Whites Surfmaster - need help

[BenjaminE]

Hello everyone,

This is my first time posting. I have an old Whites Surfmaster PI, with the Dual Field coil installed. I have used it for about a month, and absolutely love it! The only issue that has come up is that several days ago, after about six hours of underwater detecting, the detector seems to have developed a tiny leak, in one of the knobs. The leak is so small that it takes about an hour of use for the water to seep in.

Currently, if I use the detector in the water, and the knob is submerged, it immediately triggers the threshold sound, so that it sounds very loud no matter how far I turn it down.

Since this leak occurred, I have cleaned the box out twice with distilled water, and dried the box overnight, with a fan. Each time, the detector works fine, until the knob comes in contact with the saltwater. Also, I had the box replaced last year, by Whites, when I bought the detector.

So, I have two questions: First, do I have any recourse, besides sending the detector back to Whites, for repair? I just spent $275 in repairs on it, a year ago. Second, what are the odds of finding a used Surfmaster Dual Field detector for under $500 dollars? Again, I love the detector. I found around nine gold rings with it, in just over a month of detecting - my first month ever. I also have found hundreds of coins. I do not have a problem digging everything, except massive pieces of iron. I found a very old belt buckle that is probably brass, near a Spanish shipwreck site. After digging another target for about a half hour, down to bedrock, I uncovered what appears to be a copper (gold alloy?) pre-Columbian ear spool, of a striking yellow color. So, I love my detector. I just do not want to have to miss a month of detecting, to get it repaired. And, I am wondering whether I have any other recourse with this leak, or whether it would be easy to find another used Surfmaster, for under $500 dollars, with a Dual Field coil?

Here are some of my first finds, minus the coins:



If anyone has any suggestions, please let me know. I am tempted to try to repair the leak, with some sort of glue, if it is possible. Only, I do not want to do further damage to the detector. If it is of any help, I can post photos of inside the box, and the knobs, to better show the area that is leaking. Also, I apologize for not posting this in the repair area. I figured since I am showing my first months finds, it could be here. If it needs to be move, please let me know.

Thanks in advance for any help,

Ben

 

[huntsman53]

I would advise digging out the Repair paperwork and have it available when you call White's about the issue. I am sure that they warranty their repairs but do not know how long. However, since they replaced the Control Box and the problem involves one of the knobs, they will likely do the repairs needed on it for free, although you will likely have to pay the shipping both ways. It never hurts to call them and find out!


Frank

 

[huntsman53]

Sorry but I forgot to add that the issue (leak) is probably due to a bad or incorrectly installed "O" Ring seal (which I believe is used to waterproof the controls). In a worse case scenario but only if you are confident in doing so, is to replace the "O" Ring seals yourself. You can either purchase the correct "O" Ring seals from White's or find the correct size at a local Hardware store or Lowe's or Home Depot. If you do effect the repairs yourself, make sure to clean any and all contacts and controls inside the metal detector that have corrosion and make sure to coat the "O" Ring seals with a light coating of Silicone Grease when replacing them as well as any other seals for the Control Box and Battery compartment.


Frank

 

[BenjaminE]

Hello Frank,

Thank you so much. I spoke to White's twice. They were very nice. But, the lady suggested that I might be better off getting a new detector. I will try again, and see what they say about the issue. Also, I will ask them about the type of O-ring that is used, inside the knob. They did tell me that there is another seal that is internal. This is probably what they are talking about.

Thanks

Ben

 

[huntsman53]

If the Threshold is being triggered as soon as you submerge the unit below the Control Knob that is leaking, then the potentiometer for the control/setting may already be damaged and besides replacing the "O" Ring seals, you may have t replace the potentiometer as well.

If you are located in Florida and not too far away, you could probably stop by Kellyco's Repair Center or send it to them and get it repaired. They Metal Detector Sales Shop is located located at "1085 Belle Ave, Winter Springs, FL 32708" and although I am not sure, the Repair Center is likely co-located. The telephone number for the Repair Center is "888-535-5926" but it would be best to call first.


Frank

 

[NEPADIGGER7]

yeah def call whites....theyre great people there...call the factory in Oregon and ask for Mary. shes awesome always has taken care of me...let her know u spend alot of time in the field and thats ur brand!

 

[BenjaminE]

I am actually in Mexico, near Cancun. I will give KellyCo a call.

"If you do effect the repairs yourself, make sure to clean any and all contacts and controls inside the metal detector that have corrosion and make sure to coat the "O" Ring seals with a light coating of Silicone Grease when replacing them as well as any other seals for the Control Box and Battery compartment."

I will take it to an electric repair shop. We have a Home Depot, here. The two concerns that I have relate to the glue, and to the type of O-ring, that should be used. I would want to make sure to use the correct glue, and the correct type of O-ring.

Thanks,

Ben

 

[BenjaminE]

I did speak to Mary. But, last year a technician by the name of Greg changed the coil. So, I will call tomorrow, and ask for Greg, to see what he thinks.

Thanks,

Ben

 

[huntsman53]

I am actually in Mexico, near Cancun. I will give KellyCo a call.

"If you do effect the repairs yourself, make sure to clean any and all contacts and controls inside the metal detector that have corrosion and make sure to coat the "O" Ring seals with a light coating of Silicone Grease when replacing them as well as any other seals for the Control Box and Battery compartment."

I will take it to an electric repair shop. We have a Home Depot, here. The two concerns that I have relate to the glue, and to the type of O-ring, that should be used. I would want to make sure to use the correct glue, and the correct type of O-ring.

Thanks,

Ben

I don't think that White's uses/used glue on the Control Settings Potentiometers or their' shafts! Also, the "O" Ring seal can be measured with a Micrometer by measuring the outside diameter and the diameter of the rubber of the ring.


Frank

 

[BenjaminE]

I don't think that White's uses/used glue on the Control Settings Potentiometers or their' shafts! Also, the "O" Ring seal can be measured with a Micrometer by measuring the outside diameter and the diameter of the rubber of the ring.


Frank

Hello Frank,

Do you know whether the O-ring is glued in? Or, is it something that is pressed in with a machine? What keeps the seal from leaking, once it is installed?

Thanks,

Ben

 

[BenjaminE]

I got the detector repaired. White's was great! It was all covered under warranty. I believe that the coil had started leaking.

 

[Fletch88]

Their service is second to none! Glad you got her going