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cmillsap · (07-23-2013)

Here's a tip for making a disgusting & hard job easier.

My black dump valve was not closing all the way as evidenced by the air cylinder handle stoping about 2"s from the complete closed position. I knew I was in for a quick removal of the sewer cap and quick attachment of the sewer hose. The "stuff" came pouring out as if the valve was completely open.

After a lot of fresh water flushing; I removed the cylinder and paddle assembly from the valve body. To my surprise, the seal was missing from the paddle! No wonder that the "stuff" came gushing out like a fire hose...

Now you can not see into the valve body due to its location. It lays horizonal and way back in the bay. Actually, the space is so small the paddle has to be separated from the cylinder rod to completely remove it from the valve body. You can feel around with a long stick or screwdriver trying to locate the seal or you can go to Home Depot and rent a Ryobi Tek4 inspection camera. I opted for the latter.

I inserted the camera into the valve body and saw the seal laying on the bottom of the valve. Leaving the camera in the valve body, I made a hook on the end of a wire coat hanger and fished it through the end of the sewer pipe where the hose connects. The camera allowed me to guide the hooked end behind the seal and drag it through the pipe to exit at the hose connection. That camera saved me a whole lot of time and frustration....

I think I'm going to buy one as there are so many places on a Wanderlodge that are difficult to see when you need to do so.
They are only $99.