Zodiac Semi-Recessed Valve

[Ellford]

I need some help.

I have an older Zodiac that uses these semi-recessed valves. The originals used a round rubber section (looked like a T) that prevented the air from leaking out.

Over times these have started to go so I relaxed them, but Zodiac doesn’t appear to make them anymore. Instead they make a Z60055 valve. These LEAK like crazy!!! If I go out fishing for longer than an hour I need to get to shore as the pontoon will be nearly flat!!!

I’ve ordered different ones from different suppliers thinking I just had a bad batch but they’re all leaking!!! I’ve replaced the valve cap and round washer thinking that might help but no luck!

Does anyone have any ideas on what I can do??? It’s to the point that the boat just isn’t usable anymore now and that’s just sad.

Here’s a pic of the Z60055: https://www.inflatableboats.net/zodiac-parts-semi-recessed-valve-insert-z60055/

[SoCal Hurricane]

See if you can tighten the springs inside of the valve. You might need to hold the bottom of the diaphragm and then turn the screw to tighten the spring up.

However... are you sure it’s a valve issue and that you don’t have some serious leaks?? Maybe soap it up with the valves as they are and see what happens.

Look for bubbles. Then loon for bubbles around around the valves. Some Teflon tape on the threads might help out as well before adjusting the springs.

Also, check the o-rings on the valve caps.

Can you post some pictures of the old valves??

[cgoing]

The original inserts were Z60055 also they just cheapened the design to the screwed on mylar and gave dealers no warning. That being said that style semi recess valve with either style cap( quarter turn or threaded) always leaked with the caps off. They relied on the cap being the final seal.
If the cap gasket does not seal it that is another issue. Do not grease them or use thread tape as that will cause further problems.

A lot of times the insert seal can get damaged if not installed using the correct tool.

[Ellford]

Yeah I replaced the O ring seals on the caps as well and it still leaks to the point it’s not usable.

I’ll try tightening the springs and see if that helps. I didn’t even know that was an option.

[SoCal Hurricane]

I can tighten down the springs on Miranda pressure relief valves... this does change the pressure relief range though. It’s merely a suggestion in your case.

Also, if the threads stop leaking with a single wrap or two of Teflon, then it’s a win - in my opinion.

If you’re losing that much air though... you’ve got some major leaks in the fabrics somewhere. Soap it up before doing anything to the valves.

[Zodiac Dan]

Originally Posted by cgoing

The original inserts were Z60055 also they just cheapened the design to the screwed on mylar and gave dealers no warning. That being said that style semi recess valve with either style cap( quarter turn or threaded) always leaked with the caps off. They relied on the cap being the final seal.
If the cap gasket does not seal it that is another issue. Do not grease them or use thread tape as that will cause further problems.

A lot of times the insert seal can get damaged if not installed using the correct tool.

This seems crazy that the valve doesn't do the job. Just seen it first hand though after my brother in law left the cap off over night at the weekend and the tube went totally flat. I didn't really believe the below when i watched it the other night when panicking the tube was flat.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r03Hj1fUVPc

Is this the same for all RIB's or just the Zodiac ones? Do other Zodiac owners have the same issue? Is it worth me replacing the valves or not?
Thanks for any help
Daniel

[ribber]

I guess the inner valve is really just to hold air back until you relace the outer cap, otherwise, it would just rush out. The effective seal being made with the outer cap only.

[foxinsox8]

Originally Posted by ribber

I guess the inner valve is really just to hold air back until you relace the outer cap, otherwise, it would just rush out. The effective seal being made with the outer cap only.

Not really. It's more like the Spring valve does 90% of the job and the outer cap 10%.