Gray & black pull valves HARD to close

[BBogey]

Hello,

We have a new Forester 2401 and the black and gray pull valves pull out OK (a little tight) but do not want to push back in all the way; it's almost "spongy" feeling. The compartment door has to be pushed in while you turn the key to get it to go far enough to actually lock.

Anyone have a similar problem, or better yet, SOLUTION?

Thanks!!!

[vwexpert]

Try WD40 on the shaft.

[fella10]

Originally Posted by BBogey

Hello,

We have a new Forester 2401 and the black and gray pull valves pull out OK (a little tight) but do not want to push back in all the way; it's almost "spongy" feeling. The compartment door has to be pushed in while you turn the key to get it to go far enough to actually lock.

Anyone have a similar problem, or better yet, SOLUTION?

Thanks!!!

if there isn't something in the way of the gates, then lube may be all you need,....

gordonsick started the thread below about an idea he came up with to lube those, very easy mod and very helpful,....... its short, so read it all, very good info about what to use for lube and what not to use,.....


http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...ay-117423.html

[GOTTOYS]

The handles are pushing in a cable. The cable has to be cut to an exact length. If it is just slightly too long it will flex at the end of the stroke when the valve is closed. There is no adjustment for this other than to cut a bit more off the inner cable. I would prefer them to be too long to assure the valves are closing all the way. Very common to see this on most RVs. With regards to the latch on the door. You may carefully bend the small lever that rotates on the inside of the door and is attached to the latch. bend it slightly outward to release a slight amount of tension when it holds the door closed. Easy fix..

[BBogey]

I read the above article and had already sprayed a bit of "tool box oil" onto the shaft of each pull. The black freed right up, but the gray is still be stubborn.

The cable sounds like it could definitely be the problem as when I push the gray in, it feels like it's hitting something soft, and more force lets it push a little, but I think I'd break it if I kept doing that?

I don't see as I have any access to any of that, but I'll look in the daylight tomorrow.

Thanks!

[Gidyupgo]

BBogey, since this is a new unit, don't rule out construction debris left in the tank.

[HerveVR]

Had a similar issue on our Lexington. The grey tank is on passenger side and so is located the gate valve; a long cable is needed to operate from dumping side.
Had to remove the gate valve to clean it properly twice; it fixed the problem for a while. Recently. it reappeared; will have to change the valve and adjust the cable to proper length (shorter than the original). After analysing, will probably fix for good.

[MilCop4523]

thetford valve lube is your answer

[BBogey]

Originally Posted by GOTTOYS

The handles are pushing in a cable. The cable has to be cut to an exact length. If it is just slightly too long it will flex at the end of the stroke when the valve is closed. There is no adjustment for this other than to cut a bit more off the inner cable. I would prefer them to be too long to assure the valves are closing all the way. Very common to see this on most RVs. With regards to the latch on the door. You may carefully bend the small lever that rotates on the inside of the door and is attached to the latch. bend it slightly outward to release a slight amount of tension when it holds the door closed. Easy fix..

Which end of the cable are you cutting? This makes me fairly nervous to do, and we do have it scheduled for another issue at a local dealer, but that's not for two weeks, and we were hoping to do a short 3-day camping/fishing trip next weekend - can't drive down the road with the door flapping open... (I may try that slight bend for the locking plate - but I also have to make sure as far as we're pushing it in is actually CLOSING the gray)

Thanks.