galley gray tank valve issue on 3121RL

[mattf]

The galley gray tank gate valve on our 2019 3121RL has become extremely difficult to operate. After searching the files it sounds like either the valve or the cable needs to be replaced, but I have a few questions that hopefully can be answered:

- the current valve is a Lasalle Bristol. Can the 4 bolts on the Lasalle Bristol valve be removed, the valve taken out, and a Valterra valve installed or are the parts not interchangeable? If not interchangeable, since the current valve is located so close to the gray tank, would there be any issue with leaving the current valve in place and permanently open, then installing a Valterra valve downstream on the drain pipe?

- if I find that the gate valve slides freely and it's a problem with the cable, can a Valterra cable be used to replace the Lasalle Bristol cable?

Appreciate any input from those who have had to deal with the problem

[1retired06]

No experience with the Lasalle brand you cited. However, you could certainly leave it open and install a Valterra anywhere in the line. Issue is the cable run. If you are good doing this work, I recommend you do what I did. I got really fed up with the cable pulls, and with some minor rework of the plumbing (it is just PVC runs, and a couple of rubber flex connections, went from cable to direct threaded rod pulls no longer than 8 inches. 4 plus years later I have had no issues and can open with my little finger. Did all four of my tanks (2 black 2 gray). Had to relocate 2 of the four pull locations, and I have to bend down to pull, but glad i made the modifications.

[Carl n Susan]

The Bristol and the Valtera use the same bolt pattern so the valves are interchangeable. The cables are different (braided v solid) and are not interchangeable. Most likely the cable is the current problem. It can be removed leaving the valve in place to clean it up and lube it. I went ahead and swapped it for the Valtera valve and cable just because.

[Arkware]

I replaced mine with Valtera Valves and cables.

Recomended.