Scubapro Air2 Gen 3 serviceable?

[wdeutsch]

I have a somewhat related question. Otherwise let me know if I need to start a new thread

I have an Air 2, 3G. I got it as part of an used SP BCD. The regulator cover doesn't seem to close tight enough. When I try to force it, it will get undone and pop out of the case.

All parts seem to fit correctly, the reg seals perfectly even with a loose cover, and I see no cracks in the case, nor in the cover threads. I was hoping to hear if this is "normal" for this reg., or if someone can identify either a wrong nylon washer or diaphragm in the pics (I am new on this site, so hopefully I am able to load the pics)

Thanks a lot,

DM

I have the same version and it does not show the thread issue yours does. The cover screws on flush, showing no threads, just as you'd expect.

Can't really say of the anti-friction ring is the right one based on the photos, but it looks pretty similar. If you want to measure the thickness with a set of calipers, the one in mine is 2.0mm thick.

Your diaphragm definitely looks different from mine, but maybe they used multiple types in Gen 3? That's a question for someone more knowlegable than I am.

In looking at your first picture, that looks cross threaded. It looks like there are threads showing at the top, but not to the front/bottom. Are you triple sure you're getting the threads started correctly? They are pretty fine and easy to cross thread. I have the habit of lining everything up by screwing it backwards unil I can feel the 'click' of the two thread openings passing, and then starting forward from there.

 

[Duglum]

Never opened an Air 2, but is that spacer/washer ring original or a new spare part?

The reason i'm asking is that i had a similar issue of the cover not closing all the way on a G250 after i bought a new ring. Turns out the old washer rings were 1.4mm thick while the new spare part was 1.8mm for whatever reason. (yes, original scubapro spare part)

So maybe they did the same here..?

 

[DMart]

I have the same version and it does not show the thread issue yours does. The cover screws on flush, showing no threads, just as you'd expect.

Can't really say of the anti-friction ring is the right one based on the photos, but it looks pretty similar. If you want to measure the thickness with a set of calipers, the one in mine is 2.0mm thick.

Your diaphragm definitely looks different from mine, but maybe they used multiple types in Gen 3? That's a question for someone more knowlegable than I am.

In looking at your first picture, that looks cross threaded. It looks like there are threads showing at the top, but not to the front/bottom. Are you triple sure you're getting the threads started correctly? They are pretty fine and easy to cross thread. I have the habit of lining everything up by screwing it backwards unil I can feel the 'click' of the two thread openings passing, and then starting forward from there.

I measured, and yes, the friction ring is 2.0 mm.

I've threaded it multiple times. I always use the technique you described.

The reason it is showing a thread is because probably it is starting to undo itself.

I can get it somewhat tight, but I can't get it where the plug hole aligns both on the case and the cover. It stops about one quarter of a turn early. If I keep pushing then I get cross-threading and the cover pops-out.

Following on what Duglum mentioned, I am starting to think they may have a second version of the diaphragm for this model, and I may have the wrong one. Either that or somehow the diaphragm "skirt" is not seating all the way inside the case groove. But, I am not sure of anything at this point.

I just don't want to spend money on a regulator that I may use only sporadically to test new/recently serviced gear in the pool. I'll keep an eye for an old, cheap spare so that I can combine with this one and get either one working.

I appreciate you both for your suggestions.

 

[DMart]

I measured, and yes, the friction ring is 2.0 mm.

I've threaded it multiple times. I always use the technique you described.

The reason it is showing a thread is because probably it is starting to undo itself.

I can get it somewhat tight, but I can't get it where the plug hole aligns both on the case and the cover. It stops about one quarter of a turn early. If I keep pushing then I get cross-threading and the cover pops-out.

Following on what Duglum mentioned, I am starting to think they may have a second version of the diaphragm for this model, and I may have the wrong one. Either that or somehow the diaphragm "skirt" is not seating all the way inside the case groove. But, I am not sure of anything at this point.

I just don't want to spend money on a regulator that I may use only sporadically to test new/recently serviced gear in the pool. I'll keep an eye for an old, cheap spare so that I can combine with this one and get either one working.

I appreciate you both for your suggestions.

UPDATE:

Just for closure, in case this helps anyone: I visited my LDS and they gave me a new friction ring from an old AIR 2, Gen 3, that they keep for spare parts. The friction ring is half the thickness of what I have in mine, i.e. 1 mm instead of 2 mm in mine. Sooo, Duglum was spot on about this issue.

Now, I am wondering what generation uses the thicker 2 mm ring that I had in mine, and why wdeutsch's can fit a 2 mm ring in that same Air 2 without any problems.

Thanks to all again,

David