Eppo.....I have a 2011 Zephyr and a 2013 11m Edge.
Never had an issue with the original valve on the Zephyr, I did swap it over with the red replacement valve however, but no issues either with the original or the replacement valve. Again I havent experienced your problem on the 11m either and I dont tighten the valve up too much, just a bit more than finger tight.
Knowing you have a fair bit of experience, I am assuming you have checked for any sand in the thread? I always give it a quick blow or 2 before screwing up.
Hope you find the solution, as I agree, you shouldnt have to tighten it up that much.

Forgot to add.....try a bit of thread tape on the valve screw

i had the same problem with my 2011 c4 when i first got it. It was an ex demo kite and when i first heard the air coming from the valve it got me worried. I cleaned and got rid of some sand and the leak stopped. I found a you tube video which said it was a common problem but cant find anymore. It could also be the one way seal not working properly??? or cross threaded threads?

Jasonlk321 said...
Hi Eppo,

I've had exactly the same experience with 2013 Catalyst 12 & 8. It's very fine sand that gets under the rubber washer. Doesn't need much. Happened on both 12 & 8 when I first got them 3 months ago. Now I just check under rubber washer every time I inflate & remove/blow any sand granules visible. Never had a problem since. Did at first try a bit of plumbers tape as extra precaution but its really designed for metal thread. Seems to peel off after one or two sessions. But no more issues since I started to check under rubber washer.

Almost 100% certain sand will be the issue Eppo, happens on any brand that uses these "boston" valves, + WA sand is very fine in a lot of places.
Like Jason I check/clean under the valve every time, never have an issue. I also store the valve when I deflate in the neoprene hat and velcro it back on the LE, stops sand getting into the bladder and the valve area.

Watch this video
ozonekites.com/water

yeah found the same issue expo. I tighten the **** out of mine even on the 2013's. I also give it a blow to make sure the thread and seal are clean of sand. I don't care what people say about sand and all that. These valves need to be done up pretty tight to hold a decent seal.

Big eeeZeee said...
yeah found the same issue expo. I tighten the **** out of mine even on the 2013's. I also give it a blow to make sure the thread and seal are clean of sand. I don't care what people say about sand and all that. These valves need to be done up pretty tight to hold a decent seal.

It needs to be completely clean and free of sand, even a little bit of sand will make it leak. These are a very commonly used Valve used on all sorts of inflatable toys, pools furniture, etc. The valve should not need to be really screwed down to the point where you are close to stripping the thread. The top surface of the black rubber sealing washer has a raised and indented ring that perfectly matches a raised ring on the valve base on the kite, sand usually does not stick to this surface and affect the sealing. Under the rubber sealing washer in the red valve though is a flat surface and it must be kept free from sand, when it is kept clean the valve will seal 100%, but if you are experiencing leaks 99.9% of the time is sand under the rubber washer.

I use a tooth brush to clean the valve and rubber ring at home and occasionally on the beach.

Yep sand found on the underside of the valve rubber I was only looking at one surface.

I have another question. I noticed the valve rubber that sits on the actual plug side is indented, not flat. So I changed it around and had the indented side sit on the kite side of the valve. It worked, but should the flat side of the rubber be on the kite valve? Should I have left it as I saw it?

AKSonline said...
No Eppo
Put it back, and stop messing with it, clean off the sand every time

yeah if you keep playing with it you might go blind.... ;)

eppo said...
I have another question. I noticed the valve rubber that sits on the actual plug side is indented, not flat. So I changed it around and had the indented side sit on the kite side of the valve. It worked, but should the flat side of the rubber be on the kite valve? Should I have left it as I saw it?

The rubber will not be indented if there is no pressure on it. Just the 'footprint' of the valve.

I have a question for you Eppo: If I brush my teeth, I taste sand. What will be the cause?

Yep Todd is right. The underside which sits on the separate screw lid the rubber has a raised indented feature on it. Both side as are not flat.