Seacock valve for holding tank

[pbud]

We own a 2002 3800. I went to go do an overboard pump out on my holding tank and the handle on the seacock (Y valve) snapped off.
Can I just replace the handle and be good to go or do I need to replace the whole valve. How would I do that if the tank is half full?
Thanks,
Pbud

[jclark003]

Assuming you are talking about the y valve and not the thru-hull sea cock? If so You can try to replace the handle on the y valve and if unsuccessful, go to a marina and have the tank pumped out a couple times with fresh water flushing. Then get a bucket under the valve as residual waste will leak out when you pull the hoses. Probably should wear gloves, mask and eye protection. Good time to replace any stinky/permeated hoses too.

[RMS]

I had the same thing happen to my Bosworth brand Y-valve.  Unfortunately the whole valve needed to be replaced as a result.  Rinse a lot of fresh water through the system including down the tank discharge before you dismantle the current valve.  In the future, consider using a small amount of vegetable oil on occasion to lubricate the Y-valve.  I dribbled the oil down the tank discharge.

[Uhehner]

We own a 2002 3800. I went to go do an overboard pump out on my holding tank and the handle on the seacock (Y valve) snapped off.
Can I just replace the handle and be good to go or do I need to replace the whole valve.  How would I do that if the tank is half full?  
Thanks,
Pbud

I have had multiple valve handle failures on my boat. It's an '88. In each case the steel handle on the original valve rusted and weakened. Trying to find a replacement handle that fits was impossible. I replaced the whole valve with West Marine valves with heavy stainless steel handles and the problem was solved. 
You could try opening the overboard valve using a vise grip pliers for a handle. Then flush the tank and replace the whole valve.
Keep a short piece of PVC pipe on board to give you added leverage when cycling the valves. This should be part of your yearly maintenance.
Capt. George