Grey water electric valve: repair or replace ?

[Hymercedes]

Hi, Hymer 620 MLT Grey water valve with electric switch in garage has just packed up.
There is power to the switch.
Having taken off the panel under the outside of the tank have tried "tapping gently with a hammer," but nothing.
It is stuck in Closed position. Very tight and awkward to get at.
Please advise whether it is possible to DIY replace, or better to fit a simple non electric tap on end, once the valve can be opened.

 

[Pausim]

A non electric tap on the end of the pipe will leave it vulnerable to freezing. The onboard valve is part of the winterisation.

 

[MisterB]

Has anyone fitted a 'controllable' electric, waste water dump?

Its a bit of a pain reaching underneath the motorhome to operate the waste drain valve, i have to get on my hands and knees to reach the drain valve. i have two options (the third option involves the navigator doing it .... but i dont think thats a viable option) 1 - extend the pipework and...

www.motorhomefun.co.uk

 

[daveclare]

Does it look like the one in the image below? If it does, the small blue knob is a manual override. Just twist to manually open or close your valve, until you get a replacement.

 

[GMLS]

Also have a look here. There might be a manual over ride to get you going as stated above which Bob found out after the event.


Be careful who is listening while you watch as there is a lot of heavy breathing

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[Hymercedes]

A non electric tap on the end of the pipe will leave it vulnerable to freezing. The onboard valve is part of the winterisation.

thank you. Something

 

[Hymercedes]

...Something to be aware of.

 

[Hymercedes]

Does it look like the one in the image below? If it does, the small blue knob is a manual override. Just twist to manually open or close your valve, until you get a replacement.
View attachment 771780

Yes. It looks just like that but with a white button. I have tried turning the little button about 3 turns anticlockwise ( very awkward, and stiff ) but there is no sign it is opening at all ?
Is that the right direction ?

 

[daveclare]

The should be a little clear window with a fine red line showing how open/closed the valve is. Turn the knob and see which way the red line turns. That'll give you an idea of where you are in terms of how much to open or close it. It takes about four or five full turns to open, I think from memory.

 

[daveclare]

This bit here.

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[Hymercedes]

This bit here.

View attachment 771789

Hi Dave. Thank you. Managed to use a mirror to see indicator window, but after at least a dozen turns in each direction the line didn't move. Is the ToFine THA20T ball valve the only option or is there a high quality replacement that has proven to be more reliable ? Many thanks Chris

 

[daveclare]

I did a few hours searching and found, I think, that all of the ball valves are made in China. Mine is the same as fitted to Hymer, Dethleffs, Rapido and some UK made vans. It came with a German GMBH sticker added. I suppose like most things there are good and bad Chinese made alternatives. I couldn't determine the difference between my German stickered one and a Chinese one I bought for around £14. Compared to £280 for a stickered one from a dealer.

What I did find out was that the control mechanism is the same, it's just the valve under it that changes in diameter. If you get the same type/shape of valve. So if the electric part is faulty, there are a few that fit using the four bolts, onto your valve if it's still working ok. What you do have to be careful with is the voltage and wiring options. There are multiple voltage types and the wiring can be different dependent upon if you want led warning lights telling you when the valve is open or closed.

Your old valve should have the voltage range and wiring diagram on a sticker. You then need to just match the number of wires in the diagram.

This is what I found anyway. Others may have a different view.

 

[GeoffnDee]

Hymercedes ,Sargent electrical (www.sargentltd.co.uk) show a valve in their online shop that looks similar and may be worth a look at,

 

[Hymercedes]

Thank you very much for your detailed response and advice on a replacement ball valve. I'll give Sargent a call.

 

[Hymercedes]

I've unscrewed the plastic waste pipe but now find that turning the nut a quarter turn on the ball valve unit brings it against the wall of the tank.
I cannot see how it is possible to unscrew the unit. The very small area that houses it inside the insulated tank panelling is about the size of a 6" cube. Virtually impossible access. I had to use a chain wrench because no room for any other tool.
I am no mechanic and all helpful suggestions and advice would be greatly appreciated.

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