SiTech to Replace Apexs Low Profile

**GLOC** · March 18th, 2006, 09:51 PM

I have managed to acquire a SITech auto-dump valve (for nothing

)and am thinking of replacing the Apexs Low Profile on my Protec suit - no problems so far with the Apexs but I have heard the SiTechs are better and it was free!

I have taken the Apexs off and there is a small groove cut into the rubber facing material which fits the small rib on the Apexs (funny old thing!). As seen below.

However, when I look at the SiTech there isn't anything like this. The three pieces fit together with the 2 large bits outside and the small bit screwing in from the inside. The rib you can see on the top piece fits into the groove on the middle piece; the groove on the middle piece has what looks like old silicone sealant in it? These two pieces fit together nicely but I would like to know if that sealant is supposed to be there?

I have put it all together and pumped the suit up and there doesn't seem to be any leakages from the valve nor the seal around the dump valve but I would like to see what others have done. I am going to try it in the pool next saturday and see what happens but if I am missing something I would rather find out before then, and definitely before jumping in the cold water of Vobster in 2 weeks time...

Thanks

Gareth

Leigh u · March 18th, 2006, 10:42 PM

I used to use sealant..a total waste of time and a cluster to remove the old valve if you use too much

If it doesn't leak..you are set.

QBU · March 19th, 2006, 01:02 PM

Gareth,

I replaced the one on my husband's suit and all I did was take the Apeks off, clean the area and then screwed the SI-Tech into place.

It has since held up for 2 winters

**neilh** · March 19th, 2006, 10:19 PM

I replaced the dump on my TLS350 with a si tech, but it leaked until I used sealant on it as well. On my RoHo suit it was fine without.

Give it a try and see - if you've got a decent undersuit you'll be ok even if it leaks a bit

A-M · March 19th, 2006, 11:26 PM

I used sealant too. I'm not sure what caused it but the fabric was a little damaged under the old valve so I had to put an extra patch on. And must admit I'm really happy with the new valve

March 19th, 2006, 01:02 PM	#3 (permalink)
QBU(Offline) New Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Okinawa Posts: 121	Gareth, I replaced the one on my husband's suit and all I did was take the Apeks off, clean the area and then screwed the SI-Tech into place. It has since held up for 2 winters __________________ "C"

March 18th, 2006, 09:51 PM	#1 (permalink)
GLOC (Online) Moderator Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Fleet, Hants Posts: 2,692	I have managed to acquire a SITech auto-dump valve (for nothing )and am thinking of replacing the Apexs Low Profile on my Protec suit - no problems so far with the Apexs but I have heard the SiTechs are better and it was free! I have taken the Apexs off and there is a small groove cut into the rubber facing material which fits the small rib on the Apexs (funny old thing!). As seen below. However, when I look at the SiTech there isn't anything like this. The three pieces fit together with the 2 large bits outside and the small bit screwing in from the inside. The rib you can see on the top piece fits into the groove on the middle piece; the groove on the middle piece has what looks like old silicone sealant in it? These two pieces fit together nicely but I would like to know if that sealant is supposed to be there? I have put it all together and pumped the suit up and there doesn't seem to be any leakages from the valve nor the seal around the dump valve but I would like to see what others have done. I am going to try it in the pool next saturday and see what happens but if I am missing something I would rather find out before then, and definitely before jumping in the cold water of Vobster in 2 weeks time... Thanks Gareth

March 18th, 2006, 10:42 PM	#2 (permalink)
Leigh u(Offline) We Go Down Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Ottawa Canada Posts: 240	I used to use sealant..a total waste of time and a cluster to remove the old valve if you use too much If it doesn't leak..you are set.

March 19th, 2006, 10:19 PM	#4 (permalink)
neilh(Offline) Wreck Enthusiast Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Barnsley, UK Posts: 2,596	I replaced the dump on my TLS350 with a si tech, but it leaked until I used sealant on it as well. On my RoHo suit it was fine without. Give it a try and see - if you've got a decent undersuit you'll be ok even if it leaks a bit

March 19th, 2006, 11:26 PM	#5 (permalink)
A-M(Offline) New Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Netherlands Posts: 395	I used sealant too. I'm not sure what caused it but the fabric was a little damaged under the old valve so I had to put an extra patch on. And must admit I'm really happy with the new valve