Replacing the whole valve body

[BigE]

I'm still struggling with an air leak somewhere on my RIB. I replaced all the valves and it improved a bit but it still seems to go a bit baggy within 5 days which means regular checking and pumping up.

I've noticed it's the back right tube and bow tube which seem to be the worst. I could replace the inner valves again but I noticed the front value assembly ) turns if you give it little force so maybe it needs taking off cleaning/replacing and fitting again. It's a PVC boat and obviously the PVC is very thick and not exactly easy to feel though. I watched this

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXSdzpzfMS0&t=15s

for a Hyalon boat on how to remove the valve body and is it the same principle? I'm worried that if I remove the upper part of the plastic body then I won't be able to reattach it to the lower part as the PVC is so thick there won't be anything to grip onto much. If there a trick to this or it a do or die scenario?

These are what I have (picture before replacing the inner valve):

[office888]

Confirm the leak location and fix as needed.

It's almost never a valve leak.
.

[BigE]

Thanks for the input but not quite what I asked about gripping the underside of the recessed value body.

[paintman]

http://valves.polymarine.com/?page_id=78
and
http://www.polymarine.com/pdfs/ReplacementValvePVC.pdf

Have you actually tried deflating the section & seeing if you can get a grip on the inner part or be able to hold it in position whilst you remove the old top & either repair or put a new outer part on - your post suggests that you haven't.

But Richard is quite right. You say in your first post that you have a leak 'somewhere on my rib'.
Find out where it is by using a proper leak detection fluid or a strong solution of soapy water and deal with the actual problem.

[BigE]

Thank you, those are very useful links.

[paintman]

Note that they deal with replacing the inner cage as well so assuming the old cage is in good order worth trying deflating & seeing if you can keep the old inner cage in position before taking a knife to it.

[BigE]

I think it's best to replace the lot to absolutely rule out leaks from the valves.