Something's gone wrong

[kev54]

Something's gone wrong with the opening mechanism in our Thetford C400 toilet cassette. We took it out of the van to clean it, but now the green knob does not open the trap as it should. I know the top disc should come out to get at the mechanism, but it really doesn't want to budge as easily as the videos show. Any experiences / suggestions gratefully received.
P.S. I know it looks like the top is on the wrong way (arrow not pointing at dots - but it came like that as new! I think it was a case of making a right-hand base into a left-hand but it could be the reason I can't shift it now. Should I persist in trying to open it or complain to the supplier (despite 10 months working fine until we tried cleaning it)?
Kev

 

[Lenny HB]

The arm on the flap will have jumped off the operating arm easy to fix but you need to take it out. You need to use a length of timber as a lever to release it once out and sorted give the seal a coat of silicone grease it will make it easier in the future. Normally if they are changeable between left and right handed there are two sets of marks.

 

[kev54]

Thanks Lenny HB - you're always quick off the mark to help! That's what I was thinking, but wanted a bit of reassurance. Measuring the block of wood as lever while waiting. Silicone suggestion gratefully received.