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Foil maintenance? How pedantic?

Created by stevet73 stevet73  > 9 months ago, 3 Mar 2018
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stevet73
stevet73

NSW

241 posts

3 Mar 2018 12:45pm
To what lengths are people cleaning their foil?

I'm about to do my first disassemble on slingshot hoverglide h4 since purchase -about 4 weeks since virgin use. Was planning on wiping everything down/get rid of old rust inhibitor with a rag and just 're-lube'.....is that about standard?

Or are people using something more delightful than a rag?

As always, thanks in advance for the input that is so easily shared with us newbies.
NTAA
NTAA

NSW

56 posts

3 Mar 2018 4:00pm
There's a good discussion of this topic on the kite surfing forum................

www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Kitesurfing/Foiling/Foil-Maintenance

I've been using Tef-Gel and leaving my foil assembled for up to a month without any corrosion issues.
stevet73
stevet73

NSW

241 posts

3 Mar 2018 7:25pm
Thanks NTAA. Have some reliable anti corrosive. The other blog u mentioned talks a lot about 'stripping down' but after specifics about what people are actually doing...to 'strip down'.

I'd just planned on using a rag to wipe all the old anti corrosive off curious if others recommend something additional...


NTAA
NTAA

NSW

56 posts

3 Mar 2018 8:27pm
If a rag will clean your foil parts and remove your anti corrosive, you will not need a cleaning solution.

Tel-Gel is sticky as. I use a rag and methylated spirits to remove it.
colas
colas

5370 posts

3 Mar 2018 6:05pm
Select to expand quote
stevet73 said..
curious if others recommend something additional...


I have a full carbon foil, so I am not worried of corrosion, but I use some threadlocker on the screws, otherwise they tend to get loose fast with the foil vibrations. I would not use standard oil or grease because of this unscrewing problem, only something sticky enough to act as a threadlocker.
JB
JB

JB

NSW

2232 posts

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4 Mar 2018 6:38am
I like to dis-assemble my foil at least once a week (i usually use 3rd day after use (i.e. if I foil Monday, I am cleaning Thursday no matter what)).

To ensure zero failure I have a small plastic tub with hot water in it where I put all my bolts and nuts as I remove them. I leave them in there for a good half hour to try and dissolve any corrosive residue, give a little swirl/idgitate the water fo good resuts. I then wash (usually in the shower) all parts of my foil, again in hot water, thoroughly flushing all cavities. Leave everything to dry for some time before re-assembling.

Note: I do not use any anti-corrosive or thread lock. Keeping my foil clean leaves me with no locking issues, and with no lubricant/additive I get zero slipping or bolts coming loose. However, if I was not going to follow this care, I would definitely suggest adding an anti-corrosive. My foil is about 12 months old now, and gets used a lot (3-5 times a week). I have never had an issue, but I am pedantic about cleaning/flushing it.

Naish recommend using an anti-seize, and it is a good idea, but just be sure to ensure your bolts are adequately tightened to avoid coming loose.

Ride safe,

JB
stevet73
stevet73

NSW

241 posts

4 Mar 2018 8:17am
NTAA- methylated spirits if necessary. Thanks

Colas-Thread locker. Thanks. My anti-corrosive is quite greasy but bolts seem to be holding solid. I do check them before each session though....

JB-Envy your maintenance dedication but l'll need to stick with the anti corrosive. I do however like the bolts in hot water/foil in shower tip. Thanks.
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