Fixing De-laminated Valve

[Alton]

Too bad I had to stay close to shore to tend to a leaky bladder.

Yesterday after inspecting my previous Tear Aid fix, I discovered the inflate valve had completely de-laminated from the bladder. I decided to re-seal the inflate valve to bladder using Marine Goop.

Amazing GOOP Marine is the only adhesive and sealant needed for outdoor marine use. It repairs, seals and sticks to a wide variety of materials with superior strength. Amazing GOOP Marine is ideal for stopping leaks in waders, wet suits, diving masks, rafts and air mattresses. Weatherproof and UV resistant, it wont crack or break down under stress. Use on glass, plastic, metal, vinyl, rubber, wood and more - Amazing GOOP Marine is the most versatile and effective adhesive available.

• UV resistant Contact adhesive and sealant
  
• Clear, waterproof and paintable
  
• Ideal for stopping leaks in waders, rafts or other items that need waterproofing
  
• Creates a flexible hold that won't crack or become brittle under stress or vibration

Absolutely no leaks or air transfer (hiss) between struts and main bladder after 3 hours (5-8am this morning) of full inflation.

I'm very encouraged with re-sealing the inflate valve using Marine Goop. I believe Marine Goop is a major improvement over the gooey adhesive (Tear Aid) that normally bonds the valve flange to the bladder. The gooey adhesive might be more prone to de-lamination under heat than Marine Goop.

[Alton]

I believe Marine Goop is a major improvement over the gooey adhesive (Tear Aid) that normally bonds the valve flange to the bladder.

WRONG! I discovered that Marine Goop will stick to the valve flange but NOT to the bladder (too smooth). Looks like my next option is use a U-Stick valve.

[Slappy]

I've used 3M 5200 Sealant to glue cracked valves and it works, I've read it works well for gluing valves to bladders too.

Another option I haven't tried but have heard works quite well is Aquaseal.

[Alton]

I've used 3M 5200 Sealant to glue cracked valves and it works, I've read it works well for gluing valves to bladders too.

Another option I haven't tried but have heard works quite well is Aquaseal.

Thanks Angus - I might try 3M 5200 Fast Cure. I read that some bladders are coated with a lubricant which could explain why my valve isn't sticking.

I'm going to try to remove this lubricant by cleaning it aggressively with 99% alcohol and a paper towel then lightly sand it. Next I'll apply Tear Aid Type A over the bladder then glue (using 3M 5200 or Aquaseal) the valve to the Tear Aid surface.

Similar to this video ...

[Jerry]

I was told 3m 5200 is the same as kitefix . I have used aqua seal and it works. I beleive that 3m 5200 , kitefix and aqua seal are all the same product.

[Alton]

I was told 3m 5200 is the same as kitefix . I have used aqua seal and it works. I beleive that 3m 5200 , kitefix and aqua seal are all the same product.

What they have in common is PU (polyurethane) adhesive. The bladder is a PU film.

The cure time for 3m 5200 is 7 days which I don't have the patience for. I need to find 3m 5200 Fast Cure which cures in 24 hours.

[Slappy]

3M 5200 is definitely not the same as Aquaseal.

You can get 5200 fast cure at West Marine

[Alton]

You can get 5200 fast cure at West Marine

Fantastic! I'll call West Marine when they open at 9am. Hope they have the fast cure in stock.

[Slappy]

Sadly it's like $20 a tube, and the tube would fix like 100 valves so it's a bit of a waste. Throw it in a ziplock and put it in the freezer if you want to reuse it.

[Alton]

You can get 5200 fast cure at West Marine

Picked up 3M 5200 fast cure at Martin Marine in North Van. This stuff is super sticky and looks rock solid. I glued the valve flange to tear aid (shown below) before I stick it to the bladder. Got to wait 24 hours for it to cure (by Tuesday noon).

3M5200_between_valve_and_tearaid.jpg (191.64 KiB) Viewed 20428 times

3M5200_between_valve_and_tearaid_bottom.jpg (177.65 KiB) Viewed 20428 times