low pressure inflators interchangeable?

[randykiw]

I have a scuba pro knighthawk bcd. I want to change out the air2 to a standard low pressure inflator. It only connects with a zip tie to the corrugrated hose.

1st questions is that a standard connector size or do I have to get one from scubapro?

2nd question is it has a pull dump valve. In the end of the corrugrated hose there is a quarter inch wide white plast strip with 3 holes in it that is connected to the dump valve via a cable. It looks like a pin would go thru it to connect it to the lpi. Is that also standard?

3rd question are all zip ties created the same. Can i use standard one from loews?

 

[Rick Inman]

I don't know about the Knighthawk, so I won't answer that specifically.

But, as to zip tie only to secure the inflator valve, some people (and Oxycheq, I think) also use a bit of red gasket glue to secure the inflator. You sure don't want to be able to pull that thing off due to a failed zip tie.

And no, not all zip ties are created equal. The cheap ones (like the ones at Harbor Freight) will not tighten down and hold due to small/weak plastic ridges. The usual rule is, if it's cheap to buy it is usually junk. I think Lowes has the good ones, though.

 

[rstofer]

Somewhere I read a recommendation to use Thomas & Betts TyeWraps because they have a stainless steel tang instead of a plastic ratchet.

Nevertheless, Trident sells the plastic ratch style in handy bags of 500. See page 21 of this very helpful 82+ MB catalog: http://www.tridentdive.com/internetcatalog.pdf

You LDS can order from Trident. Of course, your LDS probably has some zip ties you can buy for a few cents.

Richard

 

[claymore]

If your Knighthawk has a standard 1" hose consider getting the Zeagle BX inflator. It has a fitting that allows the inflator to be unscrewed from the BC and a garden hose attached to flush out the BC after the dives. Works great.

 

[Peter_C]

The AIR II uses a different low pressure hose from a standard inflator valve. I am talking about the skinny black hose that comes from your regulator and plugs onto the inflator valve of your BC. The AIR II has a larger nipple than a regular inflator valve. Very common on octo/inflator setups.

 

[cool_hardware52]

I don't know about the Knighthawk, so I won't answer that specifically.

But, as to zip tie only to secure the inflator valve, some people (and Oxycheq, I think) also use a bit of red gasket glue to secure the inflator. You sure don't want to be able to pull that thing off due to a failed zip tie.

I recommend assembling corrugated hoses without adhesive. TPU's are very difficult to glue, almost no adhesive will bond to it.

Excess "hose glue" can end up fouling OPV's, it typically dries in a thin sheet and peels off inside the hose. I've seen more than one wing leak because of this material fouling the OPV.

Dual, good quality zip ties are the better solution.

Tobin

 

[randykiw]

Thinks for the replys - I got a couple used scubapro inflators from a dealer and he installed / zip tied them on for me(no glue).