Hi
i recently noticed the inflate valve on my 2013 vegas is leaking air when it is closed with the little slider thing done up. The amount of air coming out is quit small but it is enough to be able to hear it. The air is coming out from between the valve and the cap.
Nothing looks to be damaged or anything.
Is there any way to fix it?
Calvin, this usually happens because you leave the inflation cap on all the time when deflating the kite and storing it, which tends to expand the rubber over time and create a small leak. When using those types of valves, be sure leave the valve open every time you deflate the kite and store it in the bag.
A quick fix would be to immerse the valve in very hot water (nearly boiling) for about 20 seconds, this will shrink the rubber down and should stop the leak.
I'm sure a few others will provide similar or additional useful tips.
Yes fixed a similar issue on an older North kite the way cbulota describes. Try that. Agree it is due to leaving the inflate cap on which widens the valves diameter over time. But also I startedusing the female i.e. larger pump nose, not the skinny male one everyone uses normally. The female one goes over the valve hence not widening it. Positive side effect is pumping is much less of a pain as it increases the flow rate. Disadvantage is that it comes off sometimes during pumping.
Thanks guys, I do leave the cap on all the time. ill try the hot water tomorrow. Never new that was what the larger pump piece was for, I'll try use that next time aswell.
Yeah try it. Some kites do only accept the larger nozzle e.g. Ozone. My Airush Razor manual says use the larger one which goes over the valve in order to avoid widening the neck of the inflate valve. Makes sense. Not sure but my Vegas manual might have stated the same or someone told me, don't remember and who reads manuals anyway ;-). I push myself using the larger bit although it comes off while pumping a few times which is a pain. But might be worth the effort (plus it gives less resistance). Leaving the inflate valve closed for weeks or months will of course have a worse effect on the valve neck so definitely avoid that.
failing that, a couple of turns of white plumbers tape should also stop the leak.
this may have to be constantly reapplied but tape is real cheap, you can just keep a roll in your kite bag.
Well, I did what chris sugested and put the valve in hot water. And it worked!!
Now the cap is really tight and snug and I had no problems with it when i went out today at woodies. I also tried using the larger pump nozzle which worked great and made pumping so much easier. It popped out once but still well worth it.
Thanks Guys
