Achilles inflatable valve leaking.

[davidpbo]

Achilles inflatable valve leaking from the rubber seal to the hypalon? fabric. There is a ring with 2 indentations at 180 which sandwiches the seal, it looks as though it might unscrew with the aid of some long nosed pliers. Does anyone know if it does? I will try and post a picture but am on the boat with poor internet access.

Suggestions for temporary and permanent repair appreciated.

[http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb425/17234/20130720_110904_zpsd09d9930.jpg]

 

[BlueChip]

You are right, the outer ring unscrews off the rear threaded valve body.
You could just try tighten the ring up, if that doesn't work I'd unscrew and remove the ring, push the valve in slightly and clean the upper face that seals on the dinghy fabric, get your finger in and check the inner fabric is clean and smooth, clean the outer fabric and rear of the ring and then lubricate slightly with some soap or washing up liquid before screwing the outer ring back on. Dn't over tighten the ring.

 

[davidpbo]

When I removed the ring it was clear the rubber gasket was perished. There was also slight cracking to the Hypalon behind for about 6mm around the valve seat.

I effected a repair to the valve by cutting a piece of fabric with a larger diameter and sticking it over the area surrounding the valve.



I made a couple of wooden rings internal dia 50mm to match the valve surround, external 90mm the same as the patch. One I stuck some sandpaper to to abrade the appropriate area but using small piece of sandpaper was more effective.




I used the wooden rings in conjunction with some fairly dense packing foam, a backing plate on the other side of the dinghy tube and a G clamp to put some pressure on the patch whilst it set.

The repairs have be reasonably successful but still leak slightly from immediately around the valve seat. I am wondering what I can seal that with, grease comes to mind, gasket sealant, thread lock or maybe even using the Hypalon Glue with a smear of grease on the back of the dimpled locking collar. I don't want anything to degrade the fabric.

 

[cliff]

The repairs have be reasonably successful but still leak slightly from immediately around the valve seat. I am wondering what I can seal that with

I did mine with neutral cure silicone or you could use Blue Hylomar gasket goo - just a smear as you may want to take the valves off at sometime in the future

 

[davidpbo]

Pu40 or Sikaflex with a smear of grease on the ring was another thing I thought of.

Would the gasket sealant react with the hypalon do you think?

 

[cliff]

Would the gasket sealant react with the hypalon do you think?

Did mine about 3 years ago and no evidence of any deterioration of the hypalon (seal is still good - bugger now I bet it will spring a leak)

 

[davidpbo]

Tried some Unibond bathroom sealant which did not go off suitably, might be too old.

A neighbour gave me a tube of "Fernox" a silicone type pipe sealant which I have used and after 24 hours does not have seem to have gone down appreciably.

 

[davidpbo]

And after a month or two the dinghy is still staying up fairly well.