Advanced Elements AE1020 - Manual (Page 8)

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3.2 Understanding Your Valves
Advanced Elements FireFly™ kayak uses the following valves. The Advanced Elements spring
valve has the function and durability of other military type valves and is compatible with most
standard pumps. The lock nut holds the valve in place with the cover for easy inflation. The
following figures will have details on how to operate the valves.
To Inflate: The valve’s plunger stem should be in the up/outward position flush with the valve
threading.
To Deflate: The valve’s plunger stem should be set in the down/inward position recessed in the
valve threading.
In order to switch the valve from inflate to deflate or vice-versa, simply use your finger to
press the valve stem down/inward and rotate it a 1/4 turn to either lock it down for deflate, or
unlock it (stem will spring up) for inflate.
How the Spring Valve Works:
When the valve is in the inflate (up/outward) position, the air being pumped in pushes the
spring-loaded plunger open, allowing air to enter the air chamber, but not letting it escape.
When the valve is in the deflate (down/inward) position, the spring loaded plunger is wide open
allowing the air to come rushing out of the air chamber. If the valve is in the inflate position, the
valve’s plunger stem will be flush with the rim of the valve. If the valve is in the deflate position,
the valve’s plunger stem will be inside, or lower than, the rim of the valve. To change the valve
from the inflate position to the deflate position, simply use your finger to press the valve plunger
stem down/inward, and give it a 1/4 turn. This will lock the plunger open and allow the air to
rush out. Use the same procedure in reverse to unlock the valve plunger, allowing it to spring up
into the inflate position.
Special Note: If you are using a 12v inflator, like those that come with most inflatable mattresses
or those that plug into car cigarette lighters, you may need to have the valve in the deflate (down/
inward) position because these types of pumps typically do not provide enough air pressure
to press the plunger open to allow air into the air chamber. Additionally, 12v inflators do not
provide enough pressure to fully inflate the kayak, so you will need a secondary pump to finish
the job.
Using the NEW “Screw-on” Spring Valve Adaptor:
The screw-on Spring Valve Adaptor was designed to enable the pump hose to securely connect to
the Advanced Elements Spring Valve without falling off during inflation, making inflation easier.
The valve adaptor also has a semi-circle protrusion that depresses the valve stem, opening the
valve slightly to allow pumps with pressure gauges to take a constant reading. When inflating
the kayak using the Spring Valve Adaptor, the valve should be in the inflate position.