co2 vave leaking

Question
i have an older model dacor bc and the co2 valve is in the left pocket. it is leaking out the air when i blow it up manually. i bought it used and there is no co2 cartrige in the pocket just a black rubber coated stem. can i seal it shut or is there a replacement i can buy , thank you charlie

Answer
Charles,

A BCD with a CO2 valve in the pocket is an older model indeed!

If the rubber coated stem in the pocket has a Schrader valve in it, and that's what is leaking, you might be able to replace that.  As funny as it sounds, a bicycle shop would be able to do it in a few minutes for a few dollars.

If the stem is leaking elsewhere, or at the connection to the bladder, you might be able to have your local dive shop seal/patch the leak.  However, that may not work too well.  In terms of time and cost, it might be better to upgrade to a newer BCD.

Hope this helps,

Henry Babcock
AllExperts SCUBA Expert