5m Airush Flow

[Alton]

I just salvaged Francis' discarded leaking 5m Airush Flow. The biggest job was fixing the leaking (originally delaminated) inflate valve. Also fixed all connectors to the struts with double zap straps.

After 2 hrs fully inflated, no air loss detected after unclipping pinch clamps to the struts ... and no bubbles after spraying soapy water over valves and connectors.

All good to go ... waiting patiently for the next 35-40 knot storm

[LeopardSkin]

I shall keep the Coast Guard contact info nearby.

[Alton]

For anyone interested I used Tear Aid type A as an interface between the de-laminated valve (with 3M 5200 Fast Cure) and the bladder ... see viewtopic.php?f=19&t=1722&p=22545

That repair was done over 4 years ago (June 2016) and is still going strong.

[Alton]

Almost there ... after yesterday's epic session the main bladder felt a little soft - struts were fine. After spitting on the inflate valve, I spotted the leak ... watching my bubbling saliva.

It turns out the previous owner always left the inflate valve plugged after packing up. Over time (long time between 5m sessions) this stretches the flange so the plug cannot provide a good seal.

Yesterday, James (the Tsawwassen local) gave me the best advice. Place the plug in boiling water then stretch it out with a rod ... then quickly cool it in the freezer.

IT WORKS !!! Can't wait for the next nuclear session.

Stretch_Plug.jpg (2.29 MiB) Viewed 4005 times

Plug_In_Valve.jpg (1.94 MiB) Viewed 4005 times