Dometic 320 issue

[Gnomads]

I upgraded from a Dometic 310 to 320. Not too bad other than twisting myself into a pretzel lol.
My issue is that the seal is off centered. I took it out and reseated it a few times, tried the hot water and that worked for a bit. Now the winter and it will not hold the antifreeze. I know the manual says to not take the toilet apart but I feel if I can get to the seal holder I can center the seal ring. I included a picture.

Is there any reason why I shouldn't separate the base?

[bubbles]

It's tricky putting it back together. You could practice on the 310. This is a 310

[5picker]

Warranty from purchasing?

[Gnomads]

Originally Posted by 5picker

Warranty from purchasing?

I have another new one. If I can repair this one I will return the other.

[Gnomads]

Originally Posted by bubbles

It's tricky putting it back together. You could practice on the 310. This is a 310

Well I am done. Fishing out the nuts from the porcelain was not fun but I got it.
Thank you Bubbles for the picture. Without it I would be lost.
Attached 2 pictures, tell me what you guys thing....Better?

[kenandterry]

Originally Posted by Gnomads

Well I am done. Fishing out the nuts from the porcelain was not fun but I got it.
Thank you Bubbles for the picture. Without it I would be lost.
Attached 2 pictures, tell me what you guys thing....Better?

Yeah……it looks centered. However……knowing where you did the repair, you’ll understand if I don’t join you at the dinner table anytime soon.

[Gnomads]

Originally Posted by kenandterry

Yeah……it looks centered. However……knowing where you did the repair, you’ll understand if I don’t join you at the dinner table anytime soon.

LMAO 😂
The toilet is brand new. Never been used. Just didn’t hold water. I would never put a used bowl on the table. Lol

[5picker]

I'll ask again, if it was brand new, why wouldn't you return it for a replacement?

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[Gnomads]

Originally Posted by 5picker

I'll ask again, if it was brand new, why wouldn't you return it for a replacement?

Sent from my SM-G996U using Forest River Forums mobile app

Why return something that can be fixed. It was bought online. Returning it just adds freight charges. If more people would fix things maybe the cost of making things would go down and we wouldn’t have to pay so much. Maybe I just like to tinker. Find out how things work. Learn things.

[5picker]

Originally Posted by Gnomads

Why return something that can be fixed. It was bought online. Returning it just adds freight charges. If more people would fix things maybe the cost of making things would go down and we wouldn’t have to pay so much. Maybe I just like to tinker. Find out how things work. Learn things.

Fair enough and an interesting concept.

If I purchase something NEW and it has issues, I feel the manufacturer should be the one seeing why it was returned. Depending on the item, they may/may not even look at it but if it were my product, I'd want to know it had issues and not that someone had to take it apart out of the box and fix it.

I know of only a very few things purchased new in a store or online that don't have a free return policy and if I'm looking at something that doesn't have that, I look elsewhere.

What would you have done if you couldn't have fixed it? Throw it in the trash? Sent it back hoping they replace or refund after you've torn it apart?

Glad you got it fixed to your satisfaction.

Sent from my SM-G996U using Forest River Forums mobile app

[Bob K4TAX]

Glad you have it repaired or adjusted to your satisfaction.

Question regarding the post by Gnomads, Why does it need to hold antifreeze? If the water leaks out or there is no water, what is there to freeze? The typical issue is the water inlet valve which is connected to the water system plumbing. That's where antifreeze is needed.

Just curious.

Bob

[Gnomads]

Originally Posted by Bob K4TAX

Glad you have it repaired or adjusted to your satisfaction.

Question regarding the post by Gnomads, Why does it need to hold antifreeze? If the water leaks out or there is no water, what is there to freeze? The typical issue is the water inlet valve which is connected to the water system plumbing. That's where antifreeze is needed.

Just curious.

Bob

Bob, I was taught that a small amount of fluid should be left in the bowl to keep seal from getting dry and shrinking and an RV toilet has no trap like in a regular toilet, the water will not let the fumes from tank in camper. Water will freeze so pink antifreeze to the rescue.

[Bob K4TAX]

OK understand. Water expands as it freezes. In an enclosed environment that can and does break things. I don't see the toilet bowl as enclosed.

Anyway, I lubricate the seal about twice a year in our Dometic 310 with food-grade silicone grease. Some use Vasoline which also works.

It is just one of those items in an RV that requires regular maintenance. Also for the non-RV people visiting, be sure they are instructed on how to properly use the toilet. Saves cleaning up a mess later.

Bob

[Gnomads]

Originally Posted by Bob K4TAX

OK understand. Water expands as it freezes. In an enclosed environment that can and does break things. I don't see the toilet bowl as enclosed.

Anyway, I lubricate the seal about twice a year in our Dometic 310 with food-grade silicone grease. Some use Vasoline which also works.

It is just one of those items in an RV that requires regular maintenance. Also for the non-RV people visiting, be sure they are instructed on how to properly use the toilet. Saves cleaning up a mess later.

Bob

Yes taking apart base voids warranty but I was willing to have no warranty.

And as per manual…
A small amount of water will collect in the bowl after a flush to create an airtight seal.
I Residual water trickle in the ceramic bowls: Due to the integrated rim of the models 310, 311, 320, and 321 toilets, water may continue to trickle into the toilet bowl for up to 20 minutes after flushing. If the water trickle continues after 30 minutes, replace the water valve. Refer to “Replacing the Water Valve” on page 14.
So that holding tank odors do not enter the living space, make sure 1 in. (24 mm) of water remains in the toilet bowl. Depending on the plumbing system and user operation, adding water may be required to achieve this water depth. Refer to “Adding Water to the Bowl” on page 9.

[bubbles]

Originally Posted by Bob K4TAX

Glad you have it repaired or adjusted to your satisfaction.
Question regarding the post by Gnomads, Why does it need to hold antifreeze? If the water leaks out or there is no water, what is there to freeze? The typical issue is the water inlet valve which is connected to the water system plumbing. That's where antifreeze is needed. Just curious. Bob

Doesn't need to hold antifreeze but if it won't it also won't hold water which it's supposed to do.

[kenandterry]

This thread is quickly becoming nothing more than a discussion on how to get your $#/+ together.

[Gnomads]

Hahahahahahahaha

[l001952119]

I installed a 320 today. Bowl held water for a "few" minutes. Now to gain warranty on new toilet!

[Larry-NC]

Originally Posted by Bob K4TAX

Anyway, I lubricate the seal about twice a year in our Dometic 310 with food-grade silicone grease. Some use Vasoline which also works.

Bob

Okay, Bob. Why food grade? You're not planning to dine from the bowl, are you?

[Bob K4TAX]

Does not contain any petroleum-based chemicals that can damage the rubber ring.

In the Service, the head had to be clean enough to eat out of. Otherwise, one scrubs the entire barracks floor with a toothbrush.

Bob