Avon Redstart valves -

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Cloona

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Cloona's co-owner recently took the 40 odd year old avon redstart in for a service ..... a first ever experience for the rubber marvel .

During this process the dealer replaced the wonderful black flap valves with screw-on grey lids.

I haven't yet tested the replacements - but my initial impressions are that they have some clear disadvantages and I remain to be convinced.

Anyone got any more information to offer regarding these and how good they are or are not ?

all input gratefully accepted ...
 
I've just replaced my Redcrest black valves with the A7 type you describe.

I didn't like the effort needed to ram the black rubber bungs home, nor the fiddly process of releasing the air when deflating. Also the little nipple which attachs the bung to the valve degrades with age and is easy to pull off which then makes the bung easy to lose.

I found that the old valves leaked a little, whether through damage by poking the internal rubber sealing flaps with the wire deflater , or simply old age I couldn't say.

What I like about the A7 valves is that the internal seal is not a flap but a spring loaded ball which is more substantial in the first place and secondly a more positive seal system. The screw on cap with an 'O' ring provides an extra level of seal.

What I don't like about the new valve is that I keep forgetting to re-engage the released spring holding the valve in the open position and I only find out after fully inflating a tube and detaching the pump!

I'll remember eventually I expect
 
You will soon get used to them, and overall they are an improvement. They are easier to keep clean and more positive in deflation mode. Also the cap does not come off if you knock it which is what the black ones tended to do. My Redcrest (similar age) has had both and I would not go back to the old ones.
 
Bit of luck reading this post, I have inherited the same problem and need to get new valves, is it a specialist job or can I buy them and install myself?
 
Valves are available from www.Polymarine.com The black A4 ones are glued in, but the A7 is screwed together either side of the fabric. You will probably need to glue on a doubler to get the right thickness and Polymarine do a kit for this.
 
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Bit of luck reading this post, I have inherited the same problem and need to get new valves, is it a specialist job or can I buy them and install myself?

[/ QUOTE ]
Dyflin, I have a surplus one taking up space - PM sent.
 
Cheers Vic, didnt know about Polymarine,need to fit a new valve on my old Humber,same valve as an Avon,,must be about 30yrs old now and still going strong!
 
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