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Old 04-18-2015, 12:23 PM   #1
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Black tank not ABS ?

Am trying to do a repair on the black tank but it appears the tank is not ABS but some other type of plastic. How do I glue ABS to the tank?

2008 Coachmen Freelander. Dump valves not installed correctly so handles pointed down and have been broken twice by road debris. So am replacing valves & lines.
Have ABS pipe & fittings to go from tank to new valves and while removing old ABS pipe it appears the neck of the tank is NOT ABS as it doesn't melt like ABS does from heat of the saw.
So now I have a real problem as I have no idea how to properly glue ABS fittings or reinforcement panel tot he side of the tank.

Coachmen did glue some ABS pipe into the tank but the glue they uses didn't fuse the tank plastic.

Ideas appreciated as it appears my only option now is a new tank assuming I can get one as I find nothing similar in size & shape from businesses selling holding tanks and there is no identifiable part number on the tank.

This job is going downhill fast. help is needed.



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Old 04-18-2015, 12:29 PM   #2
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Can you use the rubber sleeves and hose clamps?
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Old 04-18-2015, 01:10 PM   #3
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Nope. At this point there is no "neck from the tank just a hole. I made the mistake of assuming the neck and tank were ABS as there was an ABS pipe glued inside the neck.
I have an ABS fitting designed to be glued into a hole that then allows ABS pipe to be glued to the inside of the fitting.

The more I learn it appears that my only option in 2-part Epoxy.

I have a flat sheet of ABS that I can epoxy & screw into side of tank to provide support and stiffing of the side of the tank.

I can then lay on a lot of epoxy and slide the ABS fitting into the hole. After that sets up continue to valves using standard ABS pipe & fittings.
I do have rubber "Union" that will cut down on the vibration a bit.

I think the only permanent "fix" is a new tank assuming there is such available.
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Old 04-18-2015, 01:27 PM   #4
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3M has a whole group of industrial adhesives. You might check out this one

Â*Â*3M™ Scotch-Weld™ Epoxy Adhesive EC-2216

I have used 3M-8115 - GM uses it to bond fenders onto cars. I am not sure it will work on you material. Might give 3M a call


3M Panel Bonding Adhesive 08115
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Old 04-18-2015, 01:29 PM   #5
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Guess you have tried PVC glue.
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Old 04-18-2015, 03:49 PM   #6
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Have you tried welding it with a soldering iron? Just a thought, might make a square patch, solder the pipe to it and them epoxy the patch w/ pipe to the tank and the seal all around the patch with the rope caulking or silicone.
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Old 04-18-2015, 03:54 PM   #7
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Try a toilet flange, attach to the tank with stainless hardware, PL premium the caulk with silicone. Then you have abs you can glue your fittings too!
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Old 04-18-2015, 03:57 PM   #8
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a 2 part epoxy for plastics will work , or a good silicone the epoxy will be stronger . you will not be under pressure or at least not much and should seal fairly easily with an epoxy
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Old 04-18-2015, 03:58 PM   #9
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now if you can get into the tank you can use a threaded piece of abs stick it through with a nut on the back side and silicone it
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Old 04-18-2015, 04:31 PM   #10
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Found This 3M product that will bond LDPE which is what I now believe the tank is made of based on input from various sources.

Will bond & screw a 5" x 5" ABS 1/8" flat sheet to side of tank.
After that sets up I will run another bead of the 3M epoxy around the inside of the hole. The Spigot will have heavy ABS to ABD solvent glue on its flat flange so am hopint the part of the spigot that goes into the tank through the hole will have epoxy on inside plus ABS glue to the ABS flat panel that will be part of the side of the tank.
Kind of a belt + suspenders approach.

Then its easy after that as just ABS to ABS etc.

My thanks to all for the ideas and input.
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Old 04-20-2015, 12:32 AM   #11
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Sounds like it won't help you at this point unless you end up buying a new tank but for future reference, on my Salem there is no glue where the pipe enters the tank. There is only the grey putty like you would seal a window with and it does not leak.
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Old 04-30-2015, 08:29 PM   #12
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Slow going. Weather has not cooperated and some other projects had to get done. BUT am about ready to use special $$ 3M adhesive on the Poly tank to attach some ABS that I can then glue standard fittings to.

I am still interested in a backup plan which would probably mean a new tank. The problem is Camping World says that there are no replacement tanks available and aren't even any drawings or supplier info available. Their only suggestion was to order a custom tank which would take 4 to 6 weeks. Sounds like they just aren't interested.


I note that there are a number of smaller 21' to 24' Class-C with identical bathroom layout and similar size tanks (22 to 25 gal)

What I can't find out is who makes tanks for Forest River, Thor, Jayco or 4 Winds.

I can't believe that none of these companies are not making RVs right now.

Any ideas
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