Atomic M1 First Stage Question

[flyguy]

When my B2 reg was new it did exactly the same thing. The guys at the dive shop said this was normal. It doesn't do it any more now that all the extra has seeped out.

 

[Talon]

Your B2 did it???? Hmmm... that's weird. The B2 doesn't use the lube in the first stage. Where as the first poster has nothing to worry about - you... I'm not so sure. I'd have your B2 checked out.

 

[Web Monkey]

It's Crysto-Lube, and it's supposed to leak out (well, maybe not actually a design feature, but it's normal).

The inside of the first stage is packed full, and you'll lose a tiny bit each time you dive. It seems to slow down after a number of dives, and I haven't noticed mine doing it at all recently.

When you bring it in for service, they'll repack it with grease, and it will do it again.

The grease is what keeps the water away from the cold parts, which prevents ice buildup. It's completely normal and nothing to worry about.

Terry

I bought the Atomic M1 Regulator in October of 2005. For a number of reasons I unfortunately have only 1 dive so far with this reg. It worked great though.

However, I noticed something when I first bought it, and I noticed it again today when I was rearranging my dive gear. There seems to be a small leak of a white, lubricant like substance (my guess is silicone) seeping out (every now and then) from underneath the black band that divides the first stage in half. Now, I know the reg is environmentally sealed, so I was nervous that there could be a problem with the reg. I called the dealer where I purchased the reg and he stated that the material seeping from the the reg was normal. He called it a " crystal lube" which is initially placed into a brand new reg before retail. He stated that after 10 dives or so, this substance should subside and disappear. He stated that as the piston moves in the reg, it forces the excess material out of the small holes underneath the black ring in the center of the reg.

Question. Is this a legitimate statement? If there is someone here that is familiar with this situation provide a better, more detailed answer? Thanks for any and all information.

 

[wmspdi]

I have 2 M1s, and a B1 that are sealed, and they did the same thing when new and after service. Actually I would be a little concerned if there were not a little Crristo Lube leaking out after service. Cristo Lube is very expensive, and some shops might be tempted to use as little as possible to save money. The leaking lube after the first few dives tells me the the service tech didn't scrimp on the lube when they serviced the reg.

BTW- I could use another M1... if the leaking lube bothers you let me know, I'll take that "messy" regulator off your hands.

 

[oxyhacker]

Excellent point. If you don't see some excess, they didn't use enough.

BTW Scubapro in the directions for their grease-packing kit, characterizes the leakage as a positive feature, suggesting the diver rub any overflow over the rest of the reg, as a protective coating.

The leaking lube after the first few dives tells me the the service tech didn't scrimp on the lube when they serviced the reg.