inflatable air valve replacement

[mike s/v Dream Chaser]

Help! I have a 10yr old Seaworthy inflatable and one of the pontoons has a slow air leak that I believe is coming out of the valve stem. I have played with it and the rate of air loss can vary from 3-4 hrs to as long as 1-2 days. I believe that Zodiak has a compatible replacement valve but when I try to unscrew the fitting I cannot get it to completely disconnect. Any suggestions, besides keeping my pump handy?

 

[Cap't Ron]

Re-flatable -

Mike, this is not an uncommon problem, I have had it myself, I've owned many, many inflatables over the years.

1)First make sure it IS the valve.

2) Use a bucket of soapy water, liquid dishwater soap, not too much as you do not want too many bubbles. The leak will show itself from bubbles even slow leaks, but you need it fully pumped and hard.

3) If it is indeed the valve replace it. There are plenty at marine flea-markets or at inflatable repair facilities and when people get rid of old infaltables. Many will interchange too.

4) If that is not your option, then if you do not NEED to deflate the sport-boat, then after pumping, then use some silicone on the OUTER valve to block the leak. This works, I have done it.

5)This is out of place but it is often just the 'O' ring inside the valve, and a hardware store can match it up, they are around a dollar apiece.