Question on IKE housing O-ring

[MagnaRyder2]

I took the O-ring out of my new IKE housing so that I could wash it down
prior to packing for a trip. While inspecting the O-ring, I noticed that the
O-ring has a slight ridge around the length of the rubber. It appears that
the O-ring mold didn't quite close up during manufacture and a ridge formed
around the ring.

The ridge is enough to feel but isn't very thick. It will probably compress and
cause no problems. I'm just not 100% confident in the seal at this time.

Has anyone else noticed this and will it be a problem?

(BTW, I did buy extra O-rings, so it shouldn't be a show-stopper)

Oly-C770
IKE 6130.77 housing.

 

[donnyb]

are the spare o rings the same?
The ridge is likely from the molding process, but there is no way to be sure if its a major issue without seeing it in person. If the other o rings are all the same its probably fine, on the other hand if its a larger ridge or perhaps a hollowed out ridge, however small, I wouldn't take chances.
Digital pic emailed to ikelite would also be advisable.

 

[MagnaRyder2]

I did not notice the "excess rubber" on the replacement O-rings. I did notice that
the replacements are smaller than the original and must be stretched onto the housing
frame.

The "excess rubber" feels like a feathered edge that leaked through the mold seams.
As you said, I am reluctant to use the original O-ring.
Thanks for the reply.

 

[Tortuga Roja]

The slight ridge is common on the back o-rings if it is to the outside when installed. This is not where the compression takes place. I would be more concerned that the spares are a different size than the original if the original is new. That doesn't sound right. You should have a snug fit but you shouldn't have to do a lot of stretching.

I suggest you call or email Ikelite if you think the spare o-rings are too small. If you have to stretch it too much, you are minimizing the about of compression you will get when you seal it.

 

[Diver Dennis]

I sent my housing in for a "check up" before I left on my last trip and the replacement o-ring had a ridge as well. As Mike said, I just made sure it was to the outside every time I took it off to lube it. I too have replacment o-rings I carry and have never checked them for size but will check them today.

 

[MagnaRyder2]

Thanks, guys. Points well taken.
It's probably too late for replacement O-rings -- I'm leaving in 5 days.
The spare O-rings had IKE labels, but I didn't verify the part numbers. I'll unpack them
and verify them again.

Thanks again.

 

[mddolson]

All o-rings have a permissible flash and parting line mismatch.

Here is a link to the metric spec:http://www.ableorings.com/Able Metric O Rings Surface Table.pdf

Mike D