Got ripped off buying used BCD. Any way I can repair it myself.

[Seville]

I bought a used BCD from facebook, of course the guy said there were not leaks...I tested it out and there are two small leaks coming from the top left shoulder by the inflater. It looks like the bladder is welded and they tried to fix it once by sewing it. I should be able to get inside if I can get the inflater off. Anyway I can turn this negative into a positive. Please dont respond to, "you should have checked it before or dont buy used stuff...

Thanks

 

[johndiver999]

pin hole leaks are totally inconsequential. You should unscrew the inflator hose from the BC and very carefully examine the translucent, male threaded insert that is bonded to the BC. Look for stress cracks between the threads, GENTLY tried to bend this piece if it snaps or is cracked, ...well I just discard the BC.

 

[runsongas]

get some aquaseal and glue/patch up the leaking area from the inside if you can get the inflator off cleanly. may need a patch kit from the outside if you can't. can also try just slathering on a layer of aquaseal for a quick and dirty fix.

 

[TMHeimer]

get some aquaseal and glue/patch up the leaking area from the inside if you can get the inflator off cleanly. may need a patch kit from the outside if you can't. can also try just slathering on a layer of aquaseal for a quick and dirty fix.

Makes sense. I used that stuff on a small tear in my BC (didn't know it was there as someone pointed it out who was behind me). That was oh, 7-8 years ago. Still OK.

 

[Seville]

They are smaller leaks, like small bubble in a line coming up. I dont know if i can get a patch in that small of a space. If i get the glue in there should i leave the bc inflated while its drying so it would be at the max stretch point?

 

[wnissen]

Does your image show the fix? The overstiching I see by the inflator looks like it's factory.

 

[rhwestfall]

Yeah, I see a weld seam, and then edge binding stitched for a finished edge.

I might try a paint brush or tongue depressor to "paint" the interior if a pinhole leak is happening. What gives me pause is why? Was it salt crystals, and you have possibly much more damage?

 

[Centrals]

If the leak is on the bladder or the weld seam then it should not be too difficult to fix.
I do not think the stitched seam is part of the bladder.
You really need to remove the inflator and check inside. If the base of the flange of the gasket is cracked then you have a much serious problem.

Good luck.

 

[Martijn]

This is what you mean? I'm pretty sure that is factory, and not a fix..

I had my (not so old, but just out of warrenty) Mares BCD leaking at those exact spots

 

[NorCalDM]

The other thing is it actually leaking or just trapped air escaping the fabric? If you keep it submerged do the small bubbles stop or do they keep streaming out. Does the bladder deflate after a period of time?