Re: [VAL] Re: VAL Digest V2 #185

[Courtney Gwyn <rufuscourtney@xxxxxxxxx>]

Welcome to the List.
 
I had my old shower curtain as a template, but it would be easy enough to make 
a pattern out of cardboard that follows the contour of the ceiling. I bought a 
new shower curtain, cut it to a proper shape and had it sewed and hemmed at the 
top to match the old one. 
 
I found some really cool hemming tape made of plastic webbing that already had 
small plastic rings attached about 4" apart. I found it at a craft store called 
"Michaels."
 
You can find the "sliders" for both the shower curtain & window tracks at a 
craft or RV store. Expect to pay more at the RV store...
 
I used small brass "S" hooks to attach the rings in the shower curtain to the 
sliders in the track. I'll try to take some photos next time I'm at the trailer 
if you find it hard to visualize.
 
If you have the old bronze dump valve don't despair. It is easily accessible by 
removing a small section of belly pan. Start spraying the 4 bolts that hold it 
to the holding tank now with some penetrating oil so when you are ready to work 
on it it is ready to cooperate.
 
After you have disconnected the plumbing and removed the bolts, you will find 
it is a very servicable affair. The valve has top & bottom halves that bolt 
together with a sliding gate between them. There is a rubber O ring that the 
gate valve slides against to keep it from leaking.
 
Your O ring may be shot, or there might be so much crud accumulated in the unit 
that the valve isn't closing completely. The sliding gate itself may be a bit 
scored too. It can be smoothed out. With a little leg work you can find an O 
ring of the proper elasticity and size.
 
Everyone told me I was crazy to try and fix mine. They said the only alternative 
was to cut the old valve out and fiberglass a new style ine into the black tank. 
After a little cleaning and reassembly with stainless nuts & bolts it works 
PERFECTLY.
 
By the way, there is another O ring in a groove between the black tank & the 
valve. It is the same size but a slightly different thickness than the one that 
seats the gate valve. If you remove it carefully it may be helpful to bring it 
with you to the O ring store if the other one is deteriorated too much to be of 
any help determining size.
 
Congratulations on your purchase. I have a 63 GT, so if I can help in any way 
please feel free to ask!
 
Courtney