CTX 3030 USB Sealing

[cjc]

I have the right sized o-ring. Seems to let a lot of sand in around the thread. Should it be used with or without the rubber inside cap on the cover or without?
Any other ideal on getting a secure seal on this port?
cjc

 

[Jason in Enid]

I use both. Make sure your o-ring isn't too thick, you should be able to have both making secure contact, otherwise there is no point of using the second.

 

[cjc]

Thanks a lot for your reply, Jason--that's kinda what I thought although Frogmaster seems to want to take the existing out. Didin't like that idea at all.
Regards,
clive

 

[Jason in Enid]

It stems from a misunderstanding of the port. The threads do not seal like a pipe thread, the rubber gasket inside the cap compresses against the end of the threads to seal it. So it's natural to remove the cap and SHOCK! there is water drops inside the cap now. The real problem (just like the battery seal) if you have sand, hair, thread or other debris on there it's going to leak. It's convenient that there is a gap at the base of the cap so we can put an O-ring on there and get 2 sealing surfaces if its done correctly. If the O-ring is too thick, then you are only trading one seal for another, and over-tightening the cap will damage the threads.

 

[amberjack]

yeah its a fine line between pleasure and pain with the USB cap , battery o ring mod works great , USB as stated if there is anything not perfect with it , its leak time that's where mine leaked out of warranty so not going to risk round 2 , but pretty sure I had over tightened the cap which from what I can tell isn't real hard to do if putting the o ring in there so be careful should be fine.

but if I want to go past the screen just gunna buy a waterproof proof detector

AJ

 

[cjc]

Thanks for the replies, guys--much clearer on how to deal with this critical problem now.
cjc

 

[JJ]

Clive, One final precaution I took beyond the O-ring is to use a silicon gasket maker, found at any auto parts store, and create a plug that fits into the USB. This can be done, at your own risk, by setting a loose fitting piece of cellophane Saran-wrap over the USB port and forcing a healthy glob into the port. After it dries, remove and trim to fit flush. I tape this in with electrical tape cut to a circular shape under the cap. I rest quite a bit better if a few drops of water or sand defeat the O ring, which they usually do. This plug is quite durable and can be removed or installed with ease. I know you are a king of the water, can't take too many precautions with a machine that is less than water tight. JJ

 

[cjc]

Thanks for that tip, JJ--really good advice--get a handle on this problem once and for all. Do you mean Permatech Blue?
cjc

 

[JJ]

Clive, I managed to find the tube used for my USB plug. My original intent was to create a few new battery gaskets without reliable success. The USB plug was much easier to make. I'm no gasket making aficionado and I don't know that your suggestion wouldn't work just fine. Here is a pic below of what I used. Another tip is to use a Q-tip with soft part removed to form the Saran wrap into the USB port to make silicon injection easier. After taping it up, it's water tight. JJ

 

[amberjack]

and despite all the great ideas I cant take my ctx in for a swim battery mod works great , USB not so much.

AJ

 

[pistolpete]

Our USB fix. We have been using this product for some time with 100% satisfaction. It is called Coax Seal...it is a moldable non hardening plastic strip. It comes in a couple of different sizes but we use the 1/2" wide stuff. Pull off a small amount of the seal and place it on the flat portion of the threaded section. Install the threaded cap and tear off about 3" of seal and wrap around the cap and threaded junction where they meet. It is non hardening and totally removable. Give it a try and see for yourself!

 

[Champ Ferguson]

JJ, that stuff is quite durable. I used it on my oil drain plug on my dirt bike when I stripped the threads.

pistolpete, that's looks really interesting. will try some. thanks.

 

[pistolpete]

You wont be disappointed Champ. Be sure to mold it well nice n tight and all the way to the control housing if you like. It is better to seal from the outside first than to try to seal from the inside with o rings or silicon

 

[slider66]

Have you suggested the plug to minelab? Thats a great idea.