Existing PVC repair

[ianjohn]

Hi All

Managed to take my existing patch off my rib that was leaking. Don’t think it was the best repair, glue all over the edges and sides! Clearly hard to repair next to the rim though 🤦*♂️
Any ideas on what I can use to take the existing glue off? [emoji848]

[spartacus]

The only way to repair that properly is to remove the rubbing strake, far enough back to get the patch directly over the hole. You can soften the old glue and start to peel the rubbing strip with a hot air gun. The existing glue on the patch, use a wheel grit flap attachment on a drill to sand it back. Preparation is everything. Check out Polymarine's site for details.

[jeffstevens763@g]

Honwave are PVC if not mistaken the glue welds each part together hence the bubble surface that's left as Spartacus says it's got to be a bigger patch which will have to go onto decent material surface or it will never seal. I would get a rotory emery disc to clean it up inside a taped area the size of your patch but only clean the area were the old glue is then clean the rest with PVC prep solution. Look on polymarine site all the info there

[Callum B]

If the leak is small enough, perhaps sealflex can help??.... it helped me with an Avon sr4, but that was hypalon....not sure if it works with pvc tubes.....maybe worth looking into though.....

[jeffstevens763@g]

Originally Posted by Callum B

If the leak is small enough, perhaps sealflex can help??.... it helped me with an Avon sr4, but that was hypalon....not sure if it works with pvc tubes.....maybe worth looking into though.....

Yep that works just have the hole facing down inject some through the hole to puddle over it then do a cosmetic repair on the outside

[spartacus]

Originally Posted by jeffstevens763@g

Yep that works just have the hole facing down inject some through the hole to puddle over it then do a cosmetic repair on the outside

I disagree. I used this stuff years ago on a Zodiac GT in the early days of seams starting to give way. It's fine as a back-up or for porous material where you're losing pressure over a period of time, but remember if it's a hole or tear or loose seam, it needs a patch, no question.

Only once the existing patch and rubbing strake have been removed, the area sanded and degreased, can you determine what you're dealing with. If it's a big enough hole you might need to patch from within the tube too by removing the valve.

This time of year isn't great due to the amount of humidity, so it's an garage job, decent ambient temperatures and importantly good ventilation. Done properly, the repair will give you the confidence to pressurise the tube after 24-48 hours and if you're methodical and mask the area, then you can make a professional looking repair easily. Get the tools, glue and solvents together first.

[jeffstevens763@g]

https://www.polymarineshop.com/product/sealflex-500ml/

Used it years ago with great effect says minor leaks that looks minor to me it creates a membrane.

Aqua sure would work too self levels makes a double repair then if an half decent job done to the exterior

[bomberman]

MEK solvent and a scraper (plastic scraper less likely to damage tube) will remove the old glue. Ensure good ventilation as it is strong stuff and be aware it may loosen any other glued joints that are next to where it is used. Heat gun great for removing glued patches but I didn't find so good for removing the glue itself.

[Callum B]

Toluene is great for" melting" old glue, without affecting the hypalon,..... but as bomberman says, watch you dont damage the bits that you want to stay stuck!!

[ianjohn]

Originally Posted by spartacus

The only way to repair that properly is to remove the rubbing strake, far enough back to get the patch directly over the hole. You can soften the old glue and start to peel the rubbing strip with a hot air gun. The existing glue on the patch, use a wheel grit flap attachment on a drill to sand it back. Preparation is everything. Check out Polymarine's site for details.

Cheers mate, looks like I’ll have to remove the rubbing strake.... I’ve cleaned it up and the hole is 1cm from the strake itself so unless I get a good covering with the patch I’ll be doing it for ever more!

[spartacus]

Originally Posted by ianjohn

Cheers mate, looks like I’ll have to remove the rubbing strake.... I’ve cleaned it up and the hole is 1cm from the strake itself so unless I get a good covering with the patch I’ll be doing it for ever more! Attachment 132271Attachment 132272

Good job. Yes, I'd remove the rubbing strake, just far enough back to tackle the repair. Any patch on that with it in place will be a compromise.