DUI Yukon II Drysuit Leak test

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JustinLoos1985

Contributor
Messages
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Location
Detroit, MI
# of dives
200 - 499
Hello,

I own a DUI Yukon II Drysuit and need to conduct a leak test. I placed the drysuit inside out. I have the Waterproof dryglove system so there is no latex seal in the wrist. In addition, since the Waterproof dryglove system houses the latex seals and is rigid plastic I can't turn them inside out. Does anyone have any advice how to conduct a drysuit leak test given these specifications? I attached pictures.

Note - I could conduct the drysuit leak test not inside out with the Waterproof dryglove system attached but it's my understanding doing the test inside out is easy to pinpoint the leak.

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IMG_2763.jpeg
 
If you know the approximate area where it is leaking you might just be able to use a flashlight to check for pinholes without bothering with all that. I'm not familiar with dry glove systems, but can you put the gloves on and put a bowl in the neck seal, zip it up, and test it right-side out?

If it is leaking near the exhaust valve, you can try tightening the seat. That was a problem both on my buddy's Yukon II as well as my Aqualung Fusion.
 
Thanks for the reply Outbound.

- I tried the flashlight with my light monkey canister, no such luck in finding a source.

- I could put the drysuit right-side out and attach the dry gloves, close the neck seal and inflate via the inflator valve but it's my understanding it can be tougher to find the exact source of the leak this way. Therefore, that's my backup plan.

- My Apex low-profile exhaust valve is so tight I can't even take it apart by hand, I would need a tool. I would be surprised if this was the source.

I appreciate the response.
 
Hmmm. How about putting the gloves on (suit right-side out) and then pulling the sleeves through the zipper and turning the suit inside out as much as possible. You won't be able to get the gloves turned inside out, and maybe even a portion of the lower sleeves, but unless you suspect the leak is happening there it shouldn't be a problem. Or are the glove rings so rigid they can't be pulled backwards through the sleeves?
 
A good idea the dry glove system is pretty rigid. The area circled in red is rigid plastic that can't be turned inside out. I initially tried what you're describing but wanted to rule out a leak all the way down the forearm.

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Where are you wet?
 
I went wet somewhere on the left forearm and the groin/waist area.
 
Did the suit just suddenly start to leak? Or has it been leaking since you first started using it? Are you getting really soaked, or just a bit damp?

I ask because I'm wondering if the dampness in groin/waist area is the result of sweat and condensation or an actual leak. I dive in an Aqualung Fusion, and I get a lot of condensation along certain parts of the front of my body, where the suit presses more closely to me while diving. Mostly it's my lower abdomen, groin, and upper thighs. I also get some on the undersides of my arms closer to my armpits. My buddy dives a Yukon II and he gets the same thing more or less.

As for the left forearm, that indeed sounds like it is a leak. You said the exhaust seal is seated down tightly and I believe you. But make sure you have it depressed and screwed down when you check (it should have this info printed on the inside of the exhaust valve I think). On the Apeks valves I'm pretty sure they have to be depressed in order to tighten or loosen how they seat to the fabric of the suit. Mine leaked the very first time I used it (38 degree water, and that wasn't fun!), and soaked my forearm.

If it's not the valve, then you can try putting the gloves on, closing off the neck seal, filling the suit with air, and then using a spray bottle with a soap solution in it to see if you can get it to bubble somewhere on the left forearm.

Good luck!
 
It's definitely an actually leak, my undergarment wicking layer (under armor) come out soaked and saturated with water after a dive. In addition, I feel cold in that area first. If this was simply sweat the temperature change would be uniform throughout my body, right?

I would say the leak started gradually. It definitely wasn't there for my first 20-30 dives on the drysuit.

The DUI Yukon II came with the low profile Apex exhaust valve on it. When I checked the tightness I indeed pressed down on the valve and then turned counterclockwise to loosen it. I can't uneven loosen it with my hands, it's rock solid tight. I would need some kind of tool to even unscrew it.
 
I would do a regular pressure check with the gloves on, checking the gloves and connection to the gloves for the forearm and a real close look at the neck seal and lower end of the zipper.
 

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