Leaking valves

[Tommy c]

So I have 4 boston valves on my sib and 2 are leaking until I screw the top cap on.
Is this normal?
I've searched ebay and they are less than 2 quid from China but a tenner from force 4. Is there a quality issue with the Chinese ones or are they all pretty much the same?
I don't mind waiting a couple of weeks to save 30 odd quid if they are all the same

[Fenlander]

Pretty well every SIB valve will let by and relies on the cap as the final seal. I'd only replace the valves if they allow air to whoosh past.

[Tommy c]

Thanks
What do you think about valve quality from say China vs uk marine dealers? Probably just get a couple as spares

[Fenlander]

In a decade of sibbing I've only bought two valves, one I still have as a spare. Otherwise I've found cleaning them blowing or washing grit out has done the job.

If they are sold as a brand you know but made in China then OK... but I'd be unsure about fitting Chinese unbranded.

[jeffstevens763@g]

I would only buy off such as ribshop, poly marine etc it's their bread and butter so you'll get good quality, as fenlander says valves last but I will say I left a valve open instead of depressed on a zodiac when I rolled it up it snapped off so I always carry a spare now an depress the valve and lock