First regulator

[wooju]

Hello,
I am planning to buy my first regulator set, but will go with the used equipment to start with.

I came across a set with XTX200 1st and 2nd stage and ATX40 as backup for reasonable price. (I do not need such expensive/advanced kit, but this is what I found that is not too old). Owner said he has done 800+ dives on it and also sent me some more photos, one of which shows the condition of the 1st stage - tank screw. He assures me the kit was serviced regularly and last services was in 2019.

Could you please advise if (generally speaking, and not only based on the above kit):
1. 800 dives is a lot for a reg,
2. It is just a lime scale, oxidation on the screw which can be cleaned, or is it actually damaged?

Thank you in advance,
Peter

 

[arkstorm]

That crust on the DIN screw is typical and if it ever becomes a problem, the DIN screw can easily be replaced.

A well-maintained regulator can last a lifetime so 800+ dives shouldn't be a deal-breaker, however, the fact that it hasn't been serviced in 5 years concerns me.

Factor in the cost of a complete overhaul service into the price to determine if its a good deal.

 

[Scared Silly]

If the DIN attachment looks like that, which is not typical, it is not a well maintained regulator. A well maintained regulator with 800 dives will not look like that.

While the DIN threads are exposed to water and can get mineral build up the inlet nipple is not (or should not be). Given the inlet nipple is crustier than the threads that mean it too has been exposed to water. That means the inside of the regulator was likely exposed to water.

Regs such as this one when cleaned will typically come out of the bath without the mineral build up but also with a loss of chrome plating. A lot of loss of chrome plating. Functionally it is not a problem but then the reg is even more susceptible to corrosion.

I would skip the reg and continue your search as you want a much cleaner reg to start with.

 

[wooju]

Thank you for your feedback.

The total cost (reg with service) would be around £280, so no too bad I think. That said, I'd rather spend a bit more so it lasts...

One more question, you mentioned that you are concerned about the lack of service for 5 years. Does it mean that the reg condition deteriorates more while not in use?

 

[arkstorm]

One more question, you mentioned that you are concerned about the lack of service for 5 years. Does it mean that the reg condition deteriorates more while not in use?

No, I don't think it deteriorates necessarily as long as there is no water in it. But routine service means that the regulator should be serviced at least once every year or every other year (depending on the model).

 

[Mobulai]

Both @arkstorm and @Scared Silly present valid points, if you were looking for a reg to service yourself I’d say it’s an ok (not great) deal for 280£, but I think I have seem better (as I recent self identified with used reg buying addiction) I think the only regs that had such a state on the DIN stems I only saw on 1st stages that I got for 30-60€ so I’d say wait and keep looking

No, I don't think it deteriorates necessarily as long as there is no water in it. But routine service means that the regulator should be serviced at least once every year or every other year (depending on the model).

Orings and soft parts (seats) also harden so that can gunk up the innards of a reg along with the cristo/silicone grease, I wouldn’t fully agree - water damage certainly can make it more drastic but not the only thing to watch out for

 

[mundo121]

Easy way to see is to ask him to take the 2nd stage purge covers off and take a picture of the inside of the regulators to see what it looks like inside. I wouldn't be surprised if it doesn't have all build up on the inside. Which is an indication that it was not taken care of at all. If you dive as much as he stated, no diver would not service their stuff for 5 years.

 

[lexvil]

Wait until after the service to see how it looks, I wouldn’t pay that much as it sits.

 

[Belzelbub]

2. It is just a lime scale, oxidation on the screw which can be cleaned, or is it actually damaged?

It can probably be cleaned, but based on that picture alone, I would pass on this reg. I've got 3 DIN regs in my family. The oldest is around 20 years old. It does not look like that.

I could see getting some scale along the threads that needs to be cleaned from time to time, but I can't understand why that amount of scale should be present anywhere inside the o-ring. That part should stay dry all the time. About the only time I could think of for that area to get wet is if it's in a hydrosonic cleaner.

Regular maintenance and that picture don't go together.

 

[Jim Lapenta]

Hello,
I am planning to buy my first regulator set, but will go with the used equipment to start with.

I came across a set with XTX200 1st and 2nd stage and ATX40 as backup for reasonable price. (I do not need such expensive/advanced kit, but this is what I found that is not too old). Owner said he has done 800+ dives on it and also sent me some more photos, one of which shows the condition of the 1st stage - tank screw. He assures me the kit was serviced regularly and last services was in 2019.

Could you please advise if (generally speaking, and not only based on the above kit):
1. 800 dives is a lot for a reg,
2. It is just a lime scale, oxidation on the screw which can be cleaned, or is it actually damaged?

Thank you in advance,
Peter

As a tech diver, instructor, and retired reg tech instructor, I would not buy this reg. It clearly shows blatant neglect of the unit. Wiping the threads of the DIN cap and the reg itself takes seconds to a minute at most to ensure that does not happen. Whether it's scale or oxidation doesn't matter.
That reg was not cared for.
I can only imagine what the inside looks like.
I wouldn't be surprised if the DIN retainer is seized and requires time in a vinegar/water solution, ultrasonic cleaning, or even heating and chilling to get it loose without stripping the hex.
I can only imagine what the internals look like.
In the 12 years I was servicing regs, I ran across a couple that looked like this. And the owners paid for the extra time it took to deal with their neglect.
It's why I charged by the hour and not the stage.