Changing Aqualung Legend from DIN to Yoke

[emanuelw]

Hi guys

I recently bought a used set of Legend regs off Ebay that came with an optional Yoke connection. The set is not an adapter but a full setup with filter, yoke, and insert. When looking at the service manual it seems like a 6mm hex wrench will be enough to replace the current fitting myself, but I thought I should double check with you guys about any quirks I should think of?

Should the yoke set come with an o-ring for the filter?

Do I need to secure the first stage in a vise before proceeding?

Are the any other parts I need to remove before removing the DIN insert?

All advice kindly appreciated.

Thank you

 

[Skunky]

I just recently went from a yoke setup to DIN on my legend. I still have my yoke setup as well as a yoke adapter. I would rather use the aqualung DIn to yoke adapter myself but:

There is an o-ring that goes on after the filter when you screw in the yoke to the first stage.

Not a bad idea to use a vise..

No, no other parts... watch out for the spring if it's an ACD model on the DIN.

 

[herman]

I just recently went from a yoke setup to DIN on my legend. I still have my yoke setup as well as a yoke adapter. I would rather use the aqualung DIn to yoke adapter myself but:

There is an o-ring that goes on after the filter when you screw in the yoke to the first stage.

Not a bad idea to use a vise..

No, no other parts... watch out for the spring if it's an ACD model on the DIN.

Do put the reg directly in the vise, that is a sure way to scratch up the reg. Go to a good hardware store and purchase a 3/8x24 bolt at least 3 inches long- I prefer 4 and 2 nuts go with it. This is an SAE fine thread bolt so it is a little harder to find than the more common 3/8x18. Install the bolt in the HP port finger tight then run one of the nuts down onto the reg finger tight. The second nut is then run onto the first and LIGHTLY snugged with a wrench onto the first. The bolt and nuts are used as a handle on the reg. I place them in the vise with the bolt head and the second nut in the jaws.
Below are the instructions for installing the DIN connector in a Legend. The “vise mounting tool” descried in the last step was installed in a disassembly step earlier-your bolt is a substitute for the tool.


Installing the DIN Adapter
a.Install a new o-ring (37) into the face of the DIN connector.
b. Insert the conical end of the filter (12) into the threaded end of the DIN connector (38). Install a new, lubricated o-ring (13) into the end of the DIN connector, around the filter.
c. Remove the first-stage from the vise. Hold the first-stage with the inlet opening facing downward. Insert the threaded end of the DIN connector through the threaded side of the handwheel (39) and screw it into the first stage body until finger tight. Secure the first-stage back in the vise with the DIN connector facing upward. Screw the DIN connector into the body (10). Attach a 6mm hex key to a foot-pound torque wrench. Tighten the DIN connector to 18-20 foot-pounds.
d. Loosen the vise and remove the first-stage. Remove the vise mounting tool and reinstall the HP port plug.

 

[tfsails]

If the reg is already DIN, why would you ever want to change it back to yoke? Get a yoke adapter for it and press on! That way you can use steel or aluminium tanks at will.

 

[paddler3d]

If the reg is already DIN, why would you ever want to change it back to yoke? Get a yoke adapter for it and press on! That way you can use steel or aluminium tanks at will.

What he said!

 

[herman]

Oops, sorry I posted the wrong instructions, oh well you might want them later. Here is the Yoke installation:

14A.Installing the Yoke:
a. Insert the conical end of the filter (12) into the threaded end of the inlet fitting (30). Install a new, lubricated o-ring (13) into the end of the inlet fitting, around the filter.
b. Place the filter shield (31) into the end of the inlet fitting. Using circlip pliers, compress the c-clip (32) and install it into the inlet fitting. Inspect the c-clip to make sure it is properly seated.
c. Remove the first-stage from the vise. Hold the first-stage with the inlet opening facing downward. Pass the inlet fitting (30) through the yoke (33) and screw it into the first stage body until finger tight. Secure the first-stage back in the vise with the yoke facing upward. Place the special inlet socket (pn 111001) over the inlet fitting. Attacha socket extension to a foot-pound torque wrench. Pass the socket extension through the top of the yoke and insert it into the socket. Tighten the inlet fitting to 18-20 foot-pounds. Remove the torque wrench and socket.
d. Slide the dust cap (35) over the yoke knob threads with the Aqua Lung logo facing out-ward. Thread the yoke screw (34) into the yoke.

 

[Skunky]

step c... use vise... (hopefully you have the since to use rubber tips on the end of the vise.. if not a towel will work..)

By the way did you get the rubber first stage cover for the yoke?

 

[herman]

A reg should never be put in the vise, that is a sure way to scratch up the finish. Instead a vise mounting tool should be installed in the reg and the tool is clamped in the vise. The instructions were clipped from a complete service procedure, the step to install the tool was in a previous step that I did not include. The tool can be purchased, made from a bolt like I described or an old CO2 cartridge can be used but in any case clamping a reg in a vise should never be done.

 

[emanuelw]

step c... use vise... (hopefully you have the since to use rubber tips on the end of the vise.. if not a towel will work..)

By the way did you get the rubber first stage cover for the yoke?

Thanks for all your input guys! The first stage is in a rubber cover but the yoke is just a normal steel (brass?) yoke with an insert and filter. I'm thinking about heading down to my local dive shop and use their tools and steal some knowledge there as well. I want to learn how to service my own regs rather than having another guy fiddling with them. Am i wrong?

 

[Scared Silly]

I'm thinking about heading down to my local dive shop and use their tools and steal some knowledge there as well. I want to learn how to service my own regs rather than having another guy fiddling with them. Am i wrong?

Good idea to visit your local shop to learn a bit about servicing your gear. Be prepared to give them some money for their help. The biggest problem most people have with removing/installing yoke nuts is having the correct socket. Instead people will try to use an adjustable wrench which undoubtably slip and mar the nut. Which then makes it hard to use a socket so you end up buying a new nut.

The main problem with serving some regs is often getting parts as typically they are sold only to the shops (i.e. no resale). Some mfg like AquaLung are pretty hard to get parts unless you have a good relationship with your shop. Servicing regs is not that hard if you are mechanically inclined. Here are the bibles:

SCUBA REGULATOR MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR by Vance Harlow

Regulator Savvy

If you really want to into servicing your regs you will be buying both books as well as finding the mfg service manuals.