I've been meaning to fix my kite for some time now (nearly 2 months) and I've finally got round to posting the problem on the net.

The valve on the main bladder that links to the end strut has failed. (See the attached pic) and I'm not too sure what the best resolution for the problem is?

I've tried glueing the valve several times with some special glue but this has failed so my only option now is to probably separate this strut from the main bladder therefore creating a nearly 1 pump system kite with the addition of pumping up the end strut.

To enable me to do this, I will need to first of all seal the hole on the main bladder and I'm not sure on how this is done? Surely a patch won't be sufficient enough to cover such a large area (10p piece)

Secondly I will need to put a new valve on the end bladder which will allow the strut to be pumped up individually and I'm not too sure on how this can be achieved either?

Has anyone had any similar experiences or got any advice to give?


Cheers

Jonny

Was just thinjing yesterday have you thought of trying to re connect it with silicone??? Would that seal it??

Not a bad idea Shem, I'm not sure if silicone will bond properly to the silcione tube and plastic valve though? Silicone can bond really well on some surfaces and badly on others.

Some kind of glue that melts the plastic and welds together would be ideal whilst still allowing a degree of flexibility.
The silicones worth a try though, I'll see if it bonds on the valve externally rather than going for it internally and failing.

Have you ever seen this happen to a kite before Shem?

id try some araldite and then wrap a bike repair patch around it. Russ

Dude,

Give Jonny a call, details on the link for Jonnie Eisler, he'll sort it for you.

Dunk

No havnt seen it myself b4, have u tried sean, to see if he has any solutions? Id fill the valve with silicone, and then when its dry, cable tie around it.

i've used simple bostik clear; make sure it has the fire warning on the rear; it melts the bladder. tis the only thing i use for bladder repairs and it works!

[Edited on 3/11/08 by mNeil]

Thanks for all the advice guys

I rang Sean from Airjam and he was pretty heplful. I'm sure he said you can use the glue Neil mentioned, then cover it numerous times with aPark Patch Kit and that should do the job.

Another option which Ben from this forum mentioned was too seperate the valve from the strut by putting a bung in it then clamping it with a zip tie. The other end (end strut) is sealed by pressing the red clip on the silicone tube and hey presto it's sealed.

Decisions Decisions Decisions

That powerful Bostik glue sounds good. Also might try Loctite super plastic stuff if I have no Bostik luck.

Cheers all

Jonny you can pick up the bostik from most spar shops. i use an old piece of bladder for repairs; if you need some just say so and i can send you a piece, if you are in borth just come and ask i've loads in the van.