Re: [VAL] Toilet seal, Thetford

[Charlie/Betty Burke <cbburke@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Bill,

Gary's tasteful description aside it more likely that your '69 has the 
older Thetford Starlite/Galaxy series toilet. That model has been 
discontinued for about 5 years now. Thetford still includes in on their 
website at http://www.thetford.com/parts_aquamagicgalaxy2.cfm  Below 
that page is a breakdown of the mechanism as well.
You might want to check out both toilets before charging ahead.
When removing either toilet from your coach be sure to double wrench the 
copper connection, otherwise you risk twisting the copper feed line. 
(been there, done that).
The flange bolts for the AM IV are exposed on opposite sides of the 
unit. The flange bolts for the Starlite/Galaxy are hidden, one behind 
the pedals and the other in the rear opposite corner. To reach the front 
one simply press down on the pedals. To reach the back one lift the 
seat, look into the back left corner. There you will find either a hole 
or a cap in the top of the toilet. Directly below that hole is the rear 
flange bolt. You can use the hole either as a sight hole or to place a 
1/2" deep socket on an extension on the bolt and remove it. Either way 
you need to have a hand back there to catch the bolt.
There are two most common causes of leaks at the rear of Starlie/Galaxy 
toilets. One is a cracked water control valve indicated by lots of water 
showing up around the base during or immediately after a flush. The 
second is caused by a sticking vacuum break valve. This little $1.50 do 
dad is inside the vacuum break mounted from the back up under the top of 
the unit. The unit must be removed to access it. This leak is indicated 
by a small drip of water from the top rear of the unit. It often does 
not show up around a carpeted floor until it has had time to do damage. 
The toilet flange gasket,  vacuum break and water control valve are 
still available, although the water control valve has been redesign so 
at first glance it won't look like the right one. Most parts kits 
include the flange gasket. The gasket by the way is foam not wax as used 
in household applications. To much wiggle in an RV so they all used some 
shape of foam gasket.

Charlie