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Post by jamiep3 on Apr 28, 2004 17:17:51 GMT -8
After 2 atempt at old USD horsecollars, both leak after major repairs, anybody have any suggestions before I go to Divers Supply for the only new HorseCollar I can find? The clock is running. James  |
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Post by John Lundy on Apr 28, 2004 17:54:10 GMT -8
You might also try Mar-Vel International for a horse collar BC. They carry both the US Divers Calypso military BC and the SeaTec Sunfish (single or double detonater).
John
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Post by pearldiver on Apr 28, 2004 18:54:09 GMT -8
James,
If you would like my input. Here it is. THe USD horsecollars, the yellow ones, had a problem with the bladders deteriorating. The bladder would actually just disintegrate over time. The solution that I had for that problem, was to buy a Scubapro vest. The black ones with pockets on the front. There is no bladder in them, and they can be repaired if needed with aquaseal very easily. They also accomodate a power inflator. The Fenzy is another good unit, as it has no bladder either, and can be repaired easily also. Just my experience, and ideas. Not telling you what to do here.
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Post by jamiep3 on Apr 29, 2004 3:48:08 GMT -8
The older of the two I have is yellow. Your right the bladder and most of the plastic is just disintergrating. I also have a blue one with a much heavier shell and bladder. I have been able to patch the bladder on this one. Still have a persistant leak around the CO2 mechanism. Looked at new Horsecollars a Marvel, and they are pretty pricey, but I may go that route.
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Post by pearldiver on Apr 29, 2004 5:35:30 GMT -8
Ya, the blue ones were a bit better. If I remember right. The CO2 cartridge assembly was just tightened against the bladder and canvas material of the outside of the BC. You may want to try putting a gasket on either side of the bladder. Make sure there is no chrome coming off the assembly as that will make a gap for air to leak out of, or allow the bladder to twist while tightening. Try a gasket material made of the plastic/board type. They are waterproof and very thin. Tru value may have a box of different sizes of them. Put one on either side to hold the bladder in place. When you tighten the assembly together of the CO2 Cartridge, it will not move or twist the bladder causing a gap. I think that may be the problem. It is twisting the bladder into a different postition when you put it back on causing a leak, or the chrome/plastic is not exactly smooth when it comes in contact with the bladder. I cannot see it to tell you and I cannot guarantee if it will work. So, take a look first. I know I have done that with other vests of mine and it seemed to work. Also, if you get it working. There was a problem with the over pressure diaphram sticking closed. When someone pulled the CO2, she puked the vest because it was stuck shut. Be sure to keep the over inflation exhaust valve from hardening or sticking with silicone. Hope this helped.
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Post by pearldiver on Apr 29, 2004 5:54:14 GMT -8
PS: If you are going to dive deeper with these vests, like wreck dive or something. You may want to get a brand new vest that is reliable. To rely on a USD vest from the 1970 era, I would probably not trust it that much as far as dependability goes just because I have seen piles of them at the dive shop way back when, all with deteriorated bladders. There was no warranty on the problem, or recall. One other thing I remembered also. The exhaust pressure relief valves were a smaller exhaust port. If people used the larger CO2 cartridge, the exhaust port was not large enough to allow the excess air to escape causing the vest to burst. So use the correct CO2 cartridge size on the older units. The other thing they found out was this, and why they changed things rapidly way back when. The different kind of vests, when diving deep. If there was a problem and the person inflated the Vest with the CO2 cartridge/ oral inflate/ or power inflate it. It would do nothing. There was not enough air volume in it to raise the diver to the surface. The older style vests with the little oral inflation tubes were only supposed to be used on the surface to float and rest with or snorkel with and swim to shore with. If anyone out there has different information, let me know. But that is what I remember, and if you are buying anything old, keep that in mind.
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Post by TENNESSEE DIVER on Apr 29, 2004 17:08:09 GMT -8
YOU ARE CORRECT EXPERIENCED THAT ON A DEEP DIVE WITH THE OLD USD VEST. WENT TO THE AIR BOTTLE FILL TYPE.
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Post by seakrakken on Apr 29, 2004 23:13:52 GMT -8
Hi, I ordered my two black Horsecollar bcds from Amer-Sea.com last year. They make them at their factory and they make dozens of other types too. Prices are VERY low:) Excellent craftsmanship and an excellent value. Colors are optional.
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Post by JES on Apr 30, 2004 10:37:42 GMT -8
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Post by jamiep3 on Apr 30, 2004 12:43:06 GMT -8
Thanks for all the input. I found a crack in the plastic part of the bladder were the CO2 mechanism mounts. Not having much luck fixing it, really a shame the BC is great otherwise. JES, I've got a bid on the SeaTec. Placed it right before I got your message. I don't plan to use my vintage stuff much deeper than 60', but I'm also looking at a new Horsecollar. The Aqualung one on Marvel's site looks nice, also the new SeaTec's. Just found Amer-Sea yesterday on LP's site. Also something called Rip Tide on diversdiscount.com. Anybody out there with experience?  |
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Post by admin on May 1, 2004 17:30:52 GMT -8
Hi James;
I just aquired some new old stock US Divers horse collar BC bladders. I have a few different sizes and am selling them for $35 plus shipping. If anyone is interested, just let me know. I'd need to see your old bladder to compare.
Dan at Vintage Scuba Supply
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Post by pearldiver on May 1, 2004 20:25:24 GMT -8
that is a good price. They cost 89.00 new way back when. Hey, good luck on your BC stuff, and safe diving to you.
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Post by jamiep3 on May 19, 2004 19:43:42 GMT -8
Dan gave it a good try, but did not have a bladder to fit. If anybody has any more ideas, I'm open to suggestions. However, all is not lost! Through the good offices of our board members, I now have a functional SeaTec horsecollar, with oral inflator and CO2. Thanks to all, but I'd sti;ll like to fix my USD BC if anyone else has an idea.  |
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Post by Mistral on Dec 5, 2004 21:53:24 GMT -8
I'll second the suggestion to find a Scubapro horse collar. Other than the potential for a seam leak over time, they are pretty much indestructible and easy to repair.
If you remove the dump valve and then use a syringe and long plastic tube to reach through the hole to apply aquaseal, you can repair just about any pinhole or seam leak from the inside.
It will accomodate a power inflator but given that I normally use a Mistral I use the original oral inflator.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 6, 2004 11:02:13 GMT -8
Was recently looking at a commercial diving supply catalog, Aqua Tech I believe. Noticed that the military version of the USD horsecollar is still listed(2 CO2s). Looks vintage enough to me. I also bought one of Dans replacement bladders and it is in fine shape. John
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