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Cracked Kite Valves

 
Post new topic   Reply to topic    Northwest Kiteboarding -> Gorge / Portland / Oregon Coast
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Slappysan

Since 13 Jun 2012
308 Posts

Obsessed



PostMon Jun 22, 15 4:31 pm    Cracked Kite Valves Reply with quote

I've had to deal with cracked kite valves a few times and usually I just do a $15 U-stick replacement.

I have an older kite that I already replaced one valve on with several more that are just waiting to leak. I ended up just replacing the whole kite with something newer as the cost just wasn't justified for all the needed valves and bother doing it.

I'm considering letting a buddy use the kite to thrash up while starting out now so I was wondering if anyone knows of a way to reinforce the cracked parts of the valves before they break all the way through.

Super glue?
Wetsuit repair?
Shoe goo?

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Dern

Since 11 Jul 2010
544 Posts
Vancouver, WA
Addicted



PostMon Jun 22, 15 8:11 pm     Reply with quote

Which part of the valve are we talking about? Are these the standard (old) style flexible PVC type like the ones you find on inflatable toys?

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Slappysan

Since 13 Jun 2012
308 Posts

Obsessed



PostMon Jun 22, 15 9:04 pm     Reply with quote

The standard ones, they look exactly like the U-stick versions:

http://www.airtimekite.com/index.php/airtime-kite-bladders/valves/u-stick-9mm-fix-kit.html

http://www.airtimekite.com/index.php/airtime-kite-bladders/valves/u-stick-7mm-fix-kit.html

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SalmonSlayer

Since 27 Nov 2005
648 Posts

Addicted

CGKA Member


PostTue Jun 23, 15 6:48 am     Reply with quote

Do you have access to old bladder valves? I save old bladders from kites I throw away and use the valves to replace damaged valves. Replacement can be made easy by cutting off the bad cracked stem, but leaving the existing flange. Take the good valve from the old bladder and glue the flange onto the existing flange. This ensures proper placement of the new valve because you are just placing it on the old flange. Just make sure the tab that holds the stopper is in the same position as the old valve. For some reason I forget this too often

I use 3m 5200 Fast Cure caulking. You can get it in a toothpaste size tube at Home Depot It is a little spendy for the size but you get your moneys worth when you discover how well it works.

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Sasquatch

Since 09 Mar 2005
2053 Posts
PNW
Bigfoot



PostTue Jun 23, 15 8:05 am     Reply with quote

SalmonSlayer wrote:
Do you have access to old bladder valves? I save old bladders from kites I throw away and use the valves to replace damaged valves. Replacement can be made easy by cutting off the bad cracked stem, but leaving the existing flange. Take the good valve from the old bladder and glue the flange onto the existing flange. This ensures proper placement of the new valve because you are just placing it on the old flange. Just make sure the tab that holds the stopper is in the same position as the old valve. For some reason I forget this too often

I use 3m 5200 Fast Cure caulking. You can get it in a toothpaste size tube at Home Depot It is a little spendy for the size but you get your moneys worth when you discover how well it works.


$$$$$$$$$ advice. Great idea to salvage a few parts from an old kite that has little to no life left in it.

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pauls

Since 20 Jun 2005
562 Posts
white salmon
Addicted



PostWed Jun 24, 15 6:15 am     Reply with quote

Tear-aid and Aquaseal depending on location (not together) have worked for me at least temporarily

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