Gates Underwater Products HVX200 Setup, Use And Care Manual page 37

Lubrication
Now you're ready to lubricate the black o-rings. For this you'll need pure silicone
lubricant or silicone grease (available at dive shops).
ü
Put a generous amount of silicone between your thumb and forefinger, then run the
entire loop of the black o-ring between your fingers several times. You need to coat
the entire surface of the o-ring with a film of lubricant. The lubricant film should be
thin, uniform and completely cover the o-ring, and have a 'wet' feel.
ü
Place or stretch the o-ring back into its recessed groove and be sure it's well
seated. Give the o-ring one last look for hair or other dirt that may have fallen on
your work.
~
Caution:
The large orange o-ring on your Gates housing requires no lubricant. It
is a special silicone o-ring and can be damaged by petroleum based lubricants. Do not
lubricate!
The orange o-ring on the main housing seal requires a silghlty different technique to
install.
ü
Start on a side or corner, and place the o-ring over the recessed groove. Do not
stretch the o-ring during this process.
ü
Press the o-ring down into the groove in several spots around the entire perimeter of
the groove. Be sure the o-ring is evenly distributed around the perimeter.
ü
Finally, press the remaining parts of the o-ring into the groove. Run your finger over
the entire o-ring while pressing down to ensure the entire o-ring is fully seated.
~
Caution:
After cleaning or replacement of the main seal o-ring perform a pressure
test by diving with the housing without a camera. This simple test will ensure the o-ring
was installed properly and your Gates housing is leak-free.
A Few Final Tips
ü
If you don't need to service an o-ring, don't. A sealed o-ring will remain so unless
disturbed, such as cleaning. A good example is a Port: there is no need to service a
Port o-ring between dives if it is not removed or changed.
ü
Some o-rings are inaccessible, such as those inside the shaft of a mechanical
control (called a gland). These o-rings require little maintenance. You need only
lightly lubricate the shaft of the control (inside and outside) with silicone lubricant
periodically, about every 20
several times to distribute the lubricant.
ü
Every two years Gates recommends a complete overhaul of o-rings regardless of the
amount your equipment gets used.
5111 Santa Fe Street, Suite H • San Diego, CA • 92109 • 858.272.2501 • 800.875.1052 • 858.272-1208
9
th
use. After applying, move the control in and out
Gates Underwater Products, Inc
Reliable@GatesHousings.com • www.GatesHousings.com
07/29/04