Inflator button stuck

[kaheksa]

Im having a problem with my Apeks WTX6R wing inflator buttons

Serviced them both with a good wash, new o-rings, silicone grease and after that they get stuck when wet. When going down it gives you a couple of burst of air and then gets stuck at the bottom position and doesnt move anymore (no air going through either). If you disconnect the air hose and give the button a wiggle it comes up and you are good for a nother couple of burst of air and then its stuck again..
Both the inflators doing the exact same thing and work fine when dry. Have taken them apart a couple of times now and still the same problem

Any ideas?

 

[buddhasummer]

Sorry if this sounds condescending its not my intention, seems strange that both are doing the same thing. Assuming you've serviced them correctly then I'd recommend replacing the whole unit. Although I do service them from time to time I consider them consumables, they are not expensive, well generic ones anyway. Of course I have no idea as to availabilty in your location. I use the ones in the link below: Good luck.

BCD Parts and Components - Dive Gear Express

---------- Post added May 21st, 2013 at 02:54 AM ----------

If you completely disassembled them and were not careful with the dump button it is easy to score the service of the unit with a screwdriver or the like used to allow unscrewing but this doesn't sound like your problem. I can't think why they would be doing this. Experts?

---------- Post added May 21st, 2013 at 02:55 AM ----------

Is the button coming into contact with the unit body? Catching some how? Is the stem or spring bent?

 

[chillyinCanada]

Buttons put back in backwards or some such, so that they bind up? Agree with Buddha, very odd (or is it?) that both are having exactly the same problem.

 

[buddhasummer]

Were they working prior to service? If so it would seem logical to conclude that you have done something given both units are now doing the same thing. It might be worth taking them apart again to have a closer look. Check out the instructions either in the link I provided or the video on Deep Sea Supply's website. The button cannot be put in backwards on a generic inflator but am not sure about an Apeks unit. Keep us posted.

---------- Post added May 21st, 2013 at 04:33 AM ----------

Just did a wee search and found that back in 2010 there was a recal of WTX inflator units, how old is your wing?

---------- Post added May 21st, 2013 at 04:35 AM ----------

Sand lodged in the unit? Sorry I'm grasping at straws now.

 

[kaheksa]

The button looks like the generic one only with a metal button.
Serviced the buttons because one of them froze on a icedive. Took them apart, but them in the ultrasonicwasher and changed the o-rings ( not rocketscience ). It seems to get better when using, after about 10-15 shallow dives I can get 3-4 bursts of air insted of the 1-2. The weird thing is it only has this problem when wet, works fine when dry. The water is creating a vacume in the button?

It is a year old and done about 100-150 dives

 

[buddhasummer]

I think given the potential risks of a malfunctioning inflator unit you should just replace them both and be done with it, you may never find the cause.

 

[Tigerman]

Could it be the o-rings thats the problem? Given it seems to get better with some use I mean?

 

[buddhasummer]

Possibly a silly question but are you using the correct O rings, the units are very simple with few moving parts so by process of elimination you should be able to find the cause. If its become a mission I'd try putting the old O rings back in, assuming they are Ok and if the problem disappears then at least you've found the cause.

Thats what I'd do anyway I hate not knowing, it brings out the OCD in me.

---------- Post added May 21st, 2013 at 10:58 PM ----------

Could it be the o-rings thats the problem? Given it seems to get better with some use I mean?

I'm with you Tigerman.

Given the mechanics of an inflator unit, assuming the body is not damaged and the stem or spring aren't bent the O ring seem to be the more likely cause there's not much else it could be. There's only a finite number of possibilities. Good luck and keep us posted, I'm super interested. Cheers.

 

[buddhasummer]

Any developments?

 

[kaheksa]

Got a answer from Apeks..
"We only recommend the unit is rinsed after every dive, because the units are not problematic if a problem occurs it is more cost effective to purchase a new lower unit". Basically use the inflator until it stops working and buy a new one because they are not servicable. One of the pulldump cords broke off also and instead of changing the cord you haveto the buy the whole thing again.

Not buying an Apeks wing the next time around..