ATX 200 overhaul question

[jhspb]

Just got my ATX 200 back from 1st year inspection. It needed an overhaul (which Apeks plans for every 2 years) because it failed intermediate pressure tests. Specifically it was exibiting mid-pressure creeing (creeping?).

I was hoping you all could answer some questions (not sure if they're dumb, but I'll ask any way). It's the only way to learn.

1) Is this unusual, for first year, w (unfortunately) only 25 dives on it? What might have caused this to happen?

2) What could the consequences of this problem have been if it went unrepaired?

3) Are there any real world observables/telltales that could have given me an indication of the problem before it went in for service?

4) Is AP0277 the overhaul kit that should have been used to address the problem?

5) Should I be cocerned about future performance if the overhaul was properly performed (sorry if I sound a little paranoid, but it is essential life support)? Could the problem have been caused by a fault in un replaced components/parts that are intergral to the first stage housing making it possible to recur?

6) What old parts should I see when I pick up the reg from the LDS? Yeah this is probably a bit paranoid too but like I said it is my life support!

Thanks in advance for helping out.

J

 

[raxafarian]

the kit used on mine was AP0241/AA. They gave me the old parts back which didn't mean a whole lot. Had to have the reg re-serviced after one dive. It was all hosed up... the guy said "please tell me you got the reg on ebay and adjusted it yourself". I said "nope... lds".

 

[Hallmac]

jhspb once bubbled...
Just got my ATX 200 back from 1st year inspection. It needed an overhaul (which Apeks plans for every 2 years) because it failed intermediate pressure tests. Specifically it was exibiting mid-pressure creeping?

I was hoping you all could answer some questions
1) Is this unusual, for first year, w (unfortunately) only 25 dives on it? What might have caused this to happen?

I wouldn't say it is unusual but not the rule. assembly line production is not the best way to assemble a regulator. The high pressure seat probably got a piece of crud on it and after use created a small nick that leaked.

jhspb once bubbled...
2) What could the consequences of this problem have been if it went unrepaired?

Wear out the seats faster.

jhspb once bubbled...
3) Are there any real world observables/telltales that could have given me an indication of the problem before it went in for service?

Yes. You will notice free flows or constant bubbling that you can't stop. Next the regulators will breathe really light and almost blow air into you mouth. followed by failure of the low pressure seats all together

jhspb once bubbled...
4) Is AP0277 the overhaul kit that should have been used to address the problem?

I dont remember I would have to check.

jhspb once bubbled...
5) Should I be cocerned about future performance if the overhaul was properly performed (sorry if I sound a little paranoid, but it is essential life support)? Could the problem have been caused by a fault in un replaced components/parts that are intergral to the first stage housing making it possible to recur?

More than likely caused by dirt than missing parts.

jhspb once bubbled...
6) What old parts should I see when I pick up the reg from the LDS? Yeah this is probably a bit paranoid too but like I said it is my life support!

Thanks in advance for helping out.

If you want send me a PM with your e-mail and I'll Send you a diagram of the unit and you can see what should be replaced.

Hall

 

[neil]

There are really only 3 things that cause a diaphragm reg to freeflow: dirty or worn 1st stage "seat", worn orifice, or a leaking balance chamber o-ring. The ATX 200 first stage valve is extremely simple and can be overhauled in minutes if the reg body doesn't need cleaning.
My kits say AP0241, but the internal parts are mostly the same for all the Apeks diaphragm 1st stages, most importantly the seat and balance chamber o-ring. Your kit may have been a combo 1st/2nd kit.
The old parts (1st stage) you should see are the seat (looks like a rubber stopper), a diaphragm (rubberish disc ), a secondary diaphragm (clear rubber) , a filter, and a bunch of o-rings.
Neil

 

[redacted]

jhspb once bubbled...

2) What could the consequences of this problem have been if it went unrepaired?

Eventually the IP would have creeped to the point where a 2nd stage could no longer hold bak the pressure and a freeflow, probably very mild, would initiate to relieve the overpressure.

3) Are there any real world observables/telltales that could have given me an indication of the problem before it went in for service?

Homemade IP guage can be slapped together for around 15 to 25 dollars. LP hose adapter from leisurepro. Auto compression guage (0-300psi) works well or one of those $5.00 water pressure guages (0-200psi) from home depot will do the trick.

 

[jhspb]

Hi all,

Thanks very much for the help. Let me clarify two things:

The kit # i think was mot APO277 but APO227

When I referred to unreplaced parts, what I meant to question was: could there have been a structural flaw in the reg manufacture that caused the replacable parts to degrade/malfunction? I did not mean to suggest that either the original assembly left out a part or that the service tech might have left out a part on service.

J

 

[jhspb]

Thanks for your parts descriptions. I see a rubber stopper like part attached to the bottom of a thin 1-1 1/2" metal shaft with a flat head (where the rubber stopper is attached). I see lots of O-rings and a white round thing that I'm guessing is a filter but nothing else (no diaphragms). Is this unusual to have not replaced the diaphragms?

Thanks

J

 

[LUBOLD8431]

because the service kit from APeks has them. two of them . primary for the first stage, and another for the environmental seal. i would raise a stink at your lds. find out if they did change them out or not... Then ask for the breakdown of how much you paid for parts...

BTW, do you know how much you paid for the parts???
First stage kit??? Second stage kit??? Id be interested to know what they charged you...

 

[neil]

Here's the deal as I see it: if a technician is concerned with liability then they would use a complete kit, including the diaphragms, to cover his/her butt. But the leaking wasn't caused by the diaphragms (it can be argued whether or not they need replacing as often as other parts) so perhaps your technician only replaced what was needed, like any good mechanic would. Next question is, as Lubold asked: did you pay for the complete kit, and was there a parts list? Very often technicians have bins of individual parts just for repairs like yours where a complete kit is not needed. The ATX200 would likely work like a champ for years replacing only the seat and balance chamber o-ring at fairly long intervals.
Neil

 

[jhspb]

They gave me free parts and labor for the 1st year service.

Next year I pay the labor and Apeks pays for the parts.

I got the impression that is Apeks policy, ie parts are not charged to consumer but labor is.

LDS said Apeks requires inspection every year and overhaul every 2 years, unless there is an inspection failure as was the case w/ my ATX.

That may explain why the diaphragms might not have been changed out.

The second stage inspection also must have passed because there was no overhaul performed, but there is documentation of the inspection.