade somehow. On an old SOB my handle came off and no way to reattache it or get at the blade so I got a oil catch pan took it out into a field and got a new valve and then very carefully loosened all the bolts while holding it in place. And then as quick as I could slapped the new valve in place. I had also jacked up the trailer on that side as high as I could and had the wife standing by with the bolts too. Yeah, like that really worked, lol lol but luckily it was only about half full and I didn't spill a whole lot but it is still messy. Like they say you really don't know how much you poop till you poop your pants lol lol But there is not too many other ways around it. If you know some one with one of those maserator pumps you could probably pump most of it out the toilet or any porta potty company may be able to pump it out, or better yet take it to your dealer, he will love you for it.

[kdeiss]

Many years ago the handle broke off inside the valve. I drilled a hole then inserted a screw drive and pushed the valve open that drained the tank then we flushed prior to installing the new valve. we did get some nasty drips but not bad!When you look at the new valve you can get an idea where to drill

[1retired06]

quote:Originally posted by vklimovich

pulling the T handle all the way out, nothing happens. help

If it pulled out easily, and was either the black or primary gray in the front, it is normally cable controlled on Montanas. My first guess, again if it pulled out easily, is that the cable separated from the valve, or the cable broke in the tube. Even with a major blockage in the tank, you should get some draining if the valve opened.

[wingerphil]

if absolutely nothing came out then yep, valve problem. If, on the other hand, things "started" then stopped, you have a clog to clear. I have always had a clear extension attached between my black pipe and my slinky hose so I can monitor the dumping process. The one I had also had an additional spade valve and a hook up for a hose allowing you to back flush into the tank. This will help clear a clog if you have one.

Either way things are liable to get a little messy so be prepared.

Good luck,

Phil

[Dontana]

steelpony, after reading thousands of RV forum posts dating back to the last millennium, the one above may be the funniest. I'm going to have a hard time getting that "visual" out of my head.

[vklimovich]

quote:Originally posted by vklimovich

pulling the T handle all the way out, nothing happens. help

SOLUTION???? clog pipe, even with the "no fuss flush device, thanks to all for suggestions.