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Stretched Valve Fix

Posted: Mon Feb 24, 2014 12:55 am
by NYKiter
Not sure if anyone has done this but I tried this out and it works like a snap.
Cut 1/2" dia. vinyl tubing (this one says 5/8" outer dia.) exactly 1/2" long and press down over the nozzle. Its a perfect fit and keeps the stretched nozzle firm while pumping up or closing up for a session. Saves $ on risky Ustick valve replacements...
:D


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Re: Stretched Valve Fix

Posted: Mon Feb 24, 2014 2:07 am
by kjorn
NYKiter wrote:Not sure if anyone has done this but I tried this out and it works like a snap.
Cut 1/2" dia. vinyl tubing (this one says 5/8" outer dia.) exactly 1/2" long and press down over the nozzle. Its a perfect fit and keeps the stretched nozzle firm while pumping up or closing up for a session. Saves $ on risky Ustick valve replacements...
:D


Image

We use zip ties to do the same thing.

Re: Stretched Valve Fix

Posted: Mon Feb 24, 2014 2:52 am
by L0KI
Risky U-Stick valve replacements? What risky?

Re: Stretched Valve Fix

Posted: Mon Feb 24, 2014 2:56 am
by NYKiter
tiny fold in bladder = screwed
zip ties fall to the base

Re: Stretched Valve Fix

Posted: Mon Feb 24, 2014 2:59 am
by L0KI
I've installed probably 30 U-Stick valves and never had a problem.
They're cheap and work so well.

Re: Stretched Valve Fix

Posted: Mon Feb 24, 2014 4:32 am
by bc-sf
Thanks for the tip. A possible quick fix before a new valve installation is good.
I might try it on a finicky dump valve (wider diam) for a used kite it bought that had the plug left in for who knows how long...

Other fixes i've come across suggest using teflon tape to expand the plug end, or soaking the plug end in hot water to expand it.

Mucking around with extracting the bladder and doing a valve replacement sounds scary, but probably pretty easy if you have some space, can follow instructions and your kite gives you easy access. Plenty of videos online.

Re: Stretched Valve Fix

Posted: Mon Feb 24, 2014 5:13 am
by NYKiter
Went to order a valve trap for $9 and the cheapest shipping option was $9...really? They cant just put the post card size item in an envelope?

Any time a baldder is cut the risk of failure goes up.
Never cut into a bladder and pay the high shipping for a Ustick valve unless absolutely necessary....
And they dont work well if there is any form of micro fold, over time it will work through the fold and your done..

Re: Stretched Valve Fix

Posted: Mon Feb 24, 2014 7:20 am
by sarc
Much easier to take the valve cap, force it on a drill slightly larger than its inner diameter, dump in boiling water for 20 sec then cold water for 20 sec. This makes the cap larger and will tightly close the stretched nozzle. Total about 60 sec. of work. There are pictures on how to do it, search the forum...

Re: Stretched Valve Fix

Posted: Mon Feb 24, 2014 12:45 pm
by NYKiter
:thumb:

Re: Stretched Valve Fix

Posted: Tue Feb 25, 2014 5:11 am
by terencemt03
I would wrap a few rounds of electrical tape onto the inflate valve . I had that done to a 17M kite of mine ,no issue whatsoever for the last 5 months. The binding force of the electrical tape will compress the diameter of the valve body. I guess it can be done to the dump valve too.
Cheers!