Toilet cassette maintenance

[Dolomite Pete]

The center of the toilet cassette shown in the pic looks like it should rotate and come out for maintenance? is that the case as mine doesn't won't to rotate. It may just need a bit more force but I thought I'd consult the forum first. The mechanism has got stiff and I think the seals may need replacing. Presumably this stuffs all available? Any advice appreciated.

 

[DavidG58]

My opinion, as you can buy complete kits of new cassette and replacement seat / lid for about £60, you will never catch me messing around taking one to bits to save a few £'s

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CARAVAN-T...268?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item1c4d645cc4

edit

might need to revise my pricing, but even at £85, I still wouldn't be taking mine to bits, but we have a black tank anyway

 

[phase3begins]

Don't think it does rotate. Never tried but....

Google thetford cassette parts diagram which should give some idea of the construction

 

[DiggerJon]

If it ain't broke..........

 

[Dolomite Pete]

The reason to want to remove the plate is due to the mechanism becoming stiff and the seal for the operating spindle leaking a bit.

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[Mousy]

@Techno100 did a very good thread on taking his apart to clean it.

Try a search, I think he might of replaced the seals too.

 

[tonka]

Go to the Thetford website.. Lots of info on doing repairs etc..

BUT as above.. "if it aint broke etc"

 

[Mousy]

Have you tried spraying silicon lubricant?

 

[GJH]

It doesn't rotate. As you are probably aware, the centre cover slides out to reveal the seal and the disc which is opened when the toilet is in use. The disc can be opened by twisting the green knob.

When the cover is removed there may be some screws visible depending on model. The two bars either side of the cover pull off and reveal more screws. Removing the screws allows the seal to be removed (and also gives access for more thorough cleaning).

Thetford sell special stuff for cleaning/lubricating the seal but olive oil is as good in my experience (not sunflower or vegetable oil or other lubricants). You may find the seal has hardened but replacing it (check eBay, much cheaper than the full kit) is easy. The original can then be rubbed with olive oil and may recover its suppleness enough to be used as a spare.

Thetford have maintenance manuals downloadable at their web site.

 

[Techno]

Mine is a C200 the one pictured is a different model but which one?

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[Lenny HB]

Yep it just rotates, if you open the flap you can put your hand in to get a bit more pressure it is quite stiff.
Take a note of which way it was fitted as it can be fitted the opposite way round, this is for for LH or RH fitting.

 

[Lenny HB]

Mine is a C200 the one pictured is a different model but which one?

From the photo I would say it's a C400 series, the bench seat models.

 

[Techno]

Yep it just rotates, if you open the flap you can put your hand in to get a bit more pressure it is quite stiff.
Take a note of which way it was fitted as it can be fitted the opposite way round, this is for for LH or RH fitting.

It actually looks out of parallel in the picture, could that be why it is stiff?

 

[Lenny HB]

It doesn't rotate. As you are probably aware, the centre cover slides out to reveal the seal and the disc which is opened when the toilet is in use. The disc can be opened by twisting the green knob.

It does rotate the older ones had screw fitting no screws on the newer ones.

 

[GJH]

It does rotate the older ones had screw fitting no screws on the newer ones.

Thank you Lenny. I've only used the old fashioned ones

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[Roryboys Dad]

It does move.

If you look alongside the Red marker on the picture you can see an 'arrow' indentation.

Move the Red marker anti clockwise towards the Blue marker and then you can lift it off and access the interior.

It is usually stiff to move, it's supposed to be a tight fit, but if you slide the lid across it's easier to get a grip and move it round.

To spend around £60, as suggested earlier, for a new Cassette rather than spend a few minutes cleaning or easily repairing the cassette seems to reinforce the theory that a fool and his money are soon parted.

 

[Lenny HB]

It actually looks out of parallel in the picture, could that be why it is stiff?

Nar it's his lope sided photo.

 

[Dolomite Pete]

Thanks to all who have replied, I put a little more force on and it rotated out easily, as you can see from the photo. Its now very easy to clean and lub the seals with with the Thetford spray which I do have. I like the olive oil advice though. Many thanks for your help guys.

 

[Gromett]

Was just about to post my adventures with this very subject.

http://www.fulltiming.info/fulltiming/another-toilet-disaster

But you have got it done already so well done....

I put a new one in mine and now once every 3-6 months I strip it down and soak it in citric acid to get rid of limescale build up. I am a fulltimer so it happens quicker for me.

The stiffness is what caused my rod to break so preventative maintenance is required for my setup I think.

 

[phase3begins]

Live and learn. Thanks

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[cydersyd]

The best limescale cleaner I've ever used is 2 litres of the cheapest coka cola you can find

 

[Gromett]

The best I have found and I have tried everything is Citric Acid. I use it on everything now...
You can buy it in crystal form from ebay or amazon very cheaply.

 

[Glandwr]

Why not get another on ebay, clean you old one and carry it as a spare. Having two cassettes gives you a sense of security that is second to none when touring. LOL

Dick

 

[TheCaller]

To spend around £60, as suggested earlier, for a new Cassette rather than spend a few minutes cleaning or easily repairing the cassette seems to reinforce the theory that a fool and his money are soon parted.

Some people are happy to clean the crud out of the inside of their toilet, others less so.

If you've spent 80 odd grand on your motorhome, spending another £60 every three or four years so as not to have to clean the rather unpleasant crud out of its innards seems a pretty rational choice to me.

Each to their own - after all, some people would just buy a whole new motorhome at that point.

 

[TheBig1]

once dismantled and cleaned, place the rubber seal in a sealed plastic bag and pop it in the freezer overnight. they then return to their new state so dont leak when reassembled. much cheaper and quicker than buying a replacement

as for "crud" buildup, clean and empty as normal then pour 4 litres of own brand cola in there, close up and allow to work. i turn mine over every few hours as the cola works to clean the moving parts. next day wash it out with clean water. whatever you do when cleaning the cassette, dont be too vigorous sloshing the water end to end of the cassette. this will damage the mechanism

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[GJH]

If you've spent 80 odd grand on your motorhome,

80 odd grand?

Don't those who do that get the butler to clean their crud?

 

[Deleted34567]

I am a fulltimer so it happens quicker for me.

The stiffness is what caused my rod to break.

Bloody hell Gromett,
No wonder you walk with a hump !!

 

[jockaneezer]

Some people are happy to clean the crud out of the inside of their toilet, others less so.
Each to their own - after all, some people would just buy a whole new motorhome at that point.

As an old fitter used to say at work,"It may be $hit to you my lad, but it's bread and butter to a plumber"

 

[Lenny HB]

80 odd grand?

Don't those who do that get the butler to clean their crud?

Don't be silly spent over 60k on ours, skint now all the money went on the van, that's why we wild can't afford to use sites.

 

[TheCaller]

As an old fitter used to say at work,"It may be $hit to you my lad, but it's bread and butter to a plumber"

Did he also say "Come snap time, never swap sandwiches with a plumber"?

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