How do I fix a leaking BDC?

[zimbar]

Hi folks,
I've got a Tekna BCD (and LOVE it) that has served me faithfully for well over a decade. On a recent dive I noticed that I had to keep putting air into it. My buddy checked the dump valve and found no bubbles, but did find a series of tiny bubbles comming from the middle of the BC.
I was thinking about pouring some of that "Fix-A-Flat" stuff you use on you car's tire into the BC. Will this work to fix the leak or should I use something else?
Boy, I'd hate to toss the BCD....I really love all the Tekna gear and now I can't find the stuff anymore.

Thanks,
Patrick

 

[DA Aquamaster]

Your BC is probably a candidate for the trash pile.

A series of pin hole leaks usually means the coating on the fabric is deteriorated and it can be hard to fix. I would stay away from the fix a flat stuff as it would be almost impossible to apply and would more than likely just stick parts of your BC's bladder together. Some of the older cans of the stuff also used a flammable propellant and that could also be very bad news.

In some cases if you can remove the dump valve and reach the affected area through the hole, you may be able to brush on some thinned aquaseal. Aqualseal and the right proportion of Cotol 240 will brush on easily and cure quickly.

If you can't reach the area on the inside, you can also brush it on the outside. It will look bad but it will fix the leak.

The bad news is that more leaks are probably just around the corner. You really have to ask yourself if using a BC that is giving you clear messages that it is time for a new one is really worth fixing. In order to keep using it you will have to accept the risk of getting a serious leak at depth with potentially lethal consequences.