The BCD Bladder

[mRNA]

Hi guys,

I've purchased a BCD off the internet and upon the first dive there were some bubbles (really wasn't an issue as I completed the dive without even feel them) coming off the e-valve (the one on my right shoulder).

I gave the BCD to an aqua lung dealer and they've sent it to the australian retailer. They have inspected the BCD and concluded:

The problem was not in the e-valve but in the BCD's bladder. This BCD is unrepairable.

Now, I wana say something.

I didn't buy this BCD from this dealer as I have mentioned in another thread they are more than expensive (the bcd cost about 430 USD whereas 1600 AUD in their store) I don't know why this cost is like this in their store. Not only for the BCD but merely everything is x3 and x4.

I have a doubt that these people are not telling me the truth because I have spoken to a guy back in another country (and he is a scuba tech. and can service these kind of bcds) and he said that, the last thing which can be damaged is the bladder, and he also commented "i think the problem is fairly easy".

Honestly, I can't trust the store because they were trying their best to get the tax invoice. Also, one of the staff asked me "we need any evidence that you've purchased this item from this co.". To make it much clearer, they have asked for the tax invoice before i gave them my bcd. I don't know what's the purpose of having the tax invoice. I thought they may wanted to call the main co. in USA and try to make a problem for that internet company. Really I don't know but they were so insisting to have the invoice, although there is no reason to ask about it ( I told them I've purchased that item through the internet and they are actually the dealer of the bcd company in australia).

Well, anyway, what do you think guys for the bcd bladder problem? how can we get this done?

Thanks a lot for your usual help


mRNA

 

[Jeff Toorish]

If it's not too late to do this, tell them the BCD was a present --that normally gets around the question of a receipt. If them press it, tell them it was a present from your great aunt Matilda and she passed away just after she gave you the BCD. Make them feelg guilty about asking. (Disclaimer: I have never done this and I very strongly encourage divers supporting their local dive shops.)

To the main question about being able to repair your BCD's bladder: If there are bubbles coming from your BCD and you have ruled out the valves, then it must be the bladder itself. If a BCD is not stored properly, or if it is allowed to freeze or sit in the sun in a compressed position, the bladder itself can crack, like any plastic.

Cracks in the plastic of the bladder are very repairable. Before you do anything else, take the BCD to a pool, inflate it and submerge it. If it is the bladder, you should see bubbles coming from the higest point on the BCD, usually along a seam.

Find a shop that does repairs, usually if they do drysuit repairs they can work on a BCD. Let them find the problem and fix it for you.

Jeff

 

[mRNA]

Hi Jeff,

Man you're awesome

Thanks a lot for your advise and I'll let you know how I'll go with this as soon as I find someone who can fix it


mRNA

 

[mRNA]

guys another one is telling me if it is the bladder then probably you gonna throw it away (the BCD)

 

[mRNA]

guys the leaking is really not a big deal.

I've fully inflated the bcd with air and left it now for about 4 hours and still in the same shape nothing changed and it doesn't become flat at all.

your opinions?????


Thanks guys


mRNA

 

[ozziworld]

I would not sweat a little leak. Sounds like a really small leak. If it dives okay and you don't have to keep adding air to stay neutral then just leave it alone. Was it supposed to be brand new?

There are so many reasons the guys you brought it to are giving you the run around. I would concern myself with whther you really need the work done rather than trying to figure out what their agenda is.

I would just watch the leak to see if it gets bigger over time. The practical reality is you can dive a BC with a mall leak and not even notice it.