LP Inflator Leakage?

[ScubyDoo]

I have a question with a little leak problem, and Im betting that it is a problem which many people have had in the past.

I noticed over the weekend that I have a small leak in my inflator/deflator valve. I noticed while positive on the surface that small air bubbles were leaking out of the oral inflator mouthpiece. All my attempts to stop the leak were unsuccessfull. The only things I can think of which would cause this leak are perhaps some sand got stuck in the valve? Im doubting this however because it worked just fine the last time I used it, and all my dives were boat dives. I did however clean the inside my BC after the last dive. This entailed pouring BC shampoo into the mouthpiece and filling the BC partially with water.....you all know the drill. Is it possible that I didnt rinse it well enough and perhaps some soap is causing the valve to stick open??

Im hoping there will be a simple solution to this, so I wont have to take it in to have it serviced. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in Advance!!

 

[The Chairman]

most inflator valves disassemble easily. Just take your time while cleaning and be prepared to visit your LDS for the parts. Actually, if you haven't given it its yearly once over, now is the tim eto do it. Sand can get imbedded into the gasket from the spring pressure and many times the only solution is to replace the gasket.