Repair a BC dump valve
- Thread starter skippy311
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It looks like the connector has come loose from the bladder do to age and becoming brittle. Many BCD manufacturers do not consider this repairable.
If that BCD has an internal bladder that is still available there may be some hope.
If that BCD has an internal bladder that is still available there may be some hope.
The bladder is junk, and now so is the BC...
CuriousRambler
Contributor
The pictures appear to be at least two different BCs, with both the rear dump and the inflator elbow broken. By my count, that's three broken valves. Is this a common issue for you? How hard are you pulling on the dump? 
Seriously though, how did all of these break? If it's abuse, then that's its own story. I'd be comfortable repairing something if it was accidentally broken by an overzealous dive buddy, or a garage accident or something. If it's just due to age and fatigue, I'd personally buy a new BC rather than risk other failures that may be just barely holding together, especially if you're not sure how to test a repaired dump valve. My intention isn't to be rude with that statement, just pointing out a piece of equipment that's seen one failure due to age or general fatigue is likely not far from seeing more failures for the same reason. If you're not able to confidently inspect for "looks suspect," then it's time to junk it and start fresh. Finding something that already failed is easy. Finding something that's about to fail is more challenging, and arguably more critical.
Edit: typo
Seriously though, how did all of these break? If it's abuse, then that's its own story. I'd be comfortable repairing something if it was accidentally broken by an overzealous dive buddy, or a garage accident or something. If it's just due to age and fatigue, I'd personally buy a new BC rather than risk other failures that may be just barely holding together, especially if you're not sure how to test a repaired dump valve. My intention isn't to be rude with that statement, just pointing out a piece of equipment that's seen one failure due to age or general fatigue is likely not far from seeing more failures for the same reason. If you're not able to confidently inspect for "looks suspect," then it's time to junk it and start fresh. Finding something that already failed is easy. Finding something that's about to fail is more challenging, and arguably more critical.
Edit: typo
search the brand and model + "replacement bladder" to even see if there is one. I'm not overly optimistic...
Keep in mind, if it doesn't have a zippered access, you are opening sewn seams, and then re-sewing the shell.
Keep in mind, if it doesn't have a zippered access, you are opening sewn seams, and then re-sewing the shell.
second hand from a diver who retired from age and traumaThe pictures appear to be at least two different BCs, with both the rear dump and the inflator elbow broken. By my count, that's three broken valves. Is this a common issue for you? How hard are you pulling on the dump?
Seriously though, how did all of these break? If it's abuse, then that's its own story. I'd be comfortable repairing something if it was accidentally broken by an overzealous dive buddy, or a garage accident or something. If it's just due to age and fatigue, I'd personally buy a new BC rather than risk other failures that may be just barely holding together, especially if you're not sure how to test a repaired dump valve. My intention isn't to be rude with that statement, just pointing out a piece of equipment that's seen one failure due to age or general fatigue is likely not far from seeing more failures for the same reason. If you're not able to confidently inspect for "looks suspect," then it's time to junk it and start fresh. Finding something that already failed is easy. Finding something that's about to fail is more challenging, and arguably more critical.
Edit: typo
Looking at that last picture, the internal bladder is brittle and has crumbled. Probably stored near high heat, like in a boiler room.
Like others, I would scrap and start again.
The cam straps and D rings may be useful though.
Like others, I would scrap and start again.
The cam straps and D rings may be useful though.
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