Replacing the O-rings

Care for the O-ring is the single most important item of maintenance on any RBR submersible data logger. A water leak can damage the circuit board beyond repair and cause complete data loss. Every logger's seal depends upon its O-ring, not the end-cap tightness. Therefore, proper O-ring maintenance is crucial.

The O-ring may lose elasticity over time due to pressure, even when the logger is not deployed. RBR strongly recommends to replace the O-ring regularly. 

There are three O-rings in the instrument. One at each end of the instrument, and another one in the middle of the body.

Inspecting the O-ring

Visually inspect the new O-ring for nicks and scratches before installing it. Pay attention to the following areas:

• The surface of the O-ring itself 
• The mating surface on the inside of the case between the threads and the open end
• The groove in the end-cap where the O-ring sits

Avoid using any object that could scratch the O-ring or any of its mating surfaces.

If dirt is present in the O-ring groove, remove the O-ring as described below and thoroughly clean the groove.

Do not return this old O-ring to the instrument! If you remove the O-ring from the logger for any reason, always replace it with a new one.

If the surfaces of the O-ring groove are scratched, pitted, or damaged, contact RBR for advice at support@rbr-global.com.

Replacing the O-ring

Do not use metal screwdrivers or any other metal tool! They may scratch the O-ring groove and render the end-cap useless.

1. Use the plastic O-ring tool (included with the logger) to remove the O-ring from its groove.

   

   The O-ring may need to stretch quite a bit as it is pushed off. This requires some effort, but can be done by hand.
2. Clean the groove thoroughly with a soft, lint-free cloth and compressed air, if necessary.
3. Select the proper O-ring and inspect it for damage. 
4. Lubricate the new O-ring with a very light film of silicone grease (included with the logger).
5. Install the new O-ring by pushing it into place and popping it into its groove.
6. Once the new O-ring is in place, inspect it once more for scratches and debris, and wipe away any silicone grease deposited on the end-cap.
7. Once the inspection is complete, close the logger.