strut valve fix

[alec saunders]

Im currently flying a vari condor with a one pump system. The rubber valve that connects the leading edge to the strut has split, meaning air can flow out. The kite stays resonably inflated for around 30 mins but after that it becomes un-flyable. Is there a fix for the rubber valve, its split on the lower section, below the nozzzle on the edge of the valve.

 

Thanks alot

[cowboy54]

You could try a kitefix replacement valve. Check first if you can remove the old valve by simmering in hot water and gradually peeling off. Repeat heating and peeling as it cools.

Otherwise its order a new strut bladder

[garc]

Buy some StormSure glue for about £5. Blob some of that on it and leave for 24 hours. Worth a go before buying a new bladder !

 

Edit: Is it the valve or the rubber pipe though ?

[alec saunders]

thanks alot both of you, really helpful. The bit that has split is not the actual rubber tube connecting the strut bladder to the leading edge. Its the clear rubber nozzle thing at the base, you cant pump it up from there or anything it just connects the black rubber tube to the leading edge.

[garc]

thanks alot both of you, really helpful. The bit that has split is not the actual rubber tube connecting the strut bladder to the leading edge. Its the clear rubber nozzle thing at the base, you cant pump it up from there or anything it just connects the black rubber tube to the leading edge.

 

In that case I'd would blob some StormSure on it definitely. Obviously you don't want to put so much on that it goes down into the valve and sticks the bladder together though. That stuff dries into flexible rubber. I've used it to re-stick a valve to a bladder and it's rock solid. It's like snot to a blanket though so try not to get it on your fingers or you end up accidentally picking bits of things up for the rest of the day with your fingers until it dries LOL Give it 24 hrs to dry though before you re-pump. I've used it recently on a 14m North Rhino LE valve. I knew it had a leak somewhere and sure enough when I took it out the vlave was peeling off. What I also didn't realise is that the LE has about 5 other repairs in it including a full width tear and that was bought used from a 'proper' shop. Couldn't believe it. Now I know how good this StormSure is though I'd just take off the valves and get a new bladder.

[alec saunders]

Thanks Garc, great advice. Is this the right stuff?

 

STORMSURE/STORMSEAL WATERPROOF WATERPROOFING REPAIR NEW: Amazon.co.uk: Sports & Leisure

[garc]

That's the stuff. ONE POUND TWENTY NINE ! I was robbed at a fiver then