Changing HP hose?

[mikey3091]

I recently had my g'friend's Cressi AC-10 inspected. The lsd noted that the HP hose needed to be changed. To my surprise, they said that it was not available and that I should purchase new equipment. After calling a local Cressi dealer, they said that they did have a HP hose in stock. How safe is it for me to change this hose myself? I'm good with tools; however, I'm new to diving. I like my girlfriend and would like to keep her among the living for awhile, so is this safe?

 

[divebri]

but you need to be extra careful not to cross-thread either the end into the first stage or the end into the spg(which is what I assume will terminate that particular hp hose).

You also don't want to crush the o-rings on either fitting - they're what makes the connection airtight.

For safety's sake, go to where you bought the hose and ask them to show you how to do it. they should be happy to - it's really no big deal, except the apprehension at watching a 3400+psi short hose go whipping around if you screwed it up

Many of us who do such things took an equipment specialty course, or just got someone who knows what they're doing to show us.

 

[paulwlee]

I think divebri is making this sound harder than it is.
If you can change a lightbulb, you can do it. Also, there isn't a "Cressi" HP hose. They are all standard fittings, and they cost about $20~$30. Get the length you want as they come in a variety of lengths.

Just make sure you take the spool (small bar shaped piece at the gauge end, and which may end up stuck on the gauge or on the hose) and put it in the new hose after lubricating the o-rings on it.

 

[spectrum]

The toughest part is just getting the gauge out then back into the boot. A little soapy water goes along way here but take care that none gets into the ports of the hose or gauge. You actually fold the boot, the gauge pops free and you pull some lack to work from.

The fittings want to be ever so slightly tighter than wrench snug. The thrust loading of air pressure will make sure nothing comes loose during use.

If you're good with tools this should all make sense. If not they will probably install it for free or nearly so.

Will you also need to install a hose protector on the new hose??

Pete

 

[Luis H]

I am just very puzzled that an LDS told you that the Cressi HP hose was not available. As mentioned above those hoses are now a day standard. Is this a modern regulator and gauge? In the past there were a few odd fittings used in some SPG, but even then, they were rare.

The only logical explanation I have is the LDS are total incompetent or they are really pushing to sell you something new. In any case I would be very careful about dealing with them.

 

[docmartin]

I am just very puzzled that an LDS told you that the Cressi HP hose was not available. As mentioned above those hoses are now a day standard. Is this a modern regulator and gauge? In the past there were a few odd fittings used in some SPG, but even then, they were rare.

The only logical explanation I have is the LDS are total incompetent or they are really pushing to sell you something new. In any case I would be very careful about dealing with them.

agreed. this sounds completely ridiculous and i certainly would look for a different shop. as for the hose installation, screw it in with you hand as far as you can go (using your hand prevents the cross threading). when you can't hand tighten it any more you take a wrench and tighten it just a LITTLE more. piece of cake.

 

[redacted]

I am just very puzzled that an LDS told you that the Cressi HP hose was not available. As mentioned above those hoses are now a day standard. Is this a modern regulator and gauge? In the past there were a few odd fittings used in some SPG, but even then, they were rare.

The only logical explanation I have is the LDS are total incompetent or they are really pushing to sell you something new. In any case I would be very careful about dealing with them.

Other logical explanation: Shop saw an opportunity (new divers) to sell $500 worth of regulator rather than $40 worth of hose.

Mickey - O-rings are making the seals at those connections so tighten just enough that it won't come loose. We are talking 50 to 80 inch-pounds of torque. It may seem a lot tighter during disassembly, especially the connection at the guage, due to corrosion & salt in the threads. You need to be very careful with the hose connection at the guage. The seal is made by a spool (it lets it swivel) with small o-rings in grooves on each end. Removing the spool can be difficult due to deposits which tend to collect there. Pliers will easily break damage the spool. If you can't remove it by hand, soak it in warm water to disolve the deposits. It may take a lot of soaking and worrying it to get it loose (think hours or even days). The little o-rings are 2-003s and really should be replaces if disassembly is difficult. They also need to be lubed with silicon grease (or christolub if you dive nitrox). If the job sounds like more than you want to handle, find ANOTHER LDS. I would expect labor to run about $20.

 

[halocline]

I recently had my g'friend's Cressi AC-10 inspected. The lsd noted that the HP hose needed to be changed. To my surprise, they said that it was not available and that I should purchase new equipment.

Maybe if your LDS stopped with the LSD they'd be able to simply replace the HP hose. What's on the end of it, a console? When they said "new equipment" were they talking about a new hose, new console, or maybe a new reg and BC just to "make sure?" Did they show you a nice titanium reg and humongous BC and implore you to get out the plastic because "your life is worth it?"

Sorry, I'm a little sensitive about this topic.

 

[scubapatton]

Also, when you use a wrench, use the RIGHT size. Some people use crescent wrenches but they can nick the metal and strip the sides a little. Make sure you use the right tool for the right job on these.

It really is a peice of cake to do yourself.. just make sure the O-ring does not get pinched (again easy as long as (as noted) you use your hands to start the threading. If you feel like it is real tough to put back together, you may be doing something wrong. It is likely that you will need a little "umph" to take the old hose off - you should inspect the o-ring on the old hose too, just to see if there was anything wrong with the overall sysytem. Then toss the old hose once you feel like the new one is working right. Wait until you confirm that though in case you need to show the old hose to someone (LDS, Cressi, etc).

It is surprising to hear the LDS would say no can do it, let's have you buy a whole new one, but without knowing the whole story, I do not want to bash the LDS.

 

[mikey3091]

I appreciate everyone's advice. The lds kinda ticked me off. The tech said that the seven year old Cressi she has (used once by her friend) is junk and needed to be replaced. He told me that it is about impossible to find a cressi dealer. A few clicks later, I found one within a few miles of my house. He also said that he would not replace the hose because he was not a Cressi dealer and that a dealer would charge $80 to replace the hose. He said that there was a leak in the first stage, but on his paper report it said that the reg failed because of the hp hose. I'm still going to get it checked even after I replace the hose. I trusted the guy because it's where I was certified, and I was pleased with my instructor. He then offered to take the price to check the equipment off of the purchase of new equipment. That immediately made me think that something was up. People amaze me.