DUI low profile exaust valve leaking

[ERP]

Over the weekend the exhaust valve on my TLS350 was leaking badly.

I have since been told that this is rather common and the high profile valves don't have the problem.

DUI want me to send the suit in for the replacement, but given there less than stellar turn around time I'd rather not.

So what's involved in replacing it?

 

[sasdasdaf]

I don't know, but if you want an alternative, try Superior Dive Repair. I have used them a couple of times and they are excellent. Turnaround time can be a few weeks if they are busy (likely) but they have an express option for $50.

http://www.drysuitrepair.com/

 

[Bob3]

You might just want to unscrew the bugger & just send the valve in, but contact DUI first.

You can always slap a new Si Tech exhaust valve on, chances are your current valves are Apeks.

http://www.scubaboard.com/t33543/s.html

 

[MikeFerrara]

I find that they get dirty inside and eventually start to leak. Especially if it's sandy where you're suiting up just pull it apart and rinse it out.

 

[ERP]

Bob3 once bubbled...
You might just want to unscrew the bugger & just send the valve in, but contact DUI first.

You can always slap a new Si Tech exhaust valve on, chances are your current valves are Apeks.

Yep the current valve is an Apeks, and I phoned DUI this morning, they insisted I either send in the suit, or have my LDS fit the valve. I'll drop by my LDS tomorrow, they'll probably order the
replacement valve for me and just swap it when it arrives.

What I was really trying to clarify is if the low profile and high profile apeks valves share a common suit fittings, or if there is surgery involved in the swap, my guess is it's the former.

I find that they get dirty inside and eventually start to leak. Especially if it's sandy where you're suiting up just pull it apart and rinse it out.

Thanks for the advice Mike, since this is the first dive I've really noticed the leaking you are probably right. I'll give it a clean and see if it's the same this weekend.

 

[Munin]

With the low profile apeks the design allows the mushroom valve to stick open frequently. I replaced mine with an old style after a few months. To do that all you need to do is unscrew the old valve, clean off the old sealant, and screw the new one in with some RTV silicone. It's a pretty simple thing. DUI might not like it though.

SI Tech valves use a gasket that is glued to the suit and allows you to take off and replace the valve with no silicone. That's what I would buy if I did it again.