How to remove Zodiac Futura recessed valve without the removal tool

pleekh · 30 September 2013, 15:52

Reaching out to all my friendly boaters!

Hi I have a Zodiac Futura with a recessed valve (the inner valve with the green button). See photo.

How do I remove it without buying the removal tool from Zodiac (part number Z7057) as it is very expensive for a less than 1 minute job?

Please help. Thanks.

stray · 30 September 2013, 16:52

Tool doesn't look much, it's only a bar with a notch in it. Can't you make one?

PeterM · 30 September 2013, 17:06

Some long nosed pliers worked for me.

pleekh · 30 September 2013, 18:44

Long plier may cause damage because of the thread? Do you open up the plier and go over the green spring button?

captnjack · 30 September 2013, 19:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by pleekh

Long plier may cause damage because of the thread? Do you open up the plier and go over the green spring button?

Put the pliers in like a fork and twist.

Peter_C · 30 September 2013, 19:58

I too use long needle nose pliers. The key is when putting the new valve into to make sure you gently push the rubber past the threads etc. It will make sense when you go to do it. I can't remember what I used, but it was something that was not sharp.

S4Simon · 30 September 2013, 23:25

Here's a pic of the tool for reference.

95gstnj · 01 October 2013, 00:21

I would recommend the tool. Pliers work but if the valve is old and brittle it might snap off. Then you are left to your own devices to remove it. It's happened to me

pleekh · 01 October 2013, 13:01

If I undo this, do I need hold the outer valve inside the fabric? will anything drop down? Please let me know. Thanks.

Peter_C · 02 October 2013, 03:01

Nothing will fall into the boat. It is a very simple procedure.

Dave Cowell · 02 October 2013, 15:22

Buy one of these and cut the handle off with a hacksaw.

Bravo 2000, 2001 and 2005 Valve Tool 6 Section - IBS Boat Supplies

It works just as well as the Zodiac tool at a fraction of the price

pleekh · 03 October 2013, 21:04

I have looked at that tool and it's not deep enough to reach the valve.

I just bought the tool to replace the inner valve and guess what it did not fix the problem!!!!! very disappointed.

The air is actually leaking between around the inner collar. See photos. How do i tighten the collar? What tool can i get to tighten it. i don't want to spend anymore.

Peter_C · 04 October 2013, 04:46

Does it stop leaking with the cap on? If so that is normal. If not?? Where exactly is the leak?

pleekh · 14 October 2013, 12:46

Hi, I thought I put a closure to this thread. I have finally sorted my air leakage problem after a lot of patient waiting for my tools and spending a fortune!

Tools I need:

Zodiac Z7056 (Chiavi : Chiave smontaggio ghiera valvola a scomparsa z7056)

Zodiac Z7057 (Ricambi : Chiave smontaggio membrane valvola a scomparsa z7057)

In summary, there were 2 problems:

1. The big cap was leaking air on the side when tightening. So require a new cap, which also comes with a collar that you tighten on the inner valve under the fabric.

2. The collar was also leaking air and that also require tightening, hence the tool.

My first suspicion on the inner valve was wrong but I already bought the Z7056.

After all, I am glad that I managed to fix the problem myself but whether it's worth the money/time, this really depends how deep is your pocket/how busy you are in life!?

Anyway, if anyone needs any help with Zodiac recessed valve, please let me know and I am willing to help/share as leaky valve is very distressing! For me certainly.

office888 · 05 December 2013, 21:46

One of our tools is homemade.

1/2" conduit, notch, and a bolt through it for the handle.

Plljas · 23 August 2015, 20:40

Hi, my zodiac valves leak air when cap is on, only a very little, but enough to annoy, you say you bought new caps with seals, that solved your problem?

Fenlander · 23 August 2015, 20:53

There are a few slightly different Zodiac valves but in many years I've only needed to replace one cap outer seal. The rest responded to a good clean and wipe with Vaseline before fitting.

Even if I don't hear a leak I usually soap bubble test my valves a couple of times a year.

Plljas · 23 August 2015, 21:12

So far I've bought new valve inserts, they all leak a bit, put caps on and can't hear any air but tubes go softer over a couple of hours.

Plljas · 24 August 2015, 12:01

Hi, do you still have the valve tool? The one to take the cover off please, I have leaking valves and it's driving me crazy.

Fenlander · 24 August 2015, 12:30

>>> put caps on and can't hear any air

As said above all valves will let by a little until you put the final cap on and you say once the cap is on you can't hear anything. Have you tried soap (squeezy mix) bubble testing the valves with the cap on and seen leaks?