Quick question, please answer.

[cosmik]

Hi, I am part of an FLL (First Lego League) team, and I was wondering what type of mechanical inflator do you use for your BCD? We saw a 2020 post about a problem in the hose and inflator, and could you state any problems you faced while using a mechanical BCD inflator? (By the way, it was this one: Does everyone really need the LP BCD inflator?) Was it leaking air because you didn't maintain it correctly? If so, then is it hard to clean it? Please point out all the problems that you faced and what inflator and hose were you using? Thank you for your time, it will help out a lot.

 

[ekremer]

If I understand your question right. I use a standard k power inflator. They last a few years or a few hundred dives and are easy and cheap to replace. You can rebuild them but I don't think it's worth the effort. And they are easy enough to replace you can keep one in your save a dive.

The buttons can and do get stuck even with good maintenance. But it's not a dive ending problem. Just disconnect and orally inflate.

 

[Mike_4635]

I have a Scubapro BCD that is 12 years old. Never had a real problem with the inflater. Did notice one of the buttons was maybe starting to get sticky so replace it. Figure after about 900 dives it was time. After a dive trip I rinse the BCD inside and out to include the inflator. Then ensure the inside and outside are dry before storing it.

 

[Subcooled]

I have this horse collar BCD from the 1980's and it is still working.
These things have a few o-rings that need to get replaced.
And a spring perhaps, if it would fail (?)

 

[Micko1974]

If I understand your question right. I use a standard k power inflator. They last a few years or a few hundred dives and are easy and cheap to replace. You can rebuild them but I don't think it's worth the effort. And they are easy enough to replace you can keep one in your save a dive.

The buttons can and do get stuck even with good maintenance. But it's not a dive ending problem. Just disconnect and orally inflate.

This is good advice. They are around $20.

 

[Scott G. Bonser]

I have this horse collar BCD from the 1980's and it is still working.
These things have a few o-rings that need to get replaced.
And a spring perhaps, if it would fail (?)

Usually good post dive or post dive trip maintenance is the best remedy. Some of these inflator/deflator valves go through a lot of operation during a dive. I try to leave mine alone on a dive unless needed. They are also handy for lifting yourself off of a silty bottom w/out leaving an obnoxious cloud for other divers. A technique that should be shared with newly certified OW divers.

I usually wash my valves after several recent dives with warm fresh water and a mild, non corrosive detergent then thoroughly rinse with fresh water ( non-chlorinated if possible) …then a food grade silicone lubricant can be lightly sprayed as mechanism is activated. Then periodically check these in storage and maintain again as necessary. My BCD has some age and still works great.

 

[jadairiii]

Good advice here, keep it clean and lightly lubricated. But one thing I do religiously, after i clear my bc, get as much of the water out of it, shake it well, I drain all the air out of it then refill it off my tank to completely blow out/clean out/dry the power inflator. It's a step I've seen a lot of divers not do. And IMHO, where most of the issues come from, days/weeks/months of damp internal parts

 

[tekkydiver]

Some times a little sand may get in your inflator valve that won't come out with a normal rinse.
Pull out the valve and wash it thoroughly, see if that doesn't fix it.

 

[Scott G. Bonser]

Good advice here, keep it clean and lightly lubricated. But one thing I do religiously, after i clear my bc, get as much of the water out of it, shake it well, I drain all the air out of it then refill it off my tank to completely blow out/clean out/dry the power inflator. It's a step I've seen a lot of divers not do. And IMHO, where most of the issues come from, days/weeks/months of damp internal parts

….good call…sorry I took it that divers already do that. I have seen what used to be really ‘Nice’ gear thrown behind pickup truck seats and stored in boat boxes without even a basic wash after salt water dives. I am lucky to have well water with no chlorine or sulfates that would deteriorate gear. Distilled water also makes a good final rinse. Letting it dry out inside and out periodically is very good practice….