If you have sand in your va.......

[HenrikBP]

I'll try and find something similar here locally. I'm currently using the standard zip ties. Those Cobra Ties would be much better than what I'm currently using.

I use those zip ties on both mouth pieces and to secure the inflator to the inflator hose, and the inflator hose to the elbow. They're a little tricky to pull tight; you have "push counter" on the Cobra head when you're pulling. But the low profile is very nice, and if you cut the "tag end" close with very small diagonal cutters, the sharp cut end slips "into" the Cobra head eliminating the need to trim the sharp corners with a blade.

 

[oldschoolto]

I guess, I'm the only one who thought it was about sand someplace else.....

Jim...

 

[Peter_C]

I wonder if the sand could be flushed out with loads of water? Do something like shove the end into a garden hose? Or use the LP connector to blow air thru it.

The proper tool for the clamps is...

Just so happens I have one of the tools, as they are used as fuel line clamps and for C.V. boots. One of the best clamps made.

 

[idive2]

Yeah, good to know whats under the shrink tube. I kinda thought that was actually the valve itself until this post.
I had this same thing happen to mine last year after taking it out of storage. I ended up just manuevering the valve
around a bit and it must have dislodged whatever was holding it open. I really like the way the valve works but they do
need to be checked from time to time. I caught mine while checking it before a dive and was glad I discovered it then.

 

[Pullmyfinger]

I filled the SMB with water and let it run out of the inflator, but it wasn't enough pressure to clear the obstruction.
Now that you mention it, I'll bet one of those inflator flushing/hose attachments that DSS sells might provide enough pressure to clear the one way valve.

Thanks for the picture of the installation pliers. I recall seeing them a long time ago, but I couldn't remember for sure what they looked like.

Cheers,
Mitch

 

[Peter_C]

I filled the SMB with water and let it run out of the inflator, but it wasn't enough pressure to clear the obstruction.

Flow and pressure is the answer. I would remove the OPV before starting though.

Now that you mention it, I'll bet one of those inflator flushing/hose attachments that DSS sells might provide enough pressure to clear the one way valve.

You will get about the same amount of water on you, by shoving it into the end of a hose. Best bet is to make your own BC flusher out of an extra LP inflator hose with a couple of parts from the local hardware store. There is one sold that has a metal BC connection that should be effective.

Thanks for the picture of the installation pliers. I recall seeing them a long time ago, but I couldn't remember for sure what they looked like.

Cheers,
Mitch

You really only need those pliers if you work on cars often.

This is a more universal clamp where one size fits all, but of course it takes a special tool too.