Leaking Dump Valve

gnac · Since 05 Sep 2014 66 Posts Husum

I have a 2015 10M Rally. When I pump it up full (10-12psi) I hear a hiss coming from the dump valve.

Looking at it, it appears that the plug is being forced out by the pressure. If I push it in all the way and make sure the velcro cover is really tight it tends to stop. Not really comforting to be out on the water thinking my valve could fail at any time.

Short of a full valve replacement, is there something I could do to the existing valve to ensure a tight, non-leaking plug. eg some goop to put on the plug, or a zip tie around the outside of the valve ...

ldhr · Since 21 Jul 2009 1473 Posts Hood River XTreme Poster

the valve might be made out a rubber/plastic material that has memory.
you might try submersing the valve in hot water and letting it cool.
that might encourage the valve to return to it's original shape.
life's too short to be messing with a leaky valve - for peace of mind - take the kite to Airtime in HR and they'll put a new valve on for you.

chrissmack · Since 08 Jun 2005 515 Posts portland Addicted

might not help your situation, but....

when i am done kiting, i leave both the small fill plug and the big dump plug out. as in not closed. this way the plugs are not stretching the necks when the kite is stored. i find it makes for tighter fitting plugs.

eric · Since 13 Jan 2006 1805 Posts XTreme Poster

^^^

Very important re leaving plugs out when done

Hot water may do the trick. Don't heat up the glue that holds the plug base flush to the bladder, however. Just immerse the male and female plug union parts.

gnac · Since 05 Sep 2014 66 Posts Husum

Here I have been putting the plugs back in on purpose.

I had heard/read it was a: to keep the shape of the valves uniform, b: keep sand/grit/whatnot out of the bladder.

I'll try the hot water, but yes in the end I'll take it to Airtime. Just need a string of consecutive days where I won't need my 10m.

wylieflyote · Mon Aug 08, 16 11:11 am

Could the "zip tie fix" work in this case? I've read here and on PSKite where you enclose the valve collar in a small zip-tie, tension it some to reduce the inside diameter of the opening. Then your plug is tight next time.
Look here:
http://pskite.org/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=10076&start=0&hilit=zip+tie#p76291

Always remove and store with all valves open. I think Naish's all state this in a warning label.

gnac · Since 05 Sep 2014 66 Posts Husum

Thanks for the link wylieflyote, I know I had seen a similar solution on this forum, but I couldn't find it today before posting.

deminimis · Since 15 Jul 2014 326 Posts On the Rocks Obsessed

Sorry for the hijack, but is 10-12psi the way to go? I've been pumping my '14 Rallys (or is it "Rallies") to 8-8.5 as I thought 8psi was the magic number (of course pump gauges are probably not all that accurate). Frankly, I've felt they are too soft at 8, so if 10-12 is okay, I'd like to give that a go (or a perhaps 9-ish). My 10m is the one I'm generally concerned about. Thanks for letting me play through.

voy-tech · Mon Aug 08, 16 1:57 pm

Great tip about keeping the valves open, I always kept the inflate valve in after deflating (basically I never touch it when deflating), but I'll change that now.
All my 2014 Rally and RPM kites need to be at least at 9psi or they will loose their shape in gusts or when steered rapidly (and won't boost that well). 2016 Rally behaves a little better, but the 2014's I have need to be rock hard to fly right.

deminimis · Since 15 Jul 2014 326 Posts On the Rocks Obsessed

Thanks VT.

dangler · Since 26 Feb 2006 1744 Posts WINDY SPOTS XTreme Poster

I've always maintained you can't put too much air in with a manual pump. However, my buddy was trying out a new high end pump, and proceeded to overinflate his kite with very little effort. Leading edge center seam split, he stopped just before it would have blown.

deminimis · Since 15 Jul 2014 326 Posts On the Rocks Obsessed

Thanks Dangler. Thanks again gnac for the hijack.

lubomm · Since 15 Aug 2007 247 Posts Hood Stoked

I own a 2015 10m RPM which I purchased new. I had the same problem when after several sessions I kept noticing each time the kite was softer after a couple of hrs on the water. Finally I found that the dump valve was leaking in the same way as you describe. I also own a 2015 7m RPM but its dump valve did not leak.

I called Slingshot support and have to say they were very responsive! I wanted to let them know about the problem as I was planning to buy a valve from airtime and replace it myself (I had done that a few years before) or have Airtime do it for me.

I never considered any other solutions. A new valve will give you piece of mind. I have used the 10m a couple of times after the valve replacement and there are no issues at all.

I would suggest contact Slingshot support to let them know that this may be a recurring problem. If you purchased the kite new it may still be under warranty.

gnac · Since 05 Sep 2014 66 Posts Husum

Good idea lubomm. I honestly never thought to call slingshot direct; I bought the kite used, but still, I'm sure the worst case would be 15 minutes of wasted phone time, best case a repaired kite.

Thanks for the suggestion.

Sasquatch · Since 09 Mar 2005 2062 Posts PNW Bigfoot

Hopefully this guy didn't have a leaking dump valve.

deminimis · Since 15 Jul 2014 326 Posts On the Rocks Obsessed

Butt for the grace of Seal Cement, there goes I.

windfun7 · Since 23 Aug 2015 40 Posts

Makes one rethink going commando under the wetsuit (another reason a seat harness can be a real asset)