Popping from my RIX

[ppo2_diver]

I'm getting random popping noises from the pump. It isn't the relief valve on the 2nd and 3rd stages. It seems to be coming from where the heads are located. I've checked for leaks and I'm not seeing any. It still pumps, but with a rather load popping noise every few seconds or so. Could it be a valve going bad? Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks.

 

[matt t.]

Take it back to the guy you bought it from. Sounds like you've already had more than your share of trouble with it. Let him sort it out, or get your $$$ back.

 

[gkndivebum]

I'm getting random popping noises from the pump. It isn't the relief valve on the 2nd and 3rd stages. It seems to be coming from where the heads are located. I've checked for leaks and I'm not seeing any. It still pumps, but with a rather load popping noise every few seconds or so. Could it be a valve going bad? Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks.

There's an over-pressure valve on the first stage; it's probably the culprit.

Depending on the age of the pump/OPV, it may be that the spring in the OPV
is weak and it needs replacing. The other common problem if the 1st stage
OPV is popping is either that the 2nd stage inlet valve is sticking (dirty), the
2nd stage outlet valve is sticking (dirty), or the 1st stage outlet valve is sticking
(dirty).

 

[pescador775]

Where is the "dirt" coming from? Debris from moving parts?
TIA
Pesky

 

[gkndivebum]

Where is the "dirt" coming from? Debris from moving parts?

Either that or inadequate intake filtration. The stock filter that came with my
SA-6 would probably stop flying insects, but not much else.

I replaced it with a much better one from McMaster-Carr (9828K61).

I find that with the better filter my 1st stage valves stay very clean for a long
time. I just had a look at 100 hours and they were fine.

The 2nd stage valves had a small accumulation of discoloration on them, but nothing serious.

However, the 3rd stage valves were quite a bit discolored and "crispy". It seems that I have to
rebuild the 3rd stage every 75-100 hours... I've taken to stocking a few spare valves.

 

[ppo2_diver]

I'll have to double check, but I don't remember seeing an OPV on the first stage. I have one on the 2nd and 3rd, but will need to check. Thanks for the info, I'll check out the valve. Where can I get parts for it? Directly from RIX?

 

[ScubaRexie]

Just setting my rix up the same happened. I was playing with the inlet and restricting it with my finger stopped this. The solution was a long 18mm plastic inlet hose and a 1/4 in restrictor on the end. I had heard that they pump better with a slightly restricted inlet and this was found to be true. Just try restricting the inlet with a finger first, obviously not fully, to see if it stops. A ball valve in the inlet line to accurately restricy flow seems to be the next step at $8 a cheap fix.