Annual Service/Overlook - speed?

[Cobra8472]

We're heading to Bonaire on January 3rd and unfortunately there is noone that can service our regulators here. When we arrive on the first day and have our service done- can we still dive that same day? Or does this service take more time than that?

Are any parts replaced? or is it just an overlook/general maintenance thing?

 

[oly5050user]

entire regulator is disassembled/cleaned/hp seat replaced/lp seat replaced/all o rings replaced..
What brand of regulator is it?
Why cannot anyone there service it?
Did you get it from a LDS,and if you did they should be able to service it.
If it was purchased via internet ,you have to prepare well ahead of time to send it out and then wait for its return.
When you are on Bonaire take it to Bruce Bowker and he may be able to get it done for you.If he services the model you own and has parts the actual overhaul can take 25 minutes to 75 minutes.

 

[herman]

I would drop Bruce an email....guess he does emails....if there is anyone on island I would trust to do it that quick it would be him. However, if your reg is working ok now (you do own an IP gauge don't you??)- IP is correct and steady and the regs seems to be preforming correctly then my advise is not to service it at all, rather wait until you return home. I NEVER trust a newly serviced reg, esp for an important trip. Check out this thread. http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/regulators/260452-regulator-checklist-inspection.html

 

[Couv]

Ditto what Herman said.

 

[Web Monkey]

We're heading to Bonaire on January 3rd and unfortunately there is noone that can service our regulators here. When we arrive on the first day and have our service done- can we still dive that same day? Or does this service take more time than that?

Are any parts replaced? or is it just an overlook/general maintenance thing?

Service should include replacing any worn or annual-service part (o-rings, seals, etc) and any damaged parts, cleaning and testing. If your regs are still working properly and are within the recommended service interval, I'd see if you can schedule service for your last day, when you can't dive anyway.

This will let the service tech give them a good cleaning to get out any salt from the week's dives. It will also prevent losing diving days from "I just got my regs serviced and now something isn't right"

Terry

 

[redacted]

If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Especially just before a trip like that. Plan B is rent a regulator if you have a problem.

 

[Cobra8472]

They're way past their annual service though. The first and last dive on them was done in August 2007 (also on Bonaire).

 

[redacted]

They're way past their annual service though. The first and last dive on them was done in August 2007 (also on Bonaire).

I usually go 3 to 5 years between "annual" services so I would expect that your regs are likely fine if they were cleaned well after use and stored properly. It would be best to have them inspected before the trip just to confirm that IP and cracking pressure are OK and seals are still functioning. Any shop should be able to do this for you in 10 or 15 minutes.

 

[rstofer]

If I had this problem, and I realize I don't, I would buy two new regulators. I might buy a pair of Dive Rite Hurricanes (you probably need a DIN converter unless DIN valves are available in Bonaire). I would take the octo from my current regulator or, perhaps, buy an inexpensive octo. The console would be from the existing unit.

I would not leave my trip to chance and I wouldn't be inclined to rent equipment of dubious functionality. I would also bring my existing regulator, just in case.

See Dive Rite Regulators...Performance and Reliability Even at Extraordinary Depths

I know this is an over-the-top way to solve the problem. But that's what I would do.

Richard

 

[Couv]

They're way past their annual service though. The first and last dive on them was done in August 2007 (also on Bonaire).

As Herman and Awap said, if it ain't broke, don't fix it or let anyone else attempt to do so. Again, I refer you to this thread. Regulator checklist and inspection
Then you can decide for yourself if your regulators need servicing. Chances are they are fine and getting them serviced before a trip is no guaranty that they will be any better off than they are now.

Incidentally, buying new regulators is no guaranty either. A new regulator should be inspected and functionally checked too.


couv