Hollis FX 100 - Anyone Damp Out There?

[ontdiver]

I bought a Hollis FX 100 about 18 mo ago from LDS. Suit is virtually indestructible but on every dive I have dampness in lower right leg (and sometimes in lower left leg). Though I rationalized on several dives that this was simple condensation settling to lower extremities - particularly during warmer weather - I have come to accept fact that I have a leak. Problem is that I have had it tested for leaks at LDS and with local repair guru, only to be told that they can not find anything. I am wondering, however, whether there is a slow leak phenomenon that requires a different approach.

Have been putting up with damp over the Fall, but with cooler temps now the norm, have to decide whether I grin and bear it for another month or send suit back for another leak test. Thoughts, advice welcomed.

 

[Dhboner]

Do you use a pee valve? From the location of the damp area I would check the pee valve. Balanced pee valves sometimes leak a little if left in the open position and any pee valve can leak if it was not installed properly. If you can't get it sorted out I would suggest you contact Scott at Custom Diving Services in Barrie. He is one of the best drysuit repair guys out there and loves the challenge of a mystery leak!

Bob (Toronto)

 

[divezonescuba]

Put on a dry table. Turn inside out as much as possible, plug neck and one wrist, and fill with water. Let it sit for a few minutes. Most shops will not do this because it is a lot of trouble to dump the water after the test. Works better than air/bubble solution tests.

 

[ontdiver]

No pee valve and not planning on one till I get one dampness issue out of the way! Thanks for the referral, though.

---------- Post Merged at 06:51 PM ---------- Previous Post was at 06:50 PM ----------

Put on a dry table. Turn inside out as much as possible, plug neck and one wrist, and fill with water. Let it sit for a few minutes. Most shops will not do this because it is a lot of trouble to dump the water after the test. Works better than air/bubble solution tests.

Yes - I've read about that technique and perhaps should give it a try. thanks

 

[dbulmer]

Ontdiver,
There's a video on the DUI site that you might find useful.
The link is:

DOG TV - Drysuit leak test / do-it-yourself

I have tried this method and it works pretty well. One thing I would advise you is to do this in plenty of sunlight and be very slow and methodical in sealing the neck and wrist seals. If you rush it water end ups everywhere .

Try looking around the crotch seam area.

 

[Dive Right In Scuba]

You can do the water test, but it really isn't necessary...

What I would do first, plug it and fill it with air. But 15lbs of weight on it, and look at the suit or take a picture. Make special note of arm position and dent made by weights. Check back in an hour, 5 hours, or just wait overnight. Be sure to close your exhaust valve all the way. IF there is no leak, it will look the exact same even after 7 days....

My assumption is you have a leak in the foot. They probably didn't spend the time really checking the foot. Another solution, reverse your valves, and inflate the suit inside out with air. Then soapy water it...if you see nothing, put weights on it and follow above. The leak will most likely reveal itself....but pay special attention to the foot.

Leak testing is an art, and you need to know where a subtle leak can occur

 

[ontdiver]

Thanks for the additional advice/comments. Much appreciated.