How to Replace a Boston Valve?

[poboy]

I have older Achilles rib that leaks from the boston valve on one of the tubes. The leak is not from the valve itself, but from the assembly it screws into. It is leaking from the seam of the hole and the fitting where the threads exit the tube. have a replacement, but for the life of me, I can't figure out how to get the old one out, much less how to get the new one in. Anybody ever done this?

Paul

[poboy]

Here is a picture of the replacement part. When installed, the only thing showing is the white threaded plastic. The black rubber piece is glued to the inside of the tube and is not flexible enough to fit through the hole in the by hypalon fabric. That is, IF I could get the old one out.

[JPA Cate]

Hi, Poboy,

I don't know how to do it. I can tell you what I'd try, but it's based on an assumption: that the Achilles was assembled with a Bostik type glue. If it was, then heating the surround with a hot air "gun", using some care not to scorch the hypalon, will break down the glue bond.

If you don't want to make that experiment, then try talking to the Achilles repair guys and ask them how they do it.

There are books on dinghy repair, as well.

Good luck.

Ann