My SPG is taking on water!

[*Floater*]

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!

What brand was it?

And george1098, same question to you?

Please, PM me the answer if you don't want to post it publicly. (I just want to keep track of these things in case I hear of multiple incidents concerning the same brands).

 

[george1098]

it is a genisis gauge. I also find that my depth guage is off with the same console. It alwais reads about % 15 deeper than I actually am (checked with my computer and other peoples computers). Not sure if I would recomend the genisis guages.

 

[Jaeger45]

In the identical situation:

Do I need to be concerned that this could have been a regulator flood situation, or is it safe to assume it was only a condensation/SPG flood?

 

[DevonDiver]

Problem: Water penetration into the SPG.

Risks: SPG needle can 'stick' leading to a false air pressure reading during a dive, especially as you consume air (needle doesn't fall). Potential OOA emergency.

Cause: Most likely cause is water ingress into the regulator first stage, followed by pressurisation of the regulator 'pushing' water into the SPG. Did you ever leave the 'dust cap' off when rinsing the regs? Or store the regs for a long time in a humid/damp environment without the dust cap firmly screwed into the first stage? Did you ever completely drain your tank (zero psi) during a dive... or enter the water without the regulator pressurized?

Solution: New SPG.

 

[TSandM]

You can also get a leak through the junction of the glass with the brass, which doesn't involve the hose or the SPG mechanism at all. The gauge will function normally, but the water will grow algae, and eventually you will be unable to see the needle any more. And if it happens to you on Cozumel, good luck finding an SPG outside of a three-gauge console (ask me how I know this)!

 

[mbs]

Wife flooded 3 spg's in the past 5 years! I sent it back to Oceanic this time and they verified a batch from back around 2005 had a design issue with the pressure plug. So, in case you have an Oceanic....