Utah Windriders Association

Anybody have any tips on how to fix a strut valve so it's self sealing?

I just bought a gaastra vision used. When the guy packaged it up to send it to me he left a few of the deflation sticks in the strut valves. The valves now don't seal on their own when you remove the pump. I can get decent pressure by pinching the valve, but it sucks to have to do that.

I saw a patch kit in one of the kiteboarding magazines that should do the trick for you. I was going to order one myself. I will see what I can find at home tonight and get back to you.

I found the repair kit, but it appears to only be available in Europe at this time. The company is Wanikou Technology. The kit has a glue, tape, and patches for repairing all sizes of holes in a bladder. It received a glowing review.

You might try calling AirTime in Hood River to see if they have a repair kit.

Yeah...the problem here isn't that there is a hole in the bladder. It's that the little flap down inside the valve doesn't want to spring back to the closed position when you remove the pump.

It is the same flap that North has used for years,
And the Instincts use flaps also.
(except for the '07 Sport model, it has one-pump!)

1) Don't leave the stick in the hole when rolling up the kite.
It will distort the flap (I know yours came that way.)

2) Pull the pump out "fast" to make the flap slam shut.

3) The plastic is not very pliable in cold, try it in the warmth of indoors.

4) Pinch off the nipple, then get the cap in fast. Forget about the inner flap.
If you can't pinch, put finger over the top of the nipple and quickly move your finger and put the cap in, one very quick move. You can use needle nose pliers wrapped in tape as a last case scenario.

-Marty

Pulling the pump out fast did the trick. It still doesn't seal perfectly, but it's good enough. Thanks.