Leaky Inflator

[RVBldr]

I have an older mid-90's Ranger that I really like, but it's developed a small leak in the power inflator allowing a constant but small amount of air into the bladder. I'm assuming it's just a bad Schrader valve and I have one on hand. Any tricks to swapping that out?

 

[redacted]

All LPI hoses have one schradder valve that seals the hose when detached, but that is not your problem. Very few LPIs use a schradder valve to seal the flow into the bladder. Most do the job with o-rings. I thought Zeagle used the fairly common LPI design and would expect it is in need of some new o-rings rather than a schradder valve; but I am not sure.

 

[claymore]

The newer Zeagle BX inflators have a schrader valve but I am not sure about the older ones.

 

[redacted]

2003 Manual at link: http://www.frogkick.dk/manuals/zeagle/

It looks like an o-ring.

 

[RVBldr]

Thanks for the link! It's the valve core I was looking at. May need to pull that apart.

---------- Post added April 6th, 2013 at 07:33 PM ----------

It was a noble effort, but I rolled over and just splurged for a new Zeagle power inflator with the disconnect. After almost 20 years, I suspect I could go for a new valve.

 

[redacted]

Thanks for the link! It's the valve core I was looking at. May need to pull that apart.

---------- Post added April 6th, 2013 at 07:33 PM ----------

It was a noble effort, but I rolled over and just splurged for a new Zeagle power inflator with the disconnect. After almost 20 years, I suspect I could go for a new valve.

Now, with no pressure, you can fix the old one and add it to your save-a-dive kit.

 

[claymore]

After looking at the manual I belive that there is a schrade valve in the Valve Insert Assembly. I recently rebuilt one of my BX inflators and the design looks the same. On one end of Valve Insert Assembly the end go the schrade valve can be seen.

 

[KD8NPB]

A new BX inflator is $55 I think? No worrying about corrosion or old, brittle plastic...

 

[redacted]

After looking at the manual I belive that there is a schrade valve in the Valve Insert Assembly. I recently rebuilt one of my BX inflators and the design looks the same. On one end of Valve Insert Assembly the end go the schrade valve can be seen.

That does seem to be the design but it looks like the valve is integral to the assembly and not replaceable. Always worth a look though.

 

[Jeff-F]

That does seem to be the design but it looks like the valve is integral to the assembly and not replaceable.

This is correct, that Schrader valve is set in that assembly to a specific height so it works correctly when the button is depressed. I wouldn't mess around with pulling the Schrader valve out of that insert, far more trouble than its worth (ruining the plastic threads, serious injury and/or death, legal stuff blah blah blah).

We do offer a Save-a-dive kit that has a spare inflator valve insert for those moments on your dive trip abroad when a Zeagle dealer is many hundreds of miles away. Replacing the insert is just a matter of grabbing a 1/4" Allen wrench, removing the insert and inserting the new insert HAND TIGHT. Do not overtighten it, when you feel it hit bottom you're done. If you don't feel comfortable doing the work yourself you can always bring the kit with you and have your instructor or a more experienced diver do the replacement for you.