2019 Reflection 297RSTS Sewer/Gray Water Release Valve Problems

[LesalouG]

Hi guys,
We have been having so much trouble with this style of valve releases. I have never seen this design before and it’s not a good one.

The bracing moves back-and-forth as you push and pull on the handles which doesn’t allow the valves to close or open completely without multiple pushes and pulls. They also tend to get stuck very easily and we have had service on this once already.

On our last trip the gray water tank was so badly stuck that it won’t open at all and the handle came off in the process. Now we are headed back to service for this issue once again.

help and/or feedback is greatly appreciated.

[TucsonJim]

Hi there. This seems to be a recurring issue on many coaches. In fact, Andi who is one of our moderators had a stuck valve handle at the 2019 National Rally and had to have the technicians work on it. One primary suggestions is to use a heaping amount of penetrating oil where the cables go into their sleeve. Then operate the cable multiple times to allow the oil to free things up.

JIm

[Second Chance]

Hi there. This seems to be a recurring issue on many coaches. In fact, Andi who is one of our moderators had a stuck valve handle at the 2019 National Rally and had to have the technicians work on it. One primary suggestions is to use a heaping amount of penetrating oil where the cables go into their sleeve. Then operate the cable multiple times to allow the oil to free things up.

JIm

Jim,

Perhaps my aging memory fails me, but IRRC, back in the '60s there was a device for forcing lubricant down the control cable housings on motorcycles (yes, I was a bit wilder and crazier in my early days). I don't remember exactly how it worked, but somehow it would semi-seal around the end of the cable housing with the cable sticking out and lubricant could be forced down the housing with the cable in it. Does anything like this still exist? If not, maybe you and I could collaborate, patent one for RVs, and work on our second million.

Rob

[Bookumdanno]

Jim,

Perhaps my aging memory fails me, but IRRC, back in the '60s there was a device for forcing lubricant down the control cable housings on motorcycles (yes, I was a bit wilder and crazier in my early days). I don't remember exactly how it worked, but somehow it would semi-seal around the end of the cable housing with the cable sticking out and lubricant could be forced down the housing with the cable in it. Does anything like this still exist? If not, maybe you and I could collaborate, patent one for RVs, and work on our second million.

Rob

Like this https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q...5C&FORM=VDQVAP

[Calbar]

Jim,

Perhaps my aging memory fails me, but IRRC, back in the '60s there was a device for forcing lubricant down the control cable housings on motorcycles (yes, I was a bit wilder and crazier in my early days). I don't remember exactly how it worked, but somehow it would semi-seal around the end of the cable housing with the cable sticking out and lubricant could be forced down the housing with the cable in it. Does anything like this still exist? If not, maybe you and I could collaborate, patent one for RVs, and work on our second million.

Rob

Rob I think this is what you are looking for.

https://www.amazon.ca/Motion-Pro-08-.../dp/B0012TYX9W

Another Rob

[Cate&Rob]

howson
Looking for Howard to weigh in on this discussion. He tried the cable lube device being discussed . . . and it didn’t work. A motorcycle brake cable sheath is a tight fit to the cable for its whole length. An RV gate valve cable is a loose fit inside the sheath. The sources of binding are the 4” sleeve at the handle, the grommet where the gate valve actuator rod comes out of the valve and the seals around the gate plate. Lubing the cable might have some affect on the handle end, but can’t get lubrication to the gate valve friction points.

(yet another) Rob

[howson]

Cate&Rob is referencing this thread: https://gdrvowners.com/forum/operati...le-lubrication

You can read the entire thread if desired, but the Reader's Digest version--doesn't work.

Once the steel cable rusts within the sleeve it's done.

This thread is well worth reading as I show how to remove the cable without removing the dump valve (assumes you have a Bristol valve and not a Valterra, though they should be similar): https://gdrvowners.com/forum/operati...valves-315rlts

[Cahriad]

Cate&Rob is referencing this thread: https://gdrvowners.com/forum/operati...le-lubrication

You can read the entire thread if desired, but the Reader's Digest version--doesn't work.

Once the steel cable rusts within the sleeve it's done.

This thread is well worth reading as I show how to remove the cable without removing the dump valve (assumes you have a Bristol valve and not a Valterra, though they should be similar): https://gdrvowners.com/forum/operati...valves-315rlts

Do you think that adding a stronger bracket that does not flex would help?

[howson]

Do you think that adding a stronger bracket that does not flex would help?

The flexing statement is, frankly, unusual. I'd consider a good foundation for the cables a requirement (that means "yes" in response to your question), but ultimately a properly routed cable that is free from rust would likely operate just fine with the current bracket.

I noted in your post that the handle broke--I think you'll find a replacement is hard to find and expensive. Check out this thread for an easy-to-make replacement: https://gdrvowners.com/forum/operati...s-easy-to-make

[Cate&Rob]

Do you think that adding a stronger bracket that does not flex would help?

If the gate valve is properly lubricated and the cable run is smoothly routed, it takes very little force to open/close the valve. Reinforcing the bracket to allow the application of more force is not a long term solution.

Rob

[HandyGabi]

Hello Cate & Rob,
I had the same problem on my 311BHS. The brace bends because the cable is exposed and gets rusted out. I solved it by the valve open and installing a waste valve right before the hose connection. It is definitely not a good design and and prone to problems.