I'm sure this has been covered before - but I cant find the info
The nipple on the bladder has let go (reason unknown at this stage)
So what to do now ? I saw the iQuinko valves but cant see how I could possible get the inner bits through that small hole
Other options ? the collar of the strut connector holds the thing in place so If I removed it and used a 'stick on number' it simply wont hold it in place - do I have to go a complete F-One strut bladder replacement ?
Is this what I should be using? www.kiteboarding.com/proddetail.asp?prod=fmk_f_one_straight_valve&cat=62
And if I use the 'stick on' I gather I have to carefully cut off the old one?
Sadly no - not an April fools post .....
Fixmykite do make a replacement strut 'valve' for the f-one kites but I heard today that the person running Fixmykite died recently and that has kind of mucked up supply of parts. RIP mate.
Fiona at Adventure Sports Noosa was great help today - I removed the bladder from the strut and used boiling water in a bowl to soften the valve glue and have carefully removed the 'nipple less' old valve (I wouldn't have known how to get it off without damaging the bladder - thanks Fiona)
I'm now waiting on a replacement stick on valve (sucks living in the country with the closest kite store over 3 hrs away) - next step is to clean the bladder with a bit of alcohol and stick the new valve on - simple really once you know what to do !!
Apparently its very important with the f-one kites to make sure the re-installed bladder is carefully massaged forward of the valve into the pocket up against the leading edge before fully inflating.
So what seemed like 'bugger of a moment' is really a very simple home fix.
Has anyone ever tried drilling and taping one and epoxying in a poly nipple from a plumbing suppler???
hay lambie
iv got a few old kites witch had valve de lam problems hot water works a treat to fully get old valves off also if you can get your hands on a hole saw cut a hole just bigger than valve in a piece of ply and after you apply your new valve put ply over new valve with valve poking through the hole and another piece of ply on back of bladder and use a g clamp to get maximum pressure and leave overnight to cure ,...even hit it with a hair dryer to melt glue before you clamp it,,,never come off again.
Good luck
