Stuck Inflator

[coldwaterdufus]

Thank you everyone for the info. From the responses, the stuck inflator seems to be a bit of a common problem in the salt water, although I have no idea why the local salt water divers I was with at the time had never heard of it. I also had the BCD ( inflator attached ) serviced at my LDS 2 weeks before my last trip to the salt water. Diversteve, the BX Power Inflator is identical to the one I have already. Came with the new BCD. I can unscrew the inflator and then flush my BCD. I asked Zeagle for their thoughts and will reply when I hear from them. Looks like it happens on their Zeagle Scouts also.

 

[Capt.Gene]

I don't think your performance problem is being caused by salt or organics inside the valve module.

If you over tighten the valve module when the module is re-installed into the inflator body the schrader valve gets bent very slightly and you get a problem.

Zeagle's BC Field Service Repair KIT comes with a replacement inflator valve service module that allows anyone with an Allen wrench to change the guts of the inflator to solve a performance problem.

If you look at your inflator you will see the keyway that the Allen key slides in.
Step One.. Remove the valve module
Step Two..Insert the replacement module found in the kit, and turn it in until you feel the O ring bottom out(STOP at the First sign of resistance)
Step Three..Go diving, you have just serviced your inflator.

 

[Capt.Gene]

You also get a spare sex bolt, some Tye -Wraps, and an awesome peal-and-stick patch that will repair even a large caliber gunshot hole.

 

[Mr Carcharodon]

I have had my inflator valves stick from time to time. I have usually blamed that on beach diving and getting sand in the works. Anyway taking the valve apart, cleaning it, re-lubricating the o-rings and putting it back together has always resolved the problem.

It took awhile to find a suitable tool to take the valve apart. I found a large pair of forceps from at the local hardware store that does the trick. Deep Sea Supply also sells a tool.

There only seem to be a few types of inflator valves out there. So it is likely that most of the manufacturers buy them OEM from just one or two sources. So this is not just a Zeagle issue.

 

[coldwaterdufus]

Found my bill of sale, turns out the BCD is less than 2 years old. I took my BCD to the LDS again, explained what was going on with the numerous occurences of a stuck inflator.

You guys are correct. I unscrewed a new, on the rack, Zeagle BCD and you can easily see the return spring. My spring appeared to be a thinner gauge of metal and slightly bent within the inflator housing compared to the new one. This could be a usage thing, I don't know. Only 88 dives total though. The LDS then said Zeagle was aware and replacing the "older" springs with a new stronger spring to solve the problem. It should be under warranty, so it's all good so far. We'll see what the end result will be.

It's always about what I've learned. ( in order to pass it on ) I don't think I have been screwing the inflator on too tightly ( to bend the valve ) as the LDS said Zeagle is aware of the issue with the older springs. I've also learned soaking the inflator over night in fresh water doesn't really do anything. This also includes holding the inflate and deflate buttons open while swishing the fresh water inside. What you need to do is attach the inflator to a garden hose ( similar to what I can do when I flush the BCD bladders ), hold open the inflate / deflate buttons at various times to really give it a good flush. This is what the LDS now suggests.

Should be operational again soon, hopefully at no charge. Will let you know how it turns out. Thanks again.

 

[coldwaterdufus]

Heard from Zeagle and some of the above info is not accurate. My inflator spring is not thinner and Zeagle is not installing thicker gauge springs as that is not the issue.

Quote " the spring has always (when there’s a white label) been the same one used on our 2nd stages. His can’t be made of thinner wire. What he’s describing as “bending within the inflator” is the base of the spring being out of its socket at the Schrader valve end of the 112-1010 Valve module ".

That's all I know right now.

 

[Kupu]

Interesting to read the responses you have received from Zeagle. If my memory is correct, both inflation assemblies that I have had problems with had a white label on the inflator button. 1st BCD purchased about 8 years ago, 2nd purchased 2 years ago. I think I have seen some with a red label, could this indicate a difference regarding internal parts used?

Was your LDS misinformed that Zeagle was replacing older springs since Zeagle says that is not the issue or does it only apply to certain models? Hmmm...

Thanks for the update and I hope you are able to find a satisfactory solution to the issue.