Finding a slow leak in bladder?

[Jason Klein]

I have a very slow leak in my leading edge. I inflated it to normal pressure (while still in the kite) and sprayed soapy water on the leading edge and the magic bubbles found the leak. I measured how far out the leak was from the valve so that i could find it more easily after i removed the bladder from the kite. After removing the bladder, I immersed it in water and the leak is nowhere to be found in the vicinity of where i measured out from the valve. I'm figuring that the pressure is a lot greater when the bladder is constrained by the kite than when i inflate just the bladder, and the air just doesn't leak out at this pressure. i could inflate the bladder more, but i've gone to about 1.5x the diameter of the kite's normal leading edge and i'm afraid the seams could burst if i pump it much more. I'm thinking of putting it back into the leading edge, finding the leak again the same way and pushing a needle into it. Then i should be able to find the leak fairly easily. Anyone see a downside to this technique other than the obvious (that i'm making the problem worse before fixing it)? Anyone have any tricks on this?

[MikE mAy]

just thinking out loud here, but if it is a slow leak, wouldn't the air have time to find the spot of least resistance on the leading edge fabric? this would lead to the conclusion that the actual leak may be up to a foot away from the indication on the leading edge when installed in the kite?

how far from the valves is it? i would think that even a slow pin prick leak would get much bigger when you take the bladder out of the kite and inflate it, revealing itself easily. You shoudl be able to see this. did you check your valves? i've had many many valves loose their glue where they attach to the bladder. this is from heat exposure. i have spare airtime stick on valves if you need em. they cost me like $20 i think, but i can sell or give one to you if you need it.

just my $.02.

[bordy]

With the bladder in the kite use a washable(or not since your leading edge is black) Marker and mark the leading edge were the bubbles are then when you take out the bladder the matker will go through to the bladder and hopefully mark the spot! good luck! Also valves can leak around the edges while the leading edge places pressure on them.

[Jason Klein]

Mike, the leak i found was about 6 feet from the valve, and i did check the valves also, so i don't think the leak is there. That said, the flange on the dump valve is basically gone from cracking and tearing in the winter and probably makes sense to replace while i'm dealing with this. If you've got one of those that you're looking to get rid of, i'll take it - let me know the price 435-647-6267. If you want to keep it to have an extra on hand, i can order one from the web easy enough. Just let me know.

Billy, I'll try it with a marker.

Thanks,
jk