Re: [A/S] Black Water Tank Capacity and Removal of Solids

[Perry Scudder <perryjoe@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Fritz,
I don't know if your trailer comes with the built in flushing jet nozzle
like my 1998 34' Limited or not, but some kind of jet nozzle can be used
to blast away the buildup in the tank. You can purchase a hose connected
jet you put down through the toilet while you hold the flushing valve
open and use the side directed jet to wash out the entire inside of the
tank. You can also make one of these out of a section of pvc pipe with a
cap on one end with a hole drilled in the side of the cap, and a hose
connection on the other end. As I stated at the beginning of this
response, my tank has a flushing jet built into the tank, I empty the
tank by turning on the jet and allowing it to get the water in the tank
really stirred up then open the tank dump valve and keep the jet running
while the tank dumps. I then allow the jet to run long enough to put 3
or 4 gallons in the tank for travel. I then add my tank chemicals with
cleaner and valve lube to try and keep the tanks clean and the valves
working for the long hall.
I found my tank level indicators were incorrect when I purchased my
trailer that was used 3 years by the first owner. I learned from this
list and from my service book that the indicators are adjustable for
sensitivity. I made the adjustments to both holding tanks, and now have
them working very close to the actual level in the tanks. The adjustment
is on the electronic card that has the readout on the front. These can
be accessed by removing the panel, and locating the small adjustment
screws on the top end of the two tank indicators modules. I emptied my
tanks, and let them set for a few minutes to be sure the level sensors
had time to dry, then turned the adjustments until only the bottom
"empty light" was lit. The tricky part for me was getting the panel out
of the range hood. I got the information from this list on how to remove
the panel. It is held in place by several vertical "L" shaped feet. All
the feet point to the right except the row on the left end of the
indicator panel. You have to slide the panel as far to the right as you
can, then take a knife and lift the left vertical edge of the panel out
away from the mounting surface until the little "L" shaped feet clear
the mounting surface. Now slide the panel to the left as far as you can,
which will allow the "L" shaped feet in the other rows to clear their
notches, and it will lift clear of the mounting surface. The entire job
took me 15 minutes once I figured out how to get the panel out to gain
access to the adjustments.
Get those tanks cleaned out, keep them wet, and clean, and get your
level indicators adjusted correctly, and ENJOY your Airstream.

Joe Scudder
WBCCI 8624
1998 34' Limited