Hey ozone riders I'm finding I have to tighten this valve to the extreme to stop air leaking. Like as far as it can go. It seems unnatural. Its a 2013 so should have the probs of last years when they had to replace them all.
The 11m edge went down last few times, didn't after I really yanked it tight. The 9m today even with a lot of tightening I could hear air escaping so gave it again an almighty yank then no problems.
But **** you shouldn't have to tighten it so much. For instance it is that tight it takes all my strength to release it when I can in.
Any ideas?
Crazy **** this morning on a 9m edge. Damn!
Eppo.....I have a 2011 Zephyr and a 2013 11m Edge.
Never had an issue with the original valve on the Zephyr, I did swap it over with the red replacement valve however, but no issues either with the original or the replacement valve. Again I havent experienced your problem on the 11m either and I dont tighten the valve up too much, just a bit more than finger tight.
Knowing you have a fair bit of experience, I am assuming you have checked for any sand in the thread? I always give it a quick blow or 2 before screwing up.
Hope you find the solution, as I agree, you shouldnt have to tighten it up that much.
Hi!
I'm not riding your brand but check if the seal gone hard and brittle.
You might change it with a softer silicone seal. You should be able to buy them in several sizes at Bunnings or a plumber shop.
cs
i had the same problem with my 2011 c4 when i first got it. It was an ex demo kite and when i first heard the air coming from the valve it got me worried. I cleaned and got rid of some sand and the leak stopped. I found a you tube video which said it was a common problem but cant find anymore. It could also be the one way seal not working properly??? or cross threaded threads?
Hi Eppo,
I've had exactly the same experience with 2013 Catalyst 12 & 8. It's very fine sand that gets under the rubber washer. Doesn't need much. Happened on both 12 & 8 when I first got them 3 months ago. Now I just check under rubber washer every time I inflate & remove/blow any sand granules visible. Never had a problem since. Did at first try a bit of plumbers tape as extra precaution but its really designed for metal thread. Seems to peel off after one or two sessions. But no more issues since I started to check under rubber washer.
Eppo its sand under the rubber seal, had same problem with the 7,9,13 & 17 clean sand away and all works fine again :)
yeah found the same issue expo. I tighten the **** out of mine even on the 2013's. I also give it a blow to make sure the thread and seal are clean of sand. I don't care what people say about sand and all that. These valves need to be done up pretty tight to hold a decent seal.
Had same trouble on my 2013 edge.
Steve from KP is right with what he says he helped me sort mine out.
And the coment about "+ WA sand is very fine in a lot of places." must have a lot to do with it. Cos i went to WA to kite, used a cple of times there, came back to Sydney first time i pumped it here it started with the problems.
Anyhow easy fix remove seal clean both sides of it.
Awesome advice guys thanks so much. Yeh blow off sand etc, but never looked or cleaned under the rubber seal. That must be it. Thank you as I am sure if I kept tightening as much I'd cross thread it sooner or later. Cheers again.
I use a tooth brush to clean the valve and rubber ring at home and occasionally on the beach.
Do you wear an apron and have ya crack showing? Sorry just an weird image came to me..lol
Yeh had a look there was some fine sand on the underside of the valve rubber. But only a little bit. Amazing if that is what is causing the problem. Lt ya know tomoz need my nine one feels, its gonna pump.
Yep sand found on the underside of the valve rubber I was only looking at one surface.
I have another question. I noticed the valve rubber that sits on the actual plug side is indented, not flat. So I changed it around and had the indented side sit on the kite side of the valve. It worked, but should the flat side of the rubber be on the kite valve? Should I have left it as I saw it?
?
?
Yep Todd is right. The underside which sits on the separate screw lid the rubber has a raised indented feature on it. Both side as are not flat.
Thanks for mentioning it. In former years I have turned the ring around without any consequences during flying. I will look closely if I see a difference in the ring between 2013 and former years.
