storing the Ikelite 6171.01 housing between dives

[ponomo1]

The round rubber gasket appears to be epdm rubber which typically doesn't have a memory and lasts a pretty long time but how should the housing be stored between dive trips. Should the back plate be removed while stored to relieve the pressure off the rubber seal or should the housing be stored assembled? I have about 25 dives on the housing already and overall everything has worked well just a few minor things I've had to learn while assembling and disassembling.

 

[AggieDiver]

I have no idea what Ikelite's official advice would be, but when I get back from a trip, I store the housing open with the o-ring taken off and stored inside the housing. I always figured that the less time the o-ring spends stretched around the backplate on the housing and compressed, the longer it will last. But I have no science or official literature to back me up.

 

[northernone]

Here's a little story.

I've seen an ikelite housing stored 20 years with the orings all in place locked closed. Still waterproof to 140ft for a few dozen dives. No issues after lubing and cleaning them, though they were a little square it didn't effect seal. That's not advisable.

I store them sealed in plastic inside the housing, no point stetching them unnecessarily.

Cameron

 

[ponomo1]

Thanks @AggieDiver and @northernone
between you guys it sounds like storing it without the O ring in place is the safer way to go. I guess the Ikelite folks don't pop in on the board too often to offer their own advice, but what you guys are saying makes complete sense.

 

[Hoag]

I have no scientific research to back this up, but I tend to remove the o-ring from the housing lube it and put it into a Zip-lock bag that I keep loose in the housing till the next trip. When you order a new o-ring, it will often come in a Zip-lock bag when shipped, so that's how I store them. I figure if it is good enough for the manufacturer, then it's good enough for me.

 

[ponomo1]

Thanks @Hoag
Looks like you see handling the o rings in a similar way as others. I’m going to do it just like you guys.

Pete

 

[TN Traveler]

I have a couple of older o-rings that I do no fully trust for UW use - I use them when I store the housing and keep the o-rings that I do use in a plastic bag in the housing for storage. I do not like not having the housing unsealed during storage since it might allow moisture in and damage the flash control circuit board.

 

[ponomo1]

You guys were all pretty much spot on. Ikelite does recommend removing the o ring and storing it separately for longer periods so it doesn’t set (hold a shape).

Thanks everyone

 

[Ikelite Staff]

Ponomo1,

The responses from users here are spot on. Removing the o-ring and storing it inside the housing with the back unlatched is always best for short or long term storage. Minor breaches are usually caused by a small hair or debris getting into the o-ring sealing area, but the nice thing about our housing is that you can actually see the main housing o-ring seal.
Regardless of your storage technique, always dunk the housing/port WITHOUT a camera inside to check integrity before a dive.

Best Regards,

Brett Foster - Ikelite