Ctx O-ring sealing situation discussion with Minelab

[Jason in Enid]

thanks James

I have some silicone just waiting on o rings so yes I will clean the areas well, thanks again for your help!

AJ

Just remember that less is more! With a clean and dry O-ring, rub a tiny dot of lube between your finger tips and then slide the oring between them. Silicone acts like glue holding every grain of debris that touches it, so you have to remove and clean the O-Ring and channel every time the compartment is opened. Manufacturers recommend silicone for captured seals, but not for surface seals (like this application). That doesn't mean you can't lube it, just that you need to exercise care.

 

[Justme]

I've got o-rings

 

[amberjack]

thanks James

I have some silicone just waiting on o rings so yes I will clean the areas well, thanks again for your help!

AJ

Just remember that less is more! With a clean and dry O-ring, rub a tiny dot of lube between your finger tips and then slide the oring between them. Silicone acts like glue holding every grain of debris that touches it, so you have to remove and clean the O-Ring and channel every time the compartment is opened. Manufacturers recommend silicone for captured seals, but not for surface seals (like this application). That doesn't mean you can't lube it, just that you need to exercise care.

thanks, got it less is more and super clean

AJ

 

[metaldetectingoregon]

I have the CTX, but plan on selling it soon. I've read so many people pissed by the leaking. Not only does it ruin your water hunting, but your land hunting as well; Until the unit is fixed. I see Cutaplug on Youtube taking his ATP in the water vs his CTX. And I'm the same way. After using the ctx for 9 months, I'm still unsure about it. And I thought having it for water hunting was going to be a plus, but wouldn't risk it. And if I had to put the ctx in water, I'd be afraid everytime. Especially when the warranty runs out. I had planned on selling my ATP, but not now. It's my water machine going forward.

James we never have met up for a hunt yet....

 

[JamesBondaka]

I have the CTX, but plan on selling it soon. I've read so many people pissed by the leaking. Not only does it ruin your water hunting, but your land hunting as well; Until the unit is fixed. I see Cutaplug on Youtube taking his ATP in the water vs his CTX. And I'm the same way. After using the ctx for 9 months, I'm still unsure about it. And I thought having it for water hunting was going to be a plus, but wouldn't risk it. And if I had to put the ctx in water, I'd be afraid everytime. Especially when the warranty runs out. I had planned on selling my ATP, but not now. It's my water machine going forward.

James we never have met up for a hunt yet....

I appreciate your attitude about this subject. As Ive said before, I do think some minor changes would be in order for ML to implement. It would cost them initially but in the long run....be a wise move and would help "eliminate" several potential problems. That being said....I am confident with some minor changes Ive made....my unit is air tight......regardless if its done by ML or not.

In any case.......whatever we use to detect......Lets go hunting!!!

 

[tcornel]

I had planned on selling my ATP, but not now. It's my water machine going forward. .

That works for fresh water. In salt water you will lose your depth. The ATP will only get 4" or so.

 

[amberjack]

I had planned on selling my ATP, but not now. It's my water machine going forward. .

That works for fresh water. In salt water you will lose your depth. The ATP will only get 4" or so.

lol on a good day in salt water wet sand. I wouldn't even bother salt water is the harshest place on the planet I am sure for electronics. singles just don't cut through it. pulse is the go but I don't feel like digging iron so there is always a trade off hey

AJ

 

[jerseyjim]

.I HAVE TOTAL FAITH IN MINE LAB PRODUCTS. READ THE MANUAL FOLLOW DIRECTIONS AND YOU WONT HAVE TO EXPERIMENT.

 

[MINELABBOB]

HAS BEEN TESTED
under water and had no water come in and hold up alote better then stock. buy a couple and give it a test
007!!!!!!!!!!

 

[MI-AuAg]

I know this is an older thread, but, since I am new to this forum I thought some here may be interested.

In Aug. of 2013, when I purchased my CTX I had serious concerns about the diminutive size of the gasket on the battery box. At the time there were a lot of water intrusion issues.

I emailed the Minelab service center in Illinois, and asked if the use of a silicone grease (as an extra precaution) would void the warranty. This was his response dated 8/26/2013.

"SIR, USING VALVE LUBRICANT OR SOMETHING SIMILAR WILL NOT VOID YOUR WARRANTY. TWO THINGS DON'T USE ANYTHING PETROLEUM BASED AS IT WILL DEGRADE THE O-RING OVER TIME. ALSO MAKE SURE YOU KEEP IT CLEAN. THIS WILL ATTRACT SAND AND OTHER JUNK TO IT. SO CLEANING IT AND THEN APPLYING A FRESH COAT PRIOR TO USING IT IN THE WATER WOULD BE THE BEST. SEARCH FOR A PRODUCT CALLED MOLYKOTE 111 FROM DOW CORNING. WE USE IT IN HOUSE."

(I won't post the tech's name)
Customer Care Technician.


Keeping it clean is probably the most important thing as many have said here. A thin coat of the Molycote 111, is an additional measure of insurance, if one chooses. The larger gaskets spoke of, are an interesting thing to look into.

 

[DDOU812]

As for a sealant, I have learned in the swimming pool business,
I use "Magic Lube". We use it on sand filter O rings ect. Ect.
And I have seen home owners do their own sand filter changes and such
Getting sand on the O ring, and this stuff still keeps a dry seal with no leaks.
I kid you not, the stuff has never let me down

 

[jaxtabking]

Minelab could have included gaskets that sealed but they didnt. They could have provided an IP68 USB port but didnt. For close to 3k im disappointed. And if you fix the USB issue they were too lazy or ignorant to address your warranty will be voided. Being such a die-hard Minelab fan I feel let down. Just man up and take responsibility Minelab.

 

[jerseyjim]

I totally agree with Insayn. I never yet ran my battery down to where I would need to charge it. If I am hunting in water, I don't use the rechargeable pack, I use the AA battery pack. If something does happen at least you won't damage the rechargeable pack.

Jim

 

[frogmaster-rivera]

I do dive a lot with my CTX 3030...

 

[JamesBondaka]

I totally agree with Insayn. I never yet ran my battery down to where I would need to charge it. If I am hunting in water, I don't use the rechargeable pack, I use the AA battery pack. If something does happen at least you won't damage the rechargeable pack.

Great point Jim!

Jim

 

[JamesBondaka]

Well, I went on my trip to florida and dig a good deal of detecting in the water. I did NOT have any sealing problems again. I also left my detector in the pool for hours to double check the seals. No problems at all.

I did replace the OEM seal battery with 79 mm and also installed the 19.5 mm on the usb port. Molykote 111 silicone on both. I am confident that I wont have any other sealing problems after my upgrade.

Again, if you use a small amount of care as to cleaning and installing these new seals, I think you will not have any problems as well. The same thing might apply to using the Oem o-ring but I personally think the larger o rings are better. In ANY case....whatever o rings or other seals you use....USE silicone.