fix-a-fuel

hobbsla · Since 28 Jan 2006 389 Posts Obsessed

Can anyone suggest a DIY repair for this?

Thanks.

kitebot · Since 20 Feb 2007 251 Posts Obsessed

I just like how it says "splitstrut". I'd just hand sew it with dental floss, it's worked for me on my main strut.

Good luck!

Kataku2k3 · Since 14 Aug 2005 3754 Posts PDX-LA Videographer

If you want to try tape (which I personally wouldn't), I'd use a BIG patch of Tear Aid. Those struts have a big load on the seams when the kite's inflated, so once it goes, you're probably going to pop the bladder too.

Air Time would get my vote! Wink

blancoh2o · Since 15 Mar 2005 1154 Posts Oregon Phishy

Airtime fixed one of mine that had the same seam problem for very little. I think like $25. Well worth it in my opinion.

Sol-flyer · Tue Oct 16, 07 7:22 am

airtime first, that repair will cost very lil,....shipping might cost more.

i've sewn those up myself, take the bladder out and try to get the seam exposed. Which usually mean feeding thru the lil opening at the end of the strut. if you try to sew on the outside it will bind the material, which may cause a slight flight malfunction. Question

good luck!

tinyE · Since 21 Jan 2006 2004 Posts not really an XTreme Poster

I used this guy, and he's awesome... and local...
finished my repair (similar to your's) in the same day.

http://www.nwkite.com/forums/t-5748.html&highlight=portland+repair

registered · Since 12 Jul 2005 1319 Posts tsunami Sandbagger

not that I recommend this but... I have had several fuels do this , got sick of sending them back for warranty fix Wink

. Now I pinch off the strut before inflation, then open it to fill after kite is inflated , then pinch it off again to fly incase it blows out.(so the rest of kite does not deflate.) I have flown 2 kites all summer just like that with out repair.
like I said not recomended but definately can be done.
this is a weak spot on the stitch there but there are two layers there which is why its not ruptured already.

genek · Since 21 Jul 2006 2165 Posts East Po KGB

Just be sure not to sew it through the original stitching holes since that'll pull out in no time. Some stupid repair lady did that for me on Oahu. It took longer, cost more, and stitching was ripped out after first session. Unfortunately, by then I was flying home and the store in Kailua wouldn't believe the pictures I emailed them. Airtime did it for me in about 15min for $15, but it was smaller than yours. They simply pulled the bladder over to the other side to avoid putting holes in it and then stitched over the top. It was pretty close to original holes so the strut shape didn't really change and kite flew the same. I'm sure you could do the same with some nylon thread and a sewing machine or just pay the $25 to have someone with experience do it.

Tony · Since 28 Aug 2006 940 Posts Portland Opinionated

I had the exact same thing happen to one of the fuels I have...

Here's the cheapest and best way to do it...
Here's what I did...

Option #1....Get your girlfriend or mom to go into Jo-Ann fabrics (if your in Portland) and have them buy you a small role of Upholstery thread and a threading needle to go w/ it...Make sure you get Upholstery thread - trust me man - that shit wont break...Maybe in 10 years, but by that time, you'll probably not even have that kite....Anyways, It cost me less than a whop'n 3 bucks...
I spent the most - 10 minutes to sew it back up...Easy as stealing candy from a baby...Just don't sew through your bladder (strut).
Overall, my little sewing job is bullet proof... Wink

Option #2...Have airtime do it....
They are the best....But it will cost you a few bucks more...Just like everyone said....15-20 bucks....Thats not including the 10-15 bucks in gas or shipping....

Good luck bro....

NERDSKI · Since 03 Mar 2006 31 Posts THE DITCH

AIRTIME 4 SURE

JUMPIN JIMI · Since 11 Nov 2006 123 Posts Stoked

I THOUGHT BEST HAD BAD CONSTRUCTION Question

THOSE SS JUST DONT HOLD UP Exclamation

Kataku2k3 · Since 14 Aug 2005 3754 Posts PDX-LA Videographer

Edited because I'm retarded... Laughing

toddjb · Since 16 Oct 2007 271 Posts MD Obsessed

happened to my '06 as well. just seems to be a weak point of the design, where the strut bends. the stitch was actually pulling out of the edge of the fabric so the repair guy put new fabric inside (Which you can't see in these photos), but here's how it looked. Repair was rock solid after this.

that was my '06 fuel. i loved that kite! <sigh>

hobbsla · Since 28 Jan 2006 389 Posts Obsessed

Mines an 06 too.

Thanks for all of the advice. I like the ideas for fixin it myself but I'll probably go with airtime so it gets done right.

Later Cool

shymac · Since 20 Jul 2005 919 Posts Home Valley, Wa. Bigfoot

Clip your struts before you ride. this will help prevent air from being force into the struts making them split. Try it, i have and have never had any issues but it might just be me.

magicmaker · Since 29 Oct 2006 895 Posts da Hood Opinionated

shastadogs2 · Since 28 Mar 2005 336 Posts Obsessed

piece of cake:
deflate the bladder in the strut, but only take it out if you're a retard.
snap the strut hard so the bladder drops to the bottom of the sleeve; you can pinch the strut and feel it when the bladder is out of harms way.
use upholstery thread and a little curved carpet needle, you can buy em at craft stores or even walmart. they look like little suture needles. use the original holes. sew above and below the defect.
done.