Apeks Drysuit Inflator

[flyczek]

I'm hoping there is someone out there who could help me with a diagram, schematic or just general know how on servicing Apeks drysuit inflator/dump valves.

My inflator has began to bubble slightly from the edges of the button. I figure it will be an easy fix (clean/replace o-ring) but I cannot figure out how this thing comes apart and I definitely don't care to damage my Dry $uit.

Thanks in advance,
Brandon

[FW]

I never took an Apex apart, but it is safest to just spray water through it (from the inside) with a garden hose. You will have to dry the suit out, but it should remove any debris under the valve.

[JDostal]

The first step is usually unscrewing them from the suit. Grab whatever is on the inside and twist the part on the outside until they unscrew.... that's always a good start :) Where to go from there on that exact valve, I'm not sure... pressure washer maybe?

[flyczek]

Thanks for the replies,

I did the garden hose thing when I cleaned the suit after the last trip. However, maybe I wasn't direct enough with the stream?

Either way though, I would like to get at the innards of this valve as I am that "hands on" type who likes to know what makes things tick. That and I service all my own gear and don't really feel like making an exception for what appears to be such a simple device.

The real trick is that the directions appear to be written on the inside of the valve. When I push the button and turn though I only get about a quarter turn and then it seems as if the plastic wants to snap. The front side swivel is at its full deflection and the inner castilated nut is the only piece that moves. Am I doing this right?

Here's a visual:

http://cavediver.net/photopost/data/501/IMG_1000.gif

http://cavediver.net/photopost/data/501/IMG_0999.gif

[FW]

Maybe it only needs to turn 1/4 turn? Did you try pressing the valve different amounts?

Did you contact the suit manufacturer, or Apex?

I do remove my valves to clean them, but I quit disassembling dry suit valves after breaking one :(

[MikeH]

The real trick is that the directions appear to be written on the inside of the valve. When I push the button and turn though I only get about a quarter turn and then it seems as if the plastic wants to snap. The front side swivel is at its full deflection and the inner castilated nut is the only piece that moves. Am I doing this right?

Hard to tell based on your description....but there will also be(on most drysuits, at least) silicone between each part of the valve and the suit to create a watertight seal. The valve may be ready to come apart...but the silicone is holding it together sort of like glue. Maybe. Don't count on it, though....I don't want you to blame me if you try to pull it apart and break it. :-D

Mike

[flyczek]

Yeah,
That is a good point, there probably is a good bit of silicone (or worse) holding everything in place. I think I'll do a more direct and vigorous flush before I start to remove sealant. Thanks to all for the ideas/insight.
Brandon