Black tank handle hard to shut

[NW Cat Owner]

I know it's been covered here, but about a bazillion threads come up during a search .....


The handle on the black tank pulls out just fine, but I have a heck of a time getting it closed. It's like there's a ton of pressure pushing against it and I just barely have the strength to close it. It's been getting worse over time. I'm worried that it'll get to the point where I won't be able to close it - it's almost at that point.



Time to replace it or


I know there isn't any TP pushing against it as that stuff never goes down my toilet. I regularly empty out the tank and use Tank Tech RX in both tanks.


Thanks!

[gbaglo]

Have you lubricated the shaft? I spray mine with white grease occasionally.

[cpaharley2008]

Perhaps you are losing some strength in your hands, I know I am, no longer able to tear phone book in half, junk mail gives me trouble!!

[steve dunham]

I’ve had the same problem several times . As Glenn suggested you can try lubrication
In the Spring I just pull / unbolt the valves , disassemble , clean & lubricate with a rubber / neoprene compatible lubricant and reinstall the valve , then it’s good for a year or longer
Takes me about a 1/2 hour if I can find the tools
We’ve found that certain black and grey tank treatments along with certain dish soaps have a tendency to dry out the valves rubber seals . I believe the odorless brand recommended by
GB has a seal lubricant built in .

[NW Cat Owner]

Nope, never lubricated it - didn't know I needed to, so thanks for that.


I can't even push it all the way in with my foot, so it's just not my hands.


Will spray some stuff on the outside shaft area and then tear it apart later, after the tanks are emptied after my next trip in a few weeks.

[Vermilye]

Another thing I've found helpful is to use a spray lubricant that is compatible with rubber (Example) on the actual valve & seals. After dumping, (and you need to do a COMPLETE dump), remove the slinky hose before closing the valve, and spray into the opening, hitting the blade & rubber seals. Can be messy if you don't wait long enough for the black tank to completely drain, but it solved the same problem for me.

[Devil Dog]

The rubber seal has come out and if you shine a light up the pipe you'll see the problem.

Mine was caused because the valve was installed backwards from factory.