My Bud Flooded His DC310 - Sand in O-ring

[DandyDon]

From the DC310 manual, page 58: "Our research and testing shows that 99% of leaks are the result of not cleaning or caring for the O-ring." Lot's of info on that page - a must read.

Also see page 91 of DC500 manual for helpful suggestions. Also on page 94: "4. Replace O-ring every year to ensure proper seal. Only use approved SeaLife O-ring designed for the DC500. Replacement O-rings are available at your local authorized SeaLife dealer." I mentioned this to my local dive shop yesterday in telling this story as the manager was surprised. Her understanding was that you never replace nor add silicone grease to a Sealife o-ring; if the silicone o-ring is damaged, return housing to Sealife for servicing. That's seems to be the case for the Dc310 and before, but not for the DC500 and after - is that correct?! Page 95 has illustrated instructions on replacement.

Ooops, this is interesting from page 104 - never noticed this before: "3. It is recommended to leave the closing latch UNLATCHED during long term storage. This will help preserve the original shape of the O-ring and latch mechanism." I need to go unlatch mine.

Second question: Does Sealife have any discount replacement program for this? He also flooded his computer the same day (not a good day for him at all) but I had a spare computer to loan him for the trip (I wouldn't loan him my spare dive camera) but Oceanic is going to replace is for 25% of retail.

thanks!

 

[mike_s]

Don... have him call Pioneer Research. I've heard they go out of their way on support.

I needed a new screw mount for my strobe for example, and they sent me one for free.


BTW.... looks like I need to go unlatch my housing also for long term storage. I'm glad you posted that.

 

[prskate2]

Didn't know about the long term storage thing... What do they classify as "log term"?

Don: Do you put the manual under your pillow when you go to sleep? Haha.

 

[Former Sealife Employee]

From the DC310 manual, page 58: "Our research and testing shows that 99% of leaks are the result of not cleaning or caring for the O-ring." Lot's of info on that page - a must read.

Also see page 91 of DC500 manual for helpful suggestions. Also on page 94: "4. Replace O-ring every year to ensure proper seal. Only use approved SeaLife O-ring designed for the DC500. Replacement O-rings are available at your local authorized SeaLife dealer." I mentioned this to my local dive shop yesterday in telling this story as the manager was surprised. Her understanding was that you never replace nor add silicone grease to a Sealife o-ring; if the silicone o-ring is damaged, return housing to Sealife for servicing. That's seems to be the case for the Dc310 and before, but not for the DC500 and after - is that correct?! Page 95 has illustrated instructions on replacement.

We do suggest replacing the camera housing O-ring every year just to be safe, but that does not mean o-rings older than one year will leak. In fact, we have performed 100’s of underwater tests with older o-rings without any problems. The most common cause for a flooded housing is not cleaning the O-ring or not inspecting/replacing a damaged o-ring.

Second question: Does Sealife have any discount replacement program for this? He also flooded his computer the same day (not a good day for him at all) but I had a spare computer to loan him for the trip (I wouldn't loan him my spare dive camera) but Oceanic is going to replace is for 25% of retail.

thanks!

Sorry, no upgrade discount programs are available.