My SPG is taking on water!

[george1098]

Hi all
I went for a dive this last weekend and notice my SPG has some precipitation collecting on the viewing panel, much like a non-waterproof watch that had accidently been worn in the swimming pool would. I was jsut wondering if this would compromise the guages funcion. I am taking it to my LDS tomorrow to get it checked out, but thought I'd see what you guys had to say... it's a genisis console if that makes any difference.

 

[Jim Baldwin]

Hi all
I went for a dive this last weekend and notice my SPG has some precipitation collecting on the viewing panel, much like a non-waterproof watch that had accidently been worn in the swimming pool would. I was jsut wondering if this would compromise the guages funcion. I am taking it to my LDS tomorrow to get it checked out, but thought I'd see what you guys had to say... it's a genisis console if that makes any difference.

I've had several plastic bodied SPG's go bad over the years. As they do I swap them out for the solid brass gauges. I find the metal ones to be much more durable. So far I have never had a metal one go bad.

If it's sweating, leaking on the inside the moisture will eventually corrode the parts. Fresh water might take a while but it will be a mess in salt water or it just might wind up sticking which would be even worse.

 

[H2Andy]

they will work wet inside for quite a while, but hey, why risk it? (i dove a fully cracked SPG in salt water for several weeks with no problems)

they're relatively cheap though ... just get a new one for peace of mind

like Jim says, get a sturdy brass one. they're practically indestructible

(unless, like me, you drop your doubles on one just for the heck of it)

 

[DEEPLOU]

they will work wet inside for quite a while, but hey, why risk it? (i dove a fully cracked SPG in salt water for several weeks with no problems)

they're relatively cheap though ... just get a new one for peace of mind

like Jim says, get a sturdy brass one. they're practically indestructible

(unless, like me, you drop your doubles on one just for the heck of it)

I'll third that motion---- time for a new gauge.

Plastic - Brass n Glass, Got them both without problems. I don't care as long as it isn't electronic.

 

[piikki]

Auch, is this the prescription for a brass glass SPG too? I just came up from a dive and noticed mine had sweated inside the glass. Was just pondering how to get the boot heated, so I can pop it off and swap the o-rings. I hope I do not need to toss the hole SPG!!! I didn't notice any bubbles (that dang boot that I was supposed to get rid off ages ago), and the SPG has been in fresh water only if this has been going on for a little while...

I thought moisture must have gotten in from the o-ring, unless I got a really lousy fill which is unlikely. SPG is barely 1+ yrs old.

 

[427Dave]

My plastic one did the same, it just finally filled with water. I got one of the XS Scuba brass and glass and replaced it in my console. It has worked great now for some time. The only problem I had is my console had a gauge the was about 2.4" in diameter, the XS scuba says their OD is 2.35". It is only 2.125" and fit a little loose. A good wrapping with tape corrected that problem.

I got it from Scuba Toys, it is the second item on this page. Scuba Gauges, dive gauges, analog diving gauges, depth gauges, spg, submersible pressure gauges They also give SB'ers a 10% discount.

 

[TSandM]

The metal ones aren't immune from this, either. I had a brass/glass SPG start taking on water during our trip to Coz in March. Over several dives, I eventually got so much water in the face that the algae growing in it prevented me from seeing the needle. I had great fun running around San Miguel, trying to find a dive shop that sold SPGs any way but as a part of a console!

 

[piikki]

Oh no, this is smelling like a new SPG to me...

 

[james croft]

I thought moisture must have gotten in from the o-ring, unless I got a really lousy fill which is unlikely. SPG is barely 1+ yrs old.[/QUOTE]

A bad fill should not cause moisture inside the guage as the HP air stays inside the spiral tubing of the guage. If that leaked you would know it as your safety blowout plug would pop out. The moisture is coming from a water leak entering the guage from outside the guage housing.

 

[george1098]

thanks guys
my guage is only a couple months old. i brought it back to the LDS and it was sent off for repairs or replacement (if it is repairable). either way, the problems is taken care of. hopefully i;ll have better luck with my next set.