Pull handles for the waste tanks sticking

[Pocketlake1]

The pullout handles for the 3 waste tanks are getting tough to pull out. Sprayed silicone on the visable rods but it has helped only slightly. Concerned something is going to break eventually. Can anyone advise of how the drains and associated mechanisms can be serviced? I’m hoping it does not involve removing the covering on the bottom of the rig but i will do whatever is necessary. Thanks for any insight. Ken

[jcurtis934]

I used to spray lube down my cables after removing them from the convenience center, but even that didn't provide long term relief. Dropping the bottom and replacing the cables and valves is the only sure bet.

[L0veless]

replacing the whole set up is what I have always heard and going with Valtera they use a solid cable as opposed to braided. now at the Rally in the tips and tricks part one person had an ingenuous idea idea that I will try. he removed the handle then slid a tube over the rod and clamped it to the fitting connecting everything to the panel.
then he poured motor oil in the tube and marked it, the next day the oil was down a couple inches with nothing leaking anywhere. he says his cable pull smooth and no issues. sounds like a great fix to try first but I would go with some sort of light synthetic oil. worth a shot.

[Daryles]

When I dump, I use wd40 with a straw pointed into the cable, then work the handle in and out while you spray.
Thetford make a lubrication that you pour into the tank to lube the valve.
I've seen YouTube videos where openings have been cut in the bottom and they installed grease fittings in the valve. They use silicon based grease.

[phillyg]

Originally Posted by L0veless

......at the Rally in the tips and tricks part one person had an ingenuous idea idea that I will try. he removed the handle then slid a tube over the rod and clamped it to the fitting connecting everything to the panel......then he poured motor oil in the tube and marked it, the next day the oil was down a couple inches......

Sounds like a good idea. Similar to what I've done on dirt bikes in the past.

[twindman]

My black tank had gotten so hard to pull I was afraid it would break. I had read a lot of recommendations on here for Valtera valves and paid the dealer to replace the black tank valve. Well worth it for me. When new, I could pull the handle with 2 fingers easily and now after maybe 5-6 years it takes 3. LOL

[Pocketlake1]

Thanks for the tips. Good news is we are done with our major trip for now and have some time to resolve. Prone to dropping the bottom but will see how outrageous the dealer charge will be to handle it for me, but I lean toward DIY

[bcrvman]

Originally Posted by Pocketlake1

Thanks for the tips. Good news is we are done with our major trip for now and have some time to resolve. Prone to dropping the bottom but will see how outrageous the dealer charge will be to handle it for me, but I lean toward DIY

OR swap to electric valves.

[Speck56]

Originally Posted by Pocketlake1

The pullout handles for the 3 waste tanks are getting tough to pull out. Sprayed silicone on the visable rods but it has helped only slightly. Concerned something is going to break eventually. Can anyone advise of how the drains and associated mechanisms can be serviced? I’m hoping it does not involve removing the covering on the bottom of the rig but i will do whatever is necessary. Thanks for any insight. Ken

Try Thetford Drain Valve Lubricant

[Starchey]

I had the same problem got so bad it froze. Like you I didn’t want to pull the bottom and replace them so I just removed the handle and cable from the wall turned it 90 degrees then added three in one penetrating oil. Kept it that way for three days adding oil periodically. Works now no issues, I know I will need to replace all four but I don’t have to do it right now. I have a 2019 3930 FB

[bcrvman]

Originally Posted by Speck56

Try Thetford Drain Valve Lubricant

That product is to lube the rubber seals. It can't do anything with the release cables as there is no contact between the two, one is outside the other inside.
Here is a complete DIY for how the OP can replace the valve.
https://www.doityourselfrv.com/repai...mp-gate-valve/

[hookseter]

Had the same issue in my Alpine, RV guy said put some ice melt,(about half a bag), down your toilet. Wait two hours, worked fine after.

[laverdur]

After fighting with the same problem for the two valves in the convenience center I finally bit the bullet and replaced those two valves. The third valve still works OK. Perhaps because the cable pull is straight vs. curving around obstacles.