Conshelf Question

[Creed]

I just finished the rebuild on my first Conshelf XIV. Neither of my XIVs came with a main spring washer, and one wasn't included in the rebuild kit, so I left it out. I also left out the sintered filter washer. Again, neither of my XIVs had one when I dismantled them, and the retaining ring would not fit into the groove at all with the washer in place. I assume that these washers are a later modification to the XIV series. I can't see that either one makes a whole lot of difference. However, I can see that the main spring washer probably keeps the chrome on the inside of the adjustment screw from getting damaged by the spring. Can this be replaced with regular nylon washer?

Regardless, aside from some headaches trying to fit the retaining ring and filter washer into the neck at the same time, the rebuild went great. It didn't creep at all when I hooked it up. A satisfying ending to a good day.

 

[DA Aquamaster]

The mainspring washer probably helps prevent the mainspring from "winding" a bit when the pad is adjusted so it could cause IP to change slightly after the initial adjustment. But I would not regard leaving it out as a big problem as the reg will operate quite well anywhere within a wide IP range.

The small plastic washer between the sintered iron filter and the retaining ring does fit in the XIV and was used on the earlier XII and XI. But it is always a real bear to get in as you have to get all three parts properly stacked and aligned and then press everything in without losing the alignment of any of the pieces and there is very little extra clearance to ram it all home succesfully. Believe me, I fully understand the temptation to leave it out, but don't. Besides, you get better at it with practice and after about a hundred rebuilds you can get it the first time, (almost) everytime.

I would be concerned about leaving it out as it could cause problems with corrosion on the retaining ring and if the ring were to fail you would have serious problems.

 

[Creed]

The mainspring washer probably helps prevent the mainspring from "winding" a bit when the pad is adjusted so it could cause IP to change slightly after the initial adjustment. But I would not regard leaving it out as a big problem as the reg will operate quite well anywhere within a wide IP range.

The small plastic washer between the sintered iron filter and the retaining ring does fit in the XIV and was used on the earlier XII and XI. But it is always a real bear to get in as you have to get all three parts properly stacked and aligned and then press everything in without losing the alignment of any of the pieces and there is very little extra clearance to ram it all home succesfully. Believe me, I fully understand the temptation to leave it out, but don't. Besides, you get better at it with practice and after about a hundred rebuilds you can get it the first time, (almost) everytime.

I would be concerned about leaving it out as it could cause problems with corrosion on the retaining ring and if the ring were to fail you would have serious problems.

That's odd. Both of my XIs have a sintered filter with a metal ring built onto it, but no nylon washer. I did get the parts in with the washer, but it would never snap into place. I applied enough pressure to actually damage my desktop, but it would not snap in. And neither of the XIVs had a washer when I disassembled, either. Now, they did have a flat retainer ring, instead of the fatter one that was in the repair kit. I think that the flatter one might work with the washer. Should I try that?

 

[DA Aquamaster]

I should have said "is used" rather than "was used" on the Conshelf XI and XII. The sintered filters with the metal ring around it are very nice and of excellent quality, but are also very dated. The current Conshelf annual service kits come with the plastic washer and the plain sintered filters. I would agree no washer is needed (nor would it fit) with the older metal ringed filters.

I have not had (unexpected) problems sticking all the parts in place (new retaining ring, new filter, plastic washer) in Conshelf XIV's. If you cannot get the new retaining ring to snap in place however and the old one is still in excellent shape, then I'd probaby try using it instead.

Goes with out saying but should be said anyway that this is one of those jobs where eye protection is a very good idea in case something slips and all the parts come popping put under spring pressure.