Leaking APEKS hose

[Fraser (aka Scallop)]

Has anyone else heard of the connection at the APEKS inflator valve leaking because of a worn hose connection, I have changed the inflator valve recently but it appears that I still get a leak when inflating my suit to reduce squeeze.

I swopped out my Stab hose with the suspect hose but I still got a bit of leakage through the connection however definately not as much

comments or help appreciated.:confused:

[Ben Panter]

Hi Fraser,

Have you looked at the seal between the inflator assembly and the suit? I'd suspect that as a culprit before the hose. It could be that as you press the inflate button something distorts the seal, and allows water in?

Ben

[Fraser (aka Scallop)]

Cheers ben I have checked the seal, I bought the new inflator as a double check whilst getting soaked in Scappa, the result was still as wet with the new
inflator, have not gummed it in yet though, but as I said when I changed out the hose the leak reduced dramatically but there is still enough to get me soggy and cold

[BrianG]

Fraser,
If I understand you correctly, any leak at the suit inflator hose connection would result in air leaking out as it is at intermediate pressure. Leaks on the suit inflator are usually due to the securing ring not being adequately tightened or O ring failure on the stem of the push button.
Hope this helps.

[John_G]

Forgive me if this too obvious, but are you sure that your drysuit inflator nipple and the conector hose fitting are compatible?

This always confuses me, especially as 2 of the 3 types of nipple look very similar and appear to fit the same hose ... but they don't. The wrong one will give a leak like you describe.

I'm sorry I can't remember how to tell which nipples are which - perhaps someone else can ... ?

[Paul Watts]

After buying a new suit I was getting wet near the inflator. Tightened up the locknut several times over a number of dives, no improvement, changed the Apax inflator, no improvements, changed it again all sorted... bad batch of inflators, no idea!