drysuit exhaust valve broken?

[enigmata]

Recently, I went out on a beach dive with my Mobby's Sport Shell drysuit. Got rolled in the sand, and when I got out I saw that the exhaust valve on my drysuit was stuck. Not stuck open or closed, but it refused to turn. Took the cover of the valve off, cleaned it of sand, but alas, still stuck.

Is the valve dead? Am I not doing something right? I've attached a picture of the top of the valve with cover removed. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[Bubbletrubble]

What brand is your exhaust valve?
If it's a Si-tech, then TSandM posted a detailed description of disassembly and cleaning of hers in the DIY forum. Lots of great photos are included, too. Good luck!

 

[enigmata]

Thanks!! I repaired it, turns out I just had to use an enormous amount of elbow grease to free the valve. It works better now.

 

[Bubbletrubble]

Great! Every 50 dives or so I have to take my exhaust valve apart for a good cleaning. Sand somehow works its way in. That's one major disadvantage of shore diving -- sand can get everywhere.