Sticking Power Inflator Zeagle

[papawhisky]

My girlfriends BC has about 15 dives on it. While in Bonaire, she put her BC on a tank and the bladder filled immediately when she opened the tank valve. The power inflator was on inflate. I tapped on it and it worked properly a couple of times. We got in the water, and it stuck on inflate again (no worries, she was ready and disconnected the air hose to the power inflator).

So, how do I fix this? I don't see an obvious way to pull it apart.

[azdiver]

You might want to post this on the zeagle forum.

[berick]

Does the inflator button come all the way up after you push it. if not, try soaking the inflator valve in fresh water for a few minutes and work the inflator button a few times. This will probably fix it since its probably crystallized salt or some dirt causing the button to stick (I'm assuming that why your tapping freed it up). If that doesn't work, you can unscrew the schraeder valve (I think it requires an allen wrench but don't recall) and either free it up or replace the schraeder assembly for a few bucks.

I had the same thing happen to me on the 3rd dive on a trip (about 150th dive on BC). It was just a slight build up of gunk around the inflator button (hardly visible) but enough to cause the button to stick -- make sure she's getting the inflater rinsed thoroughly in fresh water after each dive/boat trip.

[mobeeno]

It is possible to replace the power inflator with a generic one. I once put a trident brand and loved it. I think they run about $20 or so. Thats my .5 p.s.i

[Penguino]

Is this not covered by Zeagle's lifetime warranty?

[Crimediver]

Most inflator valves I have had this happen to get stuck due to debris, corrosion build up or I have found some with too much lube that collected grit that made them stick. Dismantle and a good cleaning is all it needs. I would not buy a new inflator as the Zeagle inflator is good quality. It is an easy fix.
It is a good reminder that a diver be able to quickly detach his LP hose in the event of a sticking button.

[diversteve]

Scubatoys sells replacement Zeagle inflators for $25.

It's not on the website so call them...

[papawhisky]

It is still under warranty, but I'd rather fix it if it is just a cleaning. I'll see if I can pull it apart this weekend--after all, it isn't mine

[Sounder]

try a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water

[herman]

I have had the scrader valve crud up and need cleaning. Remove it by unscrewing the large allen head plug opposite the inflate button. This removes a plastic carrier with a scrader valve screwed into it. A good soaking in a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water will clean it nicely. Flush it out with clean water and lightly lube the Orings before you reinstall it. You can order replacement assemblies for STif you like, just be aware there are 2 sizes so you need the correct one.