Leaky Mares BCD valve

[gazzarose]

Hi guys,

Done my first 2 open water dives on Saturady and loved it. Got way to excited over a few little crabs.lol. All went well, but just before the second dive, we done the buddy checks, and when I pulled the inflator to demostrate the 'pull to dump', the valve didn't close properly. It was kind of like a constant fizzing. Lucky we were only doing a shallow shore dive so it wasn't a problem. But it meant I had to give the inflator a squirt every now and then to maintain neutral buoyancy. I thiought maybe a bit of sand had got in there on the 1st dive, so when I got home I washed everything down, then unscrewed the inflator assembly from the jacket and washed it under a tap, with the valve pulled and closed to try and solve it, but nothing has helped.

Ive tried to take it apart but it apears to be glued together, and I can't find anywhere to by a new one. I bought the jacket second hand, so don't know the exact history, but I bought it off a friend who only used it a few times before losing interest. The rest of the jacket is immaculate so it hasn't been abused. Im going to take it to my LDS, but they're not open until wednesday, and I've got a pool session tomorrow night so was hoping for a quick fix. I don't mind buying a new one, but just can't find anywhere selling spares.

Hope you guys can help.

Regards

Gareth

[Hamish]

Hi guys,

Done my first 2 open water dives on Saturady and loved it. Got way to excited over a few little crabs.lol. All went well, but just before the second dive, we done the buddy checks, and when I pulled the inflator to demostrate the 'pull to dump', the valve didn't close properly. It was kind of like a constant fizzing. Lucky we were only doing a shallow shore dive so it wasn't a problem. But it meant I had to give the inflator a squirt every now and then to maintain neutral buoyancy. I thiought maybe a bit of sand had got in there on the 1st dive, so when I got home I washed everything down, then unscrewed the inflator assembly from the jacket and washed it under a tap, with the valve pulled and closed to try and solve it, but nothing has helped.

Ive tried to take it apart but it apears to be glued together, and I can't find anywhere to by a new one. I bought the jacket second hand, so don't know the exact history, but I bought it off a friend who only used it a few times before losing interest. The rest of the jacket is immaculate so it hasn't been abused. Im going to take it to my LDS, but they're not open until wednesday, and I've got a pool session tomorrow night so was hoping for a quick fix. I don't mind buying a new one, but just can't find anywhere selling spares.

Hope you guys can help.

Regards

Gareth

It would help if you told us the make model of the BC, then perhaps someone would be able to help.

But if you do not know exactly what you need to do it may be better you take it to the LDS.

Hamish

[gazzarose]

The BC is a Mares V1. I can't find any markings on the valve assembly itself. I think I'l have to use a spare BC my mate has let me use until I can go to the LDS.

Only problem is, they're only open a few days a week so sometimes take a while to get things back from suplliers. Just don't want to miss any opportunities to do more dives. I've only done an hour in the sea and I can't wait to see more. Another diver on the beach on Saturday saw an Octopus, but we couldn't find it. I honestly didn't know how much life was on our beaches when the tides in. Im definately hooked.

Gareth

[Mark]

I would expect the problem to be just a build up of salt or sand.

If a good rinse doesn't sort it, then a strip and rebuild will do the trick.

When you rinsed it, did you work the valve? I mean with water flowing, pull as if to dump.

As to it being glued, well, it might not have been apart before, so you'd probably just need to use more force.



:)

[ChristianG]

As to it being glued, a device like this should never be glued and I doubt that Mares, or any other decent manufacturer for that matter, would do such a thing. What happens after the device is purchased is of course not the responsibility of any manufacturer since they no longer have control.

Forceful intent on anything such as this could well mean replacement of parts, I'd tread warily on that one.

[northern_diver]

Im not familiar with the V1 but the inflator fittings are more than likely the same as with other Mares gear...of which i know you can get spare gear from.

Find someone in your club with a Dragon or Vector or Chrome etc and unscrew the cap and see if it fits on yours and then if it does, go to the nearest dive shop or on-line and pick one up-ask permission first of course;) :rolleyes: shouldnt be much issue with compatibility.

Dive shops such as Scuba and outdoor pursuits-http://www.scubapursuits.com/
normally have such in stock or have rapid turn arounds and i can personally vouch for good customer service, irrespective of if you get it posted or not:)

A other alternative is keep that BC for pool training and get another for diving?

Glad you enjoying diving, its a great hobby/sport, safe diving,

John

[gazzarose]

Just had another play with the valve. Poked the back end of a spoon down it and it clicked the seal back into place. It seems like the spring isn't seated properly. If I pull the 'pull to dump', it opens the valve, but doesn't return properly, so I think the spring has somehow shifted. At least its ok for tonight, and Il take it in my LDS this week and ask them to have a look at it.

Thanks for all the replies.

Gareth