Leaking floor valve and patched tube

jbavvo · 02 September 2013, 14:47

Hi all, I've seen several articles about repairing inflatables and just wanted to confirm what I'm doing is right before I start.

Firstly, the inflatable keel on my YAM deflates within about 10 minutes now. I did the soapy water test and it's definitely coming from the valve.

I've read that it could just be mucky and removing the valve and cleaning it with soapy water could just fix it. Alternatively it could need replacing. Does this sound right? And if so, should I try cleaning it first before replacing, or just do it in one go?

Either way I'll need a valve spanner. Is there a cheaper/DIY option, or is it worth paying the £12 for the proper tool? I believe it's the BRAVO 2001 valve.

Secondly, there's a patch on the rear sponson which has just started leaking in the last month or two (think it may have been the summer heat/pressure).

As you can see, it's pretty minor. And it takes over a week to go around 70% firm. Is there a way of resealing the edge, or using sealant on the inside? I'd rather not remove and replace the patch if I can avoid it.

Any advice greatly received!

uncle al · 02 September 2013, 14:55

before you try to remove the valve try the following,You will need the proper tool or make one ,
1/ undo the valve about 3/4 of a turn,
2/ inflate to the correct preasure then quickly tighten the valve,
3/ cos you will have lost some pressure re-inflate to the correct preasure and check for leaks if it still leaks, sorry the valve should be re-placed.
Doing the above has saved me the job of replacing the valve, what happens is when the boat is made some times the rubber inside crunchs up ,by slackening the valve and inflating you (hopefully) straighten out that rubber ,

jbavvo · 02 September 2013, 15:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by uncle al

before you try to remove the valve try the following,You will need the proper tool or make one

Thanks, sounds like a good place to start. Any advice on making a tool?

uncle al · 02 September 2013, 16:19

all I did was find a bit of metal pipe and cut to fit,it was still better than the factory one, the factory one (merc/mar) was thin steel which bent easily.

Locozodiac · 02 September 2013, 19:35

Is it an air leak side of outter valve or through middle pin ? If outter, same procedure recommended by Uncle Al. If inner push valve pin open and air blast with compressor, probably have debris, sand particles located between silicone round gasket and inner valve neck. If removing air valve, try sitting on same fabric marked position previously stretched as to sit well tight.

Happy Boating

jbavvo · 02 September 2013, 20:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by Locozodiac

Is it an air leak side of outter valve or through middle pin ?

It's leaking from around the outside (mainly from top and bottom). Thanks, I'll give it a go.

Any advice on the leaking patch?

S4Simon · 03 September 2013, 01:00

The best solution for the patch is to remove the old patch and clean and apply a new patch. If you attempt to try and solve the problem by applying more adhesive or a new patch over the top this will just mask the original issue, and the air will just find the next weakest point along the patch.

The only other issue is the size of the patch, which could be hiding quite a sizeable hole or tear (you should be able to feel the size of the damage). IThe repair looks like a professional job. It's just that the adhesive is giving way.

Any professional repair shop would replace the patch without question - it's the only sure way of providing a good fix.

S4Simon · 03 September 2013, 01:06

Re: the valve. If the air is coming from under the collar then it looks as though the adhesive holding the valve in has had it. Which would mean removing the valve completely, cleaning the affected areas, and if the valve is still in good condition, re install valve. Tricky job but do-able.

Here's hopng the valve just needs reseating as stated above.

jbavvo · 09 October 2013, 10:40

Sorted the leaking floor valve. I bought the tool, removed the valve and cleaned with Fairy Liquid, put it back together and tightened it back up - it's now perfect and holds 100%.

Cheers for the help.

bingosucks · 09 October 2013, 22:44

You need to use a he

bingosucks · 09 October 2013, 22:46

Heatgun to remove the patch an inner patch is prob req too search the threads i had some brill advice. Its not hard to patch you just need patience

jbavvo · 10 October 2013, 10:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by bingosucks

Heatgun to remove the patch an inner patch is prob req too search the threads i had some brill advice. Its not hard to patch you just need patience

Cheers. I'm going to hold off repairing the patch for now. The air leak is minimal and I no longer trailer it, just pack it down. If it gets any worse I'll tackle it over the winter.