What is "servicing" a regulator?

[WetSEAL]

I'm curious what things are checked when a regulator is serviced, what type of repairs would be included in a normal regulator service fee, and what aspects are easy to service yourself to reduce the frequency of having to take it in

 

[TrimixToo]

A quick Google on the definition of "servicing" yields:

serv·ice
ˈsərvəs/
verb
gerund or present participle: servicing

1. 
   perform routine maintenance or repair work on (a vehicle or machine).
   "have your car serviced regularly"
   synonyms: tune-up, maintenance check, servicing, overhaul More
   "the service on the Chevy cost $800"
   check, go over, maintain, overhaul;
   repair, mend, recondition
   "the appliances are serviced regularly"
   • supply and maintain systems for public utilities and transportation and communications in (an area).
     "the town is small but well serviced"
   • perform a service or services for (someone).
     "the state's biggest health maintenance organization servicing the poor"
   • pay interest on (a debt).
     "taxpayers are paying $250 million just to service that debt"
2. 
   (of a male animal) mate with (a female animal).
   

I'm sort of hoping it's under #1. But either take a class or get someone to show you, whichever one you plan.

 

[tbone1004]

service is a complete disassembly, cleaning, and reassembly of the regulator. Rather involved process but is what it is.
there is no middle ground in servicing. You pretty much fully disassembly/clean/reassemble, or leave it alone. It's more like an engine rebuild vs. a tire change.

To reduce the frequency, you basically have to keep it really clean.

 

[Norwegian Cave Diver]

A quick Google on the definition of "servicing" yields:

serv·ice
ˈsərvəs/
verb
gerund or present participle: servicing

1. 
   perform routine maintenance or repair work on (a vehicle or machine).
   "have your car serviced regularly"
   synonyms: tune-up, maintenance check, servicing, overhaul More
   "the service on the Chevy cost $800"
   check, go over, maintain, overhaul;
   repair, mend, recondition
   "the appliances are serviced regularly"
   • supply and maintain systems for public utilities and transportation and communications in (an area).
     "the town is small but well serviced"
   • perform a service or services for (someone).
     "the state's biggest health maintenance organization servicing the poor"
   • pay interest on (a debt).
     "taxpayers are paying $250 million just to service that debt"
2. 
   (of a male animal) mate with (a female animal).

I'm sort of hoping it's under #1. But either take a class or get someone to show you, whichever one you plan.

I think # 2 means "servicing a regular" Jajaja

 

[WetSEAL]

A quick Google on the definition of "servicing" yields:

Wow, that was not helpful at all. I know the definition of the word. I was asking what things they would look for during a regular maintenance, and if you don't know or want to explain any, you don't have to reply.

there is no middle ground in servicing. You pretty much fully disassembly/clean/reassemble, or leave it alone. It's more like an engine rebuild vs. a tire change.

Sure, but I am still curious what things would they typically check to see if there is a problem? ie, what are the common failure points that one who is servicing a regulator would look for, or what tests can I do to see if a problem is developing?

For example, I had a regulator which would free flow lightly after taking a breath. If I turned off the air, it would stop free flowing until I take a breath again. I took it to get serviced, and the technician said he didn't service Tusa regulators (and said that nobody in the area does), but he showed me how to unscrew it from the LP hose, tweaked one adjustment screw and put it back on. Regulator worked fine. Now I know how to fix this problem myself. Had he taken it into a back room to fix it for me, I would have never learned how to do this.

 

[KeithG]

Sure, but I am still curious what things would they typically check to see if there is a problem? ie, what are the common failure points that one who is servicing a regulator would look for, or what tests can I do to see if a problem is developing?

For example, I had a regulator which would free flow lightly after taking a breath. If I turned off the air, it would stop free flowing until I take a breath again. I took it to get serviced, and the technician said he didn't service Tusa regulators (and said that nobody in the area does), but he showed me how to unscrew it from the LP hose, tweaked one adjustment screw and put it back on. Regulator worked fine. Now I know how to fix this problem myself. Had he taken it into a back room to fix it for me, I would have never learned how to do this.

The engine rebuild analogy is valid. They do not check anything first. They check afterwards to ensure the rebuild is correct.

 

[WetSEAL]

The engine rebuild analogy is valid. They do not check anything first. They check afterwards to ensure the rebuild is correct.

And what would be the set of things would they check afterward to ensure the rebuild is correct?

 

[tbone1004]

@WetSEAL if it's a good shop, of which there are VERY few, they hook it up to the test panel, check the IP, check the cracking efforts, note any bubbles or anything and any notes the customer made. After that it is straight to disassembly, cleaning, reassembly. Most shops just go straight to disassembly and look for problems after the rebuild.
After the rebuild, if it is in mfg spec, then it goes out to the customer. Regs are VERY simple devices. It is pretty much "it leaks" or "it doesn't leak", "the ip is in spec and stable" or "the ip is wrong and/or creeping", and "the cracking effort is in spec" or "the cracking effort is out of spec".

If you want to see the process in general, @Bryan@Vintage Double Hose has posted some great videos on youtube.

Realistically though, "it leaks or it doesn't" is checked in the water at bubble check, "ip is stable and in spec, or wrong and/or creeping" is done with a cheap $10 gauge that every diver should own, and "the cracking effort is in spec or isn't" is largely personal preference but you can check it.

It really is as simple as three things to check. The first stage is "healthy" if it doesn't leak, and the IP is stable and in spec. The second stages are "healthy" if they don't leak, and their cracking pressure is in spec. There's nothing else to it

Vintage Double Hose VDH Worldwide LLC

 

[Norwegian Cave Diver]

Careful what you "learn" how to do on a regulator. Remember it is what keeps you alive. Perhaps someone trained to service them is a better choice. IMO.

 

[tbone1004]

Careful what you "learn" how to do on a regulator. Remember it is what keeps you alive. Perhaps someone trained to service them is a better choice. IMO.

yeah no, please don't spread that nonsense