After service check?

[buddhasummer]

I just had my regs serviced/overhauled and am about to do a weekend dive trip, should I check that my regs are working properly? or is it safe to assume seeing as they have been overhauled that they will be ok? Or is this asking for trouble? If I should check them how do I do this as I cannot test dive them prior to my w/end away...if I hook them up to a tank can I check them that way? any help is appreciated

 

[halocline]

Assuming you can't go for a dive locally, but you do have a tank, one thing you could do is pressurize the reg, best with a full tank, then turn the air off, leaving the reg pressurized. Check the pressure after a few minutes, then an hour or so, to see if there are any slow leaks. If the SPG reads the same as when you turned off the tank, there are no leaks. If you have access to an IP gauge that will connect to the LP inflator hose, you can attach that, pressurize the reg, then tap the purge valve several times, and try breathing several times. Each time look at the IP gauge, making sure it dips a little when the reg is flowing, and then immediately returns to a stable IP. You can also leave the reg pressurized with the IP gauge in place for an hour or so to make sure there is no slow IP creep. Finally, you can do a quick "cracking pressure" test with a sink full of water; just slowly submerged the pressurized 2nd stage, mouthpiece up, and see how deep it goes before starting to flow. With a high performance reg, it should start flowing well before the mouthpiece is submerged, maybe about 1.5" of water.

 

[Web Monkey]

I just had my regs serviced/overhauled and am about to do a weekend dive trip, should I check that my regs are working properly? or is it safe to assume seeing as they have been overhauled that they will be ok? Or is this asking for trouble? If I should check them how do I do this as I cannot test dive them prior to my w/end away...if I hook them up to a tank can I check them that way? any help is appreciated

Chances are excellent that your regs are fine, it wouldn't hurt to take a dip in the pool if possible.

Does your shop have a pool they use for classes? They'll usually let you take your stuff there to check it out.

Terry

 

[redacted]

You also need to make sure all connections are tight and do a vacuum check to make sure seal that are holding water out of the regulator are working properly. If you have time, you should be able to find more info if you search on inspection. But with the wway the board is running, you may need lots of time.

 

[buddhasummer]

Chances are excellent that your regs are fine, it wouldn't hurt to take a dip in the pool if possible.

Does your shop have a pool they use for classes? They'll usually let you take your stuff there to check it out.

Terry

Thanks for the reply, yes they have a pool Ill ask if i can do a quick check in it.

But it would be nice to assume its all good given that it cost me $140 shouldn't need to worry about it but I have read that some people have reported their regs worked before the service but not after. Id like to assume they are isolated incidents or youd have to wonder what the point is in getting your equipment "professionally" seviced...

 

[buddhasummer]

Assuming you can't go for a dive locally, but you do have a tank, one thing you could do is pressurize the reg, best with a full tank, then turn the air off, leaving the reg pressurized. Check the pressure after a few minutes, then an hour or so, to see if there are any slow leaks. If the SPG reads the same as when you turned off the tank, there are no leaks. If you have access to an IP gauge that will connect to the LP inflator hose, you can attach that, pressurize the reg, then tap the purge valve several times, and try breathing several times. Each time look at the IP gauge, making sure it dips a little when the reg is flowing, and then immediately returns to a stable IP. You can also leave the reg pressurized with the IP gauge in place for an hour or so to make sure there is no slow IP creep. Finally, you can do a quick "cracking pressure" test with a sink full of water; just slowly submerged the pressurized 2nd stage, mouthpiece up, and see how deep it goes before starting to flow. With a high performance reg, it should start flowing well before the mouthpiece is submerged, maybe about 1.5" of water.

Thanks for that, I dont have a tank but I could always hire one to check, Id hate to get all the way to the dive site (4HRS EACH WAY) and discover my regs leaking or something coz after paying $140 for the "professional" service Id be pretty pissed....

 

[Web Monkey]

Thanks for the reply, yes they have a pool Ill ask if i can do a quick check in it.

But it would be nice to assume its all good given that it cost me $140 shouldn't need to worry about it but I have read that some people have reported their regs worked before the service but not after. Id like to assume they are isolated incidents or youd have to wonder what the point is in getting your equipment "professionally" seviced...

It would be nice to be able to assume that, but there's always a chance someone screwed up, and it's best to find out before your trip.

Terry

 

[DivingPrincessE]

I think this really says it all...

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/ba...other-try-your-gear-after-service-thread.html

 

[buddhasummer]

thanks for all the replies, Im going to pick up a tank and check it out tonight.

 

[deepblueme]

I read all these with great intrest. I was a service tech for 20+ years and yes I did forget to tighten down a few hoses in that time... now who out there hasn't made a mistake at work that cost someone $$$$$... noone on this board I bet.

As was said hook your gear to a tank and leave it over night not just a few min. that way you can tell if someone forgot to tighten any hoses but also do a hand loosen check on all your fittings (2nd to hose) is one that gets missed, alot of techs use a IP gauge that go between them. The overnight test will also show if a oring got nicked that isa slow leaker.

If you do have a tank you can fill your bath tub and do a bubble check that way too.

Have fun on your trip.