On Sep 6, 1:01*pm, JS wrote:
* Wondering if there's a recommended vendor to add vents to non-vented
Smiley bags (AS-W27). I can't get all the air out of these bags with
the usual foot pump. The factory bags were vented and held more water
but look fragile and already leak.
* Alternatively, parts and procedures for DIY.
Thanks,
Jim

You don't want to vent the bags. What you need is an effective way to
fully evacuate them before filling.

On my ASW-19b I modified the bag root end fittings to include a "T" to
a small bore tube. The dump fittings were connected to the delivery
stand pipe by means of a "Y" fitting.

I purged all air from the fill hoses then attached them to the the
fill/dump ports with the dump valves closed. I then sucked the air
out of the small bore tubes with a harbor freight hand operated
sunction/siphon pump. It took 10-20 seconds for each bag. After the
bags were evauated I pinched off the small bore tubes and opened the
glider dump valves.

The neat part about my fill system was the recirculating stand pipe.
I had the only completely unattended fill system that I have ever
seen. I'd suck the bags, start the fill, and then go the pilot's
meeting. When I came back at the end of the meeting the bags were
full and all I had to do was close the dump valves and disconnect the
fill hoses. No burping, no wing down filling, no water in the
cockpit. no trapped air. Just walk away and forget it.

With this system I could even fill the glider while towing it to the
contest grid and did several times.

Andy