Is it possible to replace valves?

[BigE]

I've got 5 valves on my RIB and I'm told by the boat yard that after a leak test 4 of them are slowly leaking. I'm not too concerned as the boat holds enough air for a few weeks before needing to get the foot pump out.

I was wondering, is it possible to replace the values with the boat sitting on it's trailer for example?

These are the values I have:





I can't hear any leaking but the boat certainly looses air over a number of days and when the tubes are soggy and you remove the valve caps you can hear air escaping then. Not when it's pumped up. I'm not looking to break the bank but if it's fixable by people who know what they are doing for a reasonable amount then it's worth doing.

Any thoughts?

[jeffstevens763@g]

What's the stuff on the dust cap threads and seal that's your final seal with crap there they will leak I would give them a good clean and try that first

[BigE]

It's PTFE grease - it's been applied to help prevent them from leaking. It's a gooey equivalent of the PTFE tape plumbers put on threads when doing plumbing.

[jeffstevens763@g]

Never seen that done before you can get service kits for the valves contact poly marine personally I wouldn't use the PTFE.

[BigE]

Thanks Jeff,

I just looked up Poly Marine and they have good instructions for replacing valves. I somehow thought it would be much more complex. It looks to me like a pro could replace all of them relatively easily. I'll get in contact with some local RIB repair people and ask for quotes. It's not something I'd want to tackle myself.

[jeffstevens763@g]

Originally Posted by BigE

Thanks Jeff,

I just looked up Poly Marine and they have good instructions for replacing valves. I somehow thought it would be much more complex. It looks to me like a pro could replace all of them relatively easily. I'll get in contact with some local RIB repair people and ask for quotes. It's not something I'd want to tackle myself.

Fair play peace of mind knowing someone has replaced them who knows and does a good job

[office888]

Have a shop do it.

There's a Zodiac tool for the job...helps prevent the diaphragm from catching in the threads when it is installed.

I remember, I broke one once... ALMOST had to cut the whole valve out to replace it.

But, I got lucky. I was able to file a tiny notch in the insert to get it out.

Replace the inserts (Z60055) and the cap o-ring (Z6851)

[BigE]

Just to be clear, it's possible to replace the innards of the value (I guess the value seat and spring ??)? If you have the right tools it sound like it should be relatively quick and simple (i.e. cheap) if you know what you are doing and are experienced.

Correct?

[office888]

Originally Posted by BigE

Just to be clear, it's possible to replace the innards of the value (I guess the value seat and spring ??)? If you have the right tools it sound like it should be relatively quick and simple (i.e. cheap) if you know what you are doing and are experienced.

Correct?

Correct, that's the insert (Z60055 part number).

[BigE]

Originally Posted by office888

Correct, that's the insert (Z60055 part number).

Thank you, at £3.38 a pop it sounds like the cheapest thing on the boat!

The web site says:
"The core needs to be replaced using a speacial tool or the diaphragm can be damaged during instalation."

By the 'special tool', does it mean a 'Zodiac Recessed Valve Spanner'?
https://polymarineshop.com/zodiac-re...e-spanner.html

If so, is it just a case of deflating the tubes, using this spanner to unscrew the old value and then put a new one in, screwing it up with the same spanner? Any sealants or anything else involved?

If it's just a case of unscrew and screw back up, I can manage that. Although I may have to source or make a cheaper spanner.

[office888]

Originally Posted by BigE

Thank you, at £3.38 a pop it sounds like the cheapest thing on the boat!

The web site says:
"The core needs to be replaced using a speacial tool or the diaphragm can be damaged during instalation."

By the 'special tool', does it mean a 'Zodiac Recessed Valve Spanner'?
https://polymarineshop.com/zodiac-re...e-spanner.html

If so, is it just a case of deflating the tubes, using this spanner to unscrew the old value and then put a new one in, screwing it up with the same spanner? Any sealants or anything else involved?

If it's just a case of unscrew and screw back up, I can manage that. Although I may have to source or make a cheaper spanner.

Yes.

The tool has a special depth to "curl" the diaphragm slightly so that it doesn't get caught in the threads.

No sealant or anything. Tighten fingertight...almost no torque.

You can make one out of thin metal pipe, a dremel, a drill, and a bolt...I've done it before.

[BigE]

Thanks, I'm getting closer!

What does it grip onto? The two plastic bits I've just ringed?


I've got plenty of piping, and a few old box spanners I could modify if it's that simple.

[office888]

Originally Posted by BigE

Thanks, I'm getting closer!

What does it grip onto? The two plastic bits I've just ringed?


I've got plenty of piping, and a few old box spanners I could modify if it's that simple.

Correct, the little "wings".

[BigE]

Great, thank you so much, it seems a DIY job, I'm assuming a normal thread to unscrew is anticlockwise.

[BigE]

Just a final check, this is what I need:
Zodiac Semi Recessed Valve Diaphragm Z60055

[office888]

Originally Posted by BigE

Great, thank you so much, it seems a DIY job, I'm assuming a normal thread to unscrew is anticlockwise.

Correct again, standard threading.

[jeffstevens763@g]

I bought a proper spanner for my Mercury £3.95 better than making one

[office888]

Originally Posted by jeffstevens763@g

I bought a proper spanner for my Mercury £3.95 better than making one

Zodiac manufacturers their own valves...no other tools work on them. The depth or diameter is not correct.

[Dave Cowell]

Originally Posted by BigE

Just a final check, this is what I need:
Zodiac Semi Recessed Valve Diaphragm Z60055

Buy this from the same people, cut the handle off, lengthen two opposite slots on the narrow diameter end and it will work fine for the couple of valves you are fixing
http://www.ibsparts.co.uk/iinflation-valves-spares/valve-tools/bravo-2000-2001-and-2005-valve-tool-6-section.html

[jeffstevens763@g]

Originally Posted by office888

Zodiac manufacturers their own valves...no other tools work on them. The depth or diameter is not correct.

my meaning was buy a zodiac spanner [if available]