Stopper ball problem on T3

Blue · Since 03 Jul 2007 469 Posts I used to be Obsessed

The stopper ball on infusion valve in my T3 after a year of flawless performance recently started to malfunction. I need to slap the LE around the valve for the stopper ball to fall into place and stop the back flow and that makes it almost impossible to pump up the kite to the appropriate firmness. How do I fix that?

Kataku2k3 · Since 14 Aug 2005 3754 Posts PDX-LA Videographer

Never had it happen, but I would assume it's just wearing out over time (rubber may be getting more flexible and grabbing the ball?). Airtime U-stick inflate valves suck, so the only true fix I see would be a new OEM bladder. Doubt hot water or anything would do much...

pdxmonkeyboy · Thu Jul 30, 09 9:46 pm

hey Blue, maybe squirt some kind of lubricant in there to see if that helps.

GorgeKite.com · Since 17 Mar 2008 226 Posts Hood River Stoked

try to close the valve before the air escapes

Nak · Thu Jul 30, 09 10:45 pm

There's a similar thread about a Waroo. I think Moto mentioned grabbing the end of the valve while pinching it closed. Then pull it out and let it snap back. I use this procedure on my 9m REV--it has the same problem--and it seals every time.

So to be clear, as you pull the hose out, squeeze off the nipple as if it didn't have a stopper ball. pull it out so it kind of forms a cone shape. Let go suddenly so it snaps back.

BTW, thanks for the tip Moto, it works great!

Blue · Since 03 Jul 2007 469 Posts I used to be Obsessed

Thanks guys, I’ll squirt some graphite into the valve next time and see if that helps. Hopefully I won’t need to replace the bladder.

Nak, I saw that other thread. My problem is a bit different. I have one stroke pump, BTW modified according to your suggestions, thanks! With each upstroke I lose the air form LE, sort of like playing seesaw with the kite. With down stroke only pump I need working infusion valve.

Inept_Fun · Since 14 Apr 2005 1417 Posts Hood River XTreme Poster

Your pump has a leak then?? Cause you shouldnt just start losing air for no reason even if there is no stopper ball the air shouldnt have anywhere to go.

Nak · Fri Jul 31, 09 12:29 pm

What inept said. You got a problem with your pump. Just taking the top seal out doesn't disable the check valve. Probably your hose is leaking. If not that then your check valve.

Blue · Since 03 Jul 2007 469 Posts I used to be Obsessed

duh

Thanks guys!