Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
Sunline RV Forum
Sunline User Photos

Go Back   Sunline Coach Owner's Club > Technical Forums > Repairs and Maintenance
Click Here to Login

Join Sunline Club Forums Today


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
Old 01-14-2017, 06:09 PM   #1
Senior Member
 
noralee's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 405
SUN #4422
noralee is an unknown quantity at this point
black tank gurggle

hi sunlineclub,

i haven't been active on here in a while. i've stopped camper projects to focus on a building project that i can share soon. so that has pretty much been my life for a while.

however, i recently cleaned out my black tank, way over due and after some difficulties with it. i filled and emptied it 2x and left happy camper over night with a full clean tank. now a few days later it is backing up and making a gurggling sound. kind of a glub glub glub as water flows down.

can anyone advise me on how to get it more clean, i guess? what might be causing this glub glub sound? not sure what to do now. with all the happy camper anything should have dissolved.

thank you
__________________

__________________
1983 Sunline TT1350
noralee is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-14-2017, 06:44 PM   #2
Moderator
 
JohnB's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Ohio
Posts: 12,643
SUN #89
JohnB is on a distinguished road
H'mm, Did you reconnect the blank tank? I lost track but I thought you unhooked it and piped direct.

Since you said black tank, I'm assuming the tank is back to normal? If so my first thought on the gurgle is lack of venting in the tank. There is a roof vent pipe that goes into the top of the tank so the tank is at atmospheric pressure. This allows air in and no vacuum to build in the tank when the water is leaving the tank.

Another question: Does the tank gurgle when the flush valve is open or only when it is closed? That helps tell us something.

If it gurgles when the flash valve is wide open, that says while the tank vent may be clogged, up top on the roof or in the tank, well the tank is venting through the flush valve drawing air in. If it gurgles in this condition then it may point to a downstream blockage on a sewer line vent. Somewhere the sewer pipe leaving the camper has to have a vent in some form or fashion.

It may also indicate the main sewer line might be partly clogged and going down in slugs of water rather than flowing evenly like normal.

Hope this helps

John
__________________

__________________
Current Sunlines: 2004 T310SR, 2004 T1950, 2004 T2475, 2007 T2499, 2004 T317SR
Prior Sunlines: 2004 T2499 - Fern Blue
2005 Ford F350 Lariat, 6.8L V10 W/ 4.10 rear axle, CC, Short Bed, SRW. Reese HP trunnion bar hitch W/ HP DC

Google Custom Search For Sunline Owners Club
JohnB is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-15-2017, 05:30 PM   #3
Senior Member
 
noralee's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 405
SUN #4422
noralee is an unknown quantity at this point
Than you John. Let me clarify because I'm not exactly sure how to proceed.
The black tank is the factory installed and has not been removed by me. The grey tank was removed. So, since the valve is only opened to drain to septic a couple times per month, I don't believe the problem is from the main septic line. This gurgling doesn't seem related to emptying the tank itself.

I have heard gurgles when the flush valve is open or closed but more probably when open.

It sounds like first I should open the vent from the roof and check for visual blockages.
__________________
1983 Sunline TT1350
noralee is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-15-2017, 05:58 PM   #4
Moderator
 
JohnB's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Ohio
Posts: 12,643
SUN #89
JohnB is on a distinguished road
Hi Noralee,

OK got it, gray tank gone, black tank original. I had forgot that...

To this:

Quote:
Originally Posted by noralee View Post
It sounds like first I should open the vent from the roof and check for visual blockages.
Yes, that is a good place to start. Once you get the vent cap off, you need to use a flashlight and try to see all the way into the tank that the pipe is clear. And or take a real long small pole and rod it out so you know you touched the bottom of the tank. You do not need to push hard, just making sure it is open. Sometimes spiders build nests up in the roof vent area. Of bee's nests or both.

Hope this helps

John
__________________
Current Sunlines: 2004 T310SR, 2004 T1950, 2004 T2475, 2007 T2499, 2004 T317SR
Prior Sunlines: 2004 T2499 - Fern Blue
2005 Ford F350 Lariat, 6.8L V10 W/ 4.10 rear axle, CC, Short Bed, SRW. Reese HP trunnion bar hitch W/ HP DC

Google Custom Search For Sunline Owners Club
JohnB is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-15-2017, 06:04 PM   #5
Moderator
 
JohnB's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Ohio
Posts: 12,643
SUN #89
JohnB is on a distinguished road
Also remember the correct way to walk on the roof, you need plywood pieces to place over the rafters to spread the load out, 2 ft x 4 ft x 3/8" thick or thicker is what I use. Small enough to lift up there but large enough to cross over the rafters. Find 2 rafters by feeling for the solid wood under that area and then make sure the plywood is touching there. Crossing 2, 3 more more rafters is a good thing. You have to cross over 2 of them and place your weight between them, but crossing more than 3 is better. 16" rafter centers is common but not always. Some times they are closer

See here. A good solid ladder


The plywood pieces. I also put down a tarp so I did not damage my rubber roof, yours is metal, but it can still add a level of help
to not scratch up the roof.

Good luck

John
__________________
Current Sunlines: 2004 T310SR, 2004 T1950, 2004 T2475, 2007 T2499, 2004 T317SR
Prior Sunlines: 2004 T2499 - Fern Blue
2005 Ford F350 Lariat, 6.8L V10 W/ 4.10 rear axle, CC, Short Bed, SRW. Reese HP trunnion bar hitch W/ HP DC

Google Custom Search For Sunline Owners Club
JohnB is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-16-2017, 11:17 AM   #6
Senior Member
 
noralee's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 405
SUN #4422
noralee is an unknown quantity at this point
Quote:
Originally Posted by JohnB View Post
Yes, that is a good place to start. Once you get the vent cap off, you need to use a flashlight and try to see all the way into the tank that the pipe is clear. And or take a real long small pole and rod it out so you know you touched the bottom of the tank. You do not need to push hard, just making sure it is open. Sometimes spiders build nests up in the roof vent area. Of bee's nests or both.
I have the top covered in screen to keep bugs out so that is unlikely. I will try to find something long enough to poke down there and see if that will fix it. Thank you
__________________
noralee is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-18-2017, 12:44 PM   #7
Senior Member
 
noralee's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 405
SUN #4422
noralee is an unknown quantity at this point
Quote:
Originally Posted by JohnB View Post
Once you get the vent cap off...
How do I get the cap off? It's just the small top disc, correct? I tried pulling and twisting.
__________________
noralee is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-18-2017, 02:45 PM   #8
Moderator
 
JohnB's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Ohio
Posts: 12,643
SUN #89
JohnB is on a distinguished road
Quote:
Originally Posted by noralee View Post
How do I get the cap off? It's just the small top disc, correct? I tried pulling and twisting.
There are a few types of caps. I do not know which style you have. The ones that I have seen there are screws holding it to the roof and the screws are covered in Dicor sealant. On these types, you dig out the Dicro down the the screw heads and take the screws out and the cap comes off.

This is one type, see cap between the Max air vent covers. 3 screws to the roof


Or like this, one screw on the cap only needed to be removed






If yours is different and if no one responds differently, take a pic and post. We can most times figure it out from a pic.

John
__________________
Current Sunlines: 2004 T310SR, 2004 T1950, 2004 T2475, 2007 T2499, 2004 T317SR
Prior Sunlines: 2004 T2499 - Fern Blue
2005 Ford F350 Lariat, 6.8L V10 W/ 4.10 rear axle, CC, Short Bed, SRW. Reese HP trunnion bar hitch W/ HP DC

Google Custom Search For Sunline Owners Club
JohnB is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-18-2017, 03:10 PM   #9
Senior Member
 
noralee's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 405
SUN #4422
noralee is an unknown quantity at this point
Quote:
Originally Posted by JohnB View Post
There are a few types of caps.

John
Oh goodness, I took a pic and then forgot to post. Here you go.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg IMAG0029.jpg (94.0 KB, 11 views)
__________________
noralee is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-18-2017, 03:29 PM   #10
Moderator
 
JohnB's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Ohio
Posts: 12,643
SUN #89
JohnB is on a distinguished road
H'mm. I wish you had a pic looking down on the top of it and maybe sort of looking up at it from the roof, like looking up in side.

That is an older style I have not seen before. There must be a screw or clip etc somehow to hold the cap on. I do not think it would untwist like a screw thread.

Maybe one of our folks with the older style camper has been into that style.

Sorry on this one.

John
__________________
Current Sunlines: 2004 T310SR, 2004 T1950, 2004 T2475, 2007 T2499, 2004 T317SR
Prior Sunlines: 2004 T2499 - Fern Blue
2005 Ford F350 Lariat, 6.8L V10 W/ 4.10 rear axle, CC, Short Bed, SRW. Reese HP trunnion bar hitch W/ HP DC

Google Custom Search For Sunline Owners Club
JohnB is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-18-2017, 05:25 PM   #11
Senior Member
 
noralee's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 405
SUN #4422
noralee is an unknown quantity at this point
I will take one tomorrow or Fri in the daylight unless someone clarifies before then. Thanks John.
__________________
1983 Sunline TT1350
noralee is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-20-2017, 09:01 PM   #12
Senior Member
 
noralee's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 405
SUN #4422
noralee is an unknown quantity at this point
More pics
Attached Images
File Type: jpg IMAG0036.jpg (69.8 KB, 7 views)
File Type: jpg IMAG0037.jpg (73.5 KB, 9 views)
__________________
noralee is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-20-2017, 10:15 PM   #13
Moderator
 
JohnB's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Ohio
Posts: 12,643
SUN #89
JohnB is on a distinguished road
Noralee,

H'mm, I'm not seeing anything on the top that looks like how to take the cover off. And I'm sure your not either...

If you use a mirror and shine a flashlight in at the correct angle, you "might" be able to look up under the lid and it may shed some "how to" take the top off. Or confirm the top does not come off.

I did find this Metal Roof Pipe Cover



There are 3 pics on that Vintage trailer site and that is a brand new one. While it may be a replacement, it may not be made the exact same way as yours. It had a screw in the middle of the cap

Hope this helps

John
__________________
Current Sunlines: 2004 T310SR, 2004 T1950, 2004 T2475, 2007 T2499, 2004 T317SR
Prior Sunlines: 2004 T2499 - Fern Blue
2005 Ford F350 Lariat, 6.8L V10 W/ 4.10 rear axle, CC, Short Bed, SRW. Reese HP trunnion bar hitch W/ HP DC

Google Custom Search For Sunline Owners Club
JohnB is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-21-2017, 12:48 PM   #14
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Florida
Posts: 1,279
SUN #1830
Jim-Bev-2363 is an unknown quantity at this point
Some vent covers had a spring tension clip to hole the top on. It might simply pull up and off. Since has so much rust it might be harder than normal to pull off. Maybe try to twist the cap to see is it is able to move. If it will rotate it will pull up. I hope,
__________________
Beverly & Jim
Sebring, Florida
1991 T-2363 Solaris
Jim-Bev-2363 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-21-2017, 12:50 PM   #15
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Florida
Posts: 1,279
SUN #1830
Jim-Bev-2363 is an unknown quantity at this point
I see you said you tried to twist and pull but maybe since rusted may take more effort.
__________________
Beverly & Jim
Sebring, Florida
1991 T-2363 Solaris
Jim-Bev-2363 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-21-2017, 12:53 PM   #16
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Florida
Posts: 1,279
SUN #1830
Jim-Bev-2363 is an unknown quantity at this point
I saw you said you tried to twist and pull but rust may make it harder than usual to pull off. Try again, with gusto.
__________________
Beverly & Jim
Sebring, Florida
1991 T-2363 Solaris
Jim-Bev-2363 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-21-2017, 12:55 PM   #17
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Florida
Posts: 1,279
SUN #1830
Jim-Bev-2363 is an unknown quantity at this point
Sorry for double post. My bad.
__________________
Beverly & Jim
Sebring, Florida
1991 T-2363 Solaris
Jim-Bev-2363 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-23-2017, 11:06 AM   #18
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: Maine
Posts: 154
SUN #8853
ggrvguy is an unknown quantity at this point
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jim-Bev-2363 View Post
I saw you said you tried to twist and pull but rust may make it harder than usual to pull off. Try again, with gusto.
I think that old metal type is spot welded together. You have to unscrew it from the roof and remove the whole thing.
Gary G
__________________
1990 StarRay T170
2008 Chevy Silverado 1500
ggrvguy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-24-2017, 04:19 PM   #19
Senior Member
 
noralee's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 405
SUN #4422
noralee is an unknown quantity at this point
I agree, I think it is 1 piece welded together so I'll have to unscrew from the roof unfortunately. Thank you all. Hopefully it will solve the problem.
__________________
1983 Sunline TT1350
noralee is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-24-2017, 06:56 PM   #20
Moderator
 
JohnB's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Ohio
Posts: 12,643
SUN #89
JohnB is on a distinguished road
Noralee,

You will have to dig through the Dicor to get to the screws and break the seal to the top of the camper. You may have to use a heat gun or hair dryer to warm it enough a very dull putty knife to dig into it. Keep the heat gun/hair dryer moving so it does not overheat in one location.

Then you need more Dicor and Buytl sealing tape to put it back on. And the old vent may need to be replaced as it may be too far damaged getting it off and it being so old and rusted. They are not that expensive thankfully and some have removable lids.

Good luck

John
__________________

__________________
Current Sunlines: 2004 T310SR, 2004 T1950, 2004 T2475, 2007 T2499, 2004 T317SR
Prior Sunlines: 2004 T2499 - Fern Blue
2005 Ford F350 Lariat, 6.8L V10 W/ 4.10 rear axle, CC, Short Bed, SRW. Reese HP trunnion bar hitch W/ HP DC

Google Custom Search For Sunline Owners Club
JohnB is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Leaking Black water tank. Nightlites13 Repairs and Maintenance 13 08-16-2018 03:46 PM
Saturn black water tank repair / removal? larry818 Repairs and Maintenance 8 11-30-2008 10:43 PM
Black Tank Drain ? Chef Ron Repairs and Maintenance 2 07-09-2008 04:03 PM
Factory installed Black Tank Rinser kanyonkitty Repairs and Maintenance 4 05-21-2008 03:13 PM
Black / Gray Tank Flushing Kits PTHutch Modifications 10 06-16-2007 08:11 AM


» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Sunline RV or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 06:47 AM.


×