Apeks dry suit dump valve adjustment

[GF99/99]

Might be a dumb question... Does anyone know if there is an adjustment to the "sensitivity" of Apeks dump valves?

Reason I ask is I just serviced my dump valve as it was packed with cave paste and now it seems like when I have it wide open it just does not dump as easy as it use to. Works great, no leaks, turns/clicks fine, etc. but it just is not as sensitive/as easy to dump as be for. I have never really noticed this other times I have serviced it until now. My thoughts were maybe depending on how you clock/index the valve when you screw it back together??? Or maybe it is just the fact that I cleaned it out?? Or maybe I am just making it all up in my head... but I swear it was easier to dump be for.

 

[lexvil]

https://www.sf-1.eu/mediafiles/Bedienungsanleitungen/DRY-SUIT%20VALVE%20manual.pdf

 

[mr_v]

@lexvil - thank you for the manual, I skimmed through the doc and did not see the sensitivity adjustment instructions there.

@GF99/99 - this is not the advice you're looking for, but I solve the same problem with a new valve. The difference was quite noticeable. I still have the old valve and will play with it.

If you want to limit cave paste, try Apeks valve for contaminated water:

APEKS CONTAMINATED WATER EXHAUST VALVE - Dive Rescue International

CONTAMINATED WATER EXHAUST VALVE - APEKS PART#62465 FEATURES Dual diaphragm exhaust valve reduces the chances of water or contaminates from entering the

diverescueintl.com

 

[landphil]

There's really only one functional part to those Apeks valves, a rubber diaphragm. The twisty knob part just puts more tension on the diaphragm, making it harder to force open with excess air pressure, while pushing the cap moves the entire diaphragm away from its seat, making it wide open. What I've found, though is that as the diaphragm ages (probably far outside of when it should have been serviced) it seems to get more compliant. I run my drysuits with newer valves wide open, while I need to screw in 2 or 3 clicks on my really old valve. I think it will probably all loosen up and feel just about right in another 5 years or so

 

[mr_v]

And Apeks just discontinued its valve business...