Thetford Toilet flush lever has two “sticky” spots, like detents

[SolitudeAtLast]

Returned yesterday to camper after 7 months away. Toilet flushed normally until mid-morning today. Then, the flush lever started going down partway smoothly and water starts flowing, but lever is hard to push past that point (sticky spot) and flush ball starts to open about half way, then hits another firm sticky spot before going down all the way and flush ball opens all the way. I can’t see what is causing the two very firm “sticky spots” in the flush lever travel. No leaks anywhere (yet). When pushing down slowly, going past the sticky spots takes quite a bit force, then suddenly snaps past that’s point with a very noticeable vibration of the toilet. Ours doesn’t have a toilet shut-off valve (yet).

Ideas?

[SolitudeAtLast]

[TucsonJim]

Try lubricating the ball seal with a good quality O-ring lubricant.

Jim

[Jlawles2]

OK this is going to sound quite STRANGE, but pour an old fashioned COKE in the toilet and wait 15 minutes before flushing. Look at the ingredients for the COKE and ensure it has Phosphoric acid.

There may be the off chance that in the months it sat, hard water deposits have formed on the plastic and are creating your sticking issues.

[TedS]

I use Vaseline to lube the valve seal.

[SolitudeAtLast]

Thanks for the suggestions. Today the sticky spots are only about 50% as noticeable as yesterday. Don’t have any 0-ring lubricant or vaseline. Will try the Coke treatment tomorrow when gone for 2-3 hours, & will pick up some lube or vaseline while out to also try. Thanks for suggestions. I was concerned the symptoms may indicate a problem with the lever (like, did something slip out of place, etc). Will report again once resolved.
Thanks again!

[ncitro]

Thanks for the suggestions. Today the sticky spots are only about 50% as noticeable as yesterday. Don’t have any 0-ring lubricant or vaseline. Will try the Coke treatment tomorrow when gone for 2-3 hours, & will pick up some lube or vaseline while out to also try. Thanks for suggestions. I was concerned the symptoms may indicate a problem with the lever (like, did something slip out of place, etc). Will report again once resolved.
Thanks again!

Be careful with Vaseline, oil degrades rubber seals and is not recommended for o-rings. There is a synthetic product available you want to use. I use this from Ace Hardware:

https://www.acehardware.com/departme...grease/4095667

[SolitudeAtLast]

Thanks. Going to Ace today anyway for something else. UPDATE: Did the real Coke thing & also got the silicone grease from Ace. Meanwhile, the hard water deposits or whatever it was had pretty much worn off or something, and operating almost completely smooth. Did Coke and Ace silicone treatment anyway as preventive action.
Thanks all.!

[SolitudeAtLast]

See edited post above. Problem resolved.