how2 find slow leak

[BobnAbout]

I have a real slow leak in a 12 inflatable, and I can't find the leak. I have sprayed soapy water on it, rubbed soap on it, run a water stream over it, still can't find the leak. Any suggestions?

 

[likalar]

Re: how2 find slow leak

I have a real slow leak in a 12 inflatable, and I can't find the leak. I have sprayed soapy water on it, rubbed soap on it, run a water stream over it, still can't find the leak. Any suggestions?

You're doing the right thing. Did you add extra air before the soap test? More air pressure in the tubes may help.

Larry

 

[Luvinflatableboats]

Re: how2 find slow leak

Hi,

Decide which of the chambers is loosing air this will give you your first hint. Spray the whole chamber with the soapy water solution. Turn the boat upside down and do the same on the area hitting all the seams as well. Be patient and if there is a leak it will show up.

Darryl

 

[abdiver7777]

Re: how2 find slow leak

If you know a refrigeration service guy ask him to squirt a little refrigerant into the tubes and then check with his leak detector

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: how2 find slow leak

I'm sure you probably did, but make sure you spray the valves too.

 

[Luvinflatableboats]

Re: how2 find slow leak

I'm sure you probably did, but make sure you spray the valves too.

Excellent point. Check the valves carefully for leaks.

 

[sethjon]

Re: how2 find slow leak

Add extra air and you have to force it under water a little bit at a time. First check the valve.

 

[mudslinging79]

Re: how2 find slow leak

if its dine in a quiet area, you may be able to hear where the leak is, helps pinpoint the area you need to look at closer.

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: how2 find slow leak

Inflate sib well, with soappy water check countour fabric where valves sits and spray some SW inside valves to find air bubbles, probably internal seals are not sealing correctly against internal wall. Anyway, what's the sib brand to know what type of valve is currently using.

Happy Sibbing

 

[jspringator]

Re: how2 find slow leak

if its dine in a quiet area, you may be able to hear where the leak is, helps pinpoint the area you need to look at closer.

I found my leak by this method. Actually I didn't know I had a leak. I kept hearing something and figured out what was going on.

 

[mudslinging79]

Re: how2 find slow leak

i found a couple this way, leastr it narrows down the search area

 

[Bigisland]

Re: how2 find slow leak

I am with Bobnabout..................I can't find the leak in my Achilles. I have painted soapy water on with a brush, rubbed soapy water on by hand, lathered it up pretty good and I still can't find a bubble/leak anywhere.

I was ready to buy something else used from
Craig's - looks like some real deals there, but now I am learning that Achilles is supposed to be a great quality boat, so I am backpeddling my decision to dump my Achilles and get something else.

The only thing I haven't tried is the patience suggested by Loveinflatableboats. I did do my test off the back of my boat in fairly calm waters - slight breeze behind my boat. But I didn't let it set for awhile as it seems to be suggested in Loveinflatableboats message. And, I didn't do it on hard ground - if that makes any difference.

Soapy water is state of the art for finding leaks? I was hoping to find some new revolutionary device for this locating the air leak job when I came to the internet, but soapy water from 30 years ago is still around. Must be a good method even though it reveal nothing to me.

 

[chickendog2010]

Re: how2 find slow leak

Look like it is leaking somewhere that is not visible, could near the valve or the seams. About high tech stuff, you can try to borrow someone's hearing aid and crank them up. 8- )

 

[KC4YIN]

Re: how2 find slow leak

After reading this again I went back out and somewhat over inflated mine and was using soapy water again when I felt the leak with my hand. So it occurred to me maybe try a feather or smoke or talc powder. Something that will remain suspended in the air in the area of the leak long enough to be noticed. With mine the leak was on an outer round area where the soapy water would not stay long enough to develop bubbles.

 

[chickendog2010]

Re: how2 find slow leak

Something i read,

"Remember, the number one cause of slow leaks is a poorly seated valve. Unscrew, clean. Make sure little rubber O-rings are good. They are the cheapest repair possible. "

 

[Sea-cation]

Re: how2 find slow leak

It is normal to loose a small amount of air in all inflatables. Check with manufacturer on what that rate would be. I have to "top up" at least once a week on my 13 foot coastal inflatable.