How to replace black tank flush inlet port on P4?

[ajg617]

Darned if I can figure out how this is even kept in place. Went to flush the black tank before dropping it at the factory and water sprayed everywhere inside and outside. I can't see how this is even attached or if it is even two pieces, let alone get the old one out and find a replacement? It's almost like it broke in two given the gap in the outside washer.

[TedS]

It looks like the fitting is pushed into snap tabs in the panel. It may be fiddly to pry the tabs to release the fitting.

Nautilus-P4Installation-Rev-1.pdf

[howson]

ajg617 -- that is an odd retainer for sure. The B&B repair manual's picture of the retainer clip is what was on mine (see below). It broke during removal. I used a common "C" clip to reinstall.



Remember that the black flush is NOT a one-way valve like the fresh water inlet. Use the right part when replacing!

The different Nautilus panels (and their manuals) are found here: https://www.bandbmolders.com/index.php/nautilus/

Howard

[Reacher]

Looks like a "wiggle while pulling hard" type fitting. Secure a replacement before removing so that you can study it and get an idea on how to remove it.
Or simply change it out with a Valterra solid brass unit.

https://www.amazon.com/Trailer-VALTE...zcF9idGY&psc=1

[howson]

Or simply change it out with a Valterra solid brass unit. ...VALTERRA-Water-Inlet-Fresh

Careful--the linked Amazon item likely has a backflow (one way) valve. The black flush connection must NOT have that valve. Water must flow backwards to clear the flush line.

[ajg617]

ajg617 -- that is an odd retainer for sure. The B&B repair manual's picture of the retainer clip is what was on mine (see below). It broke during removal. I used a common "C" clip to reinstall.



Remember that the black flush is NOT a one-way valve like the fresh water inlet. Use the right part when replacing!

The different Nautilus panels (and their manuals) are found here: https://www.bandbmolders.com/index.php/nautilus/

Howard

Two GD dealers have never seen the type before - went out and looked at a couple and it was more like your picture. No back flow valve in this according to B&B. Design has been replaced by the C-Clip model so they confirm the whole panel has to be replaced because there is nothing to keep the C-clip secure. Those fingers are actually part of the panel.

[Country Campers]

I think you could use a black fresh water fill fitting, suggested earlier in the thread. Just knock out the one way valve inside and you will be good. Sand the tabs on the back of your panel that holds the old one in and add the brass with a nut on the back and good to go.

Brian

[ajg617]

Update from Grand Design parts. Old design P4 panel. Entire panel needs to be replaced.

[howson]

Update from Grand Design parts. Old design P4 panel. Entire panel needs to be replaced.

On who's dime (replace entire new panel)? You didn't ask for my .02, but there's no way I'd pay for a panel (or even want to do the work to install it even if given to me!) to get a new black tank fitting. There's many ways to duplicate the function of that connection with a mod (as Brian noted in post 7).

However...if you can get the new panel for free consider using it as a spare parts resource for the panel that's installed. Country Campers, to my amazement, actually had an old ("bad") panel with him and we were able to repair ncitro 's camper last year before National with parts we took off of it.

[ajg617]

On who's dime (replace entire new panel)? You didn't ask for my .02, but there's no way I'd pay for a panel (or even want to do the work to install it even if given to me!) to get a new black tank fitting. There's many ways to duplicate the function of that connection with a mod (as Brian noted in post 7).

However...if you can get the new panel for free consider using it as a spare parts resource for the panel that's installed. Country Campers, to my amazement, actually had an old ("bad") panel with him and we were able to repair ncitro 's camper last year before National with parts we took off of it.

Was told at factory visit and pickup Tuesday that GD should have caught it when doing the pressure test and they will cover expenses. Meanwhile I have a short garden hose connected directly to the black tank Pex fitting and can flush that way.

[howson]

Was told at factory visit and pickup Tuesday that GD should have caught it when doing the pressure test and they will cover expenses. Meanwhile I have a short garden hose connected directly to the black tank Pex fitting and can flush that way.

Great! Ask for the old panel--they'll just toss it.

[Reacher]

Careful--the linked Amazon item likely has a backflow (one way) valve. The black flush connection must NOT have that valve. Water must flow backwards to clear the flush line.

Correct. You need to disable the check valve by punching or drilling it out.

[Jlawles2]

I'd probably leave the one way valve in the hose end fitting if it lets enough flow through, WHY, because the section of hose from the Vacuum breaker to the inlet always DUMPS the water back at you when you disconnect. I have a valve I keep on the fitting so that I can shut it off and not get doused with water when disconnecting.

[ajg617]

I'd probably leave the one way valve in the hose end fitting if it lets enough flow through, WHY, because the section of hose from the Vacuum breaker to the inlet always DUMPS the water back at you when you disconnect. I have a valve I keep on the fitting so that I can shut it off and not get doused with water when disconnecting.

The line from the fitting to the tank drops down to the floor behind the pass thru pretty quickly so I haven't seen a lot of water drain out when disconnecting.

[ajg617]

Great! Ask for the old panel--they'll just toss it.

I might do the replacement myself rather than have the dealer do it. So far, the only hold is whether or not the two switches (pump and blue LEDs) can be removed and put in the new panel which comes with only the pump switch installed and the under slide out light switch blocked off.