How to fix stretched and leaking valves - a quick and easy solution

May 10, 2004

{12 comments}

Contributed by Dimitri  Panagiotidis

First remove valve cap from kite.  Remove the small plastic retention washer from the cap and pull the cap from the black material. (Fig.1)   If you have several valves to do, remove all at the same time.


Fig. 1

Then take a spare hose nozzle (Fig.2) and cut approx. 6mm from the tip (Fig 3) and you will end up with a nozzle like (Fig. 4.)


Fig. 2


Fig. 3


Fig. 4

In the meantime, boil some water and place it in a cup.  Also get some iced water in another cup and set aside.

Now take the valve cap and press it onto the cut nozzle (Fig. 5.) until it reaches roughly 2/3rds of the way in. (Fig 6.)


Fig. 5


Fig. 6

Now submerge the nozzle and valve cap into the hot water and let it stand for 30 seconds.  (Fig 7.)  Then plunge the cap and nozzle into the iced water (Fig. 8.)


Fig. 7


Fig. 8

Remove the cap from the nozzle and place to 1 side (Fig. 9.)  If you have any others, perform the above steps in sequence until all valves have been done.


Fig. 9

You should be able to see a difference between an original and a changed one (Fig. 10.)  Notice that the changed one on the left is now tapered and this ensures a tight fit from now on.


Fig. 10

Now replace the caps onto the kite (Fig. 11.) and ensure all plastic sealing washers are secure. 


Fig. 11

Inflate your kite and you will have hassle free sessions with none leaky valves! (Fig 12! - a perfect fit.)


Fig. 12


12 Comments
Add your own comment to 'How to fix stretched and leaking valves - a quick and easy solution'

1 jason 9/25/2005 8:32:06 AM

great idea man- who would have thought of remolding the actual stopper?

any other tips?

2 Pipedragon 9/25/2005 8:32:06 AM

I just noticed that my leading edge valve was leaking and I did not know what to do. I was going to try tape or sylicon glue. I would have never thought of this. Thanx again! Truly an innovative idea!

3 Jhetfield 9/25/2005 8:32:06 AM

I followed the instructions yesterday evening and the kite is like new again, class. Stand up and take a bow ;).

One thing I did find though, is that the size of nozzle that you cut to widen the valve cap may vary in size. So check first before you cut it. I had to improvise and use the handle pliers to widen the caps, as it was the perfect size.

I'm delighted with the results.

4 Shed head 9/25/2005 8:32:06 AM

Its true , the best ideas are allways simple . Nice one

5 mark 9/25/2005 8:32:06 AM

cheers man,
was considering buying a new bladder but now ! no way , thanks a million Dimitri,
reagrds mark

6 Foxi 9/25/2005 8:32:06 AM

AAA rated advise !!!!!!!!!!!

thanks a lot Dimitri !

greets,

Jürgen

7 jabu 9/25/2005 8:32:06 AM

sweet as dude!!! awesome advise.
thanks dimitri!

8 Iain 9/25/2005 8:32:06 AM

9 g 7/25/2007 12:17:17 PM

Another good alternative courtesy of Top Hat:

"Purchase an o-ring at the hardware store in the plumming section. Here in hawaii they cost about .79 cents. Make sure to get a o-ring that fits snugly on the outside of the valve stem. I keep my struts aired up all the time using this technique.


Aloha, Ride Safe, Have Fun,..................................................... Top Hat"

10 Terry 11/13/2010 6:12:54 PM

Amazing and simple. Really has made a difference to my kite. Thankyou

11 Max One 12/14/2010 2:10:54 AM

Awesome tip! My leading edge valve is getting a little loose. Will be good to make a preventative fix to avoid a deflation halfway through a downwinder.

12 Lea from Cleethorpes 1/7/2011 1:00:01 PM

Nice one, saved me a few ££££s!

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