Leaky Valve Repair Options...

[jdsoohoo]

Hi all,

So I have a small (slow leaking) hole on my 15m leading edge bladder's inflate valve (slingshot fuel 15m). Has anybody had any experience repairing le bladder valves? What's the best method? So far I have come across...

1) airtime u-stick valves: http://www.airtimekite.com/index.php/ai ... alves.html

2) using bladder patches cut to size: http://www.oceanextremesports.com/kiteb ... patch.html (one of many kinds)

3) buying a whole new le bladder (I want to avoid this if possible)

4) anything else?

Also, my friend has a bunch of #3 struts that have the same type of valve leakage problems (on both his 9m and 16m). However, he already tried to repair the leak between the valve and the bladder using some type of marine glue. Sadly, it did not work out so well for him and he is debating whether to buy new struts or attempt to patch.

Thanks for any advice in advance,
John

[nicole]

I have fuels and have replaced almost all the valves on them. The airtime u-stick is the best way to go. Pretty easy to do as well

[jdsoohoo]

Thanks for the quick response, Nicole! Great, I was leaning towards the u-stick valve option and probably will do it now that I have some first-hand user input. =]

Any thoughts for my friend, anyone? He probably can't get away with replacing the valve since he already used glue to try to fix it. Do you think cutting like a washer-shaped hole in a bladder patch would work?

Thanks,
John

[nicole]

oh i didnt even see the part about your friend's struts. you can use the airtime u-stick valves on those too. just make sure you get the right valve.

[jdsoohoo]

You're right! I just found some u-stick valves with a 3 inch base... should be plenty!