Conshelf SE2 parts

[c-snake]

I have two USD Conshelf SE2 regs that have been sitting for seven years. They are both in excellent condition with the exception of cracks around the hose attachment area of the plastic second stages.

I would like to give one of these regs to my newly certified daughter, but not w/o replacing the plastic housing. One of the second stages has very minor cracks and I would dive it myself, but I won't feel comfortable giving it to her.

A three county search for a DS willing to sell me parts has turned up zilch. The shop I once worked for and was the repair tech at has closed. I have checked the internals, IP and all is fine, but want to freshen up for peace of mind. O-rings are not a problem, but kits and housings will be.

I feel like having a LDS do the work will cost more than the units are worth. I have always done my own work, and detest paying someone else simply because I cannot get parts. One local shop is selling rebuilt Titans for $139 that look great, and would probably run about what it will cost me to have one of the Conshelf regs repaired by a LDS. It is just a shame to relinquish these things to the parts box.

As an avid DIY guy, I would like to get these things going, if the housings are still available. Any help or advise would be greatly appreciated.

Larry

 

[dave4868]

On eBay, you will occasionally see Conshelf SE2 regulators/octos/consoles quite cheap (under $50).

That could provide future spare parts, too.

Right now, there's nothing currently listed under the title "Conshelf SE2", but three auctions completed recently.

Might be worth setting up a "Favorite Search".

Good luck.

By the way, would glueing the cracks work?

Dave C

 

[Bob3]

Without checking a pricelist I'm willing to guess that a new replacement body would exceed the cost of a used reg off of ebay, certainly a 2nd stage, if not the complete reg.

 

[james croft]

Bob is right. You may find a second stage on ebay used a lot easier. The Conshelfs are an excellent design. You may want to consider buying a Conshelf 14 second stage. It will be bulletproof and you can use the SE2 for spare parts. The brass box of the 14 won't crack and is better in cold water than the SE2. I have bought a lot of Conshelf regs such as the 6, 20, 21, 14 & 14 Supremes as well as the SE 2 and they are all going strong. But the 14 is a battleship. I pick the 14 off of ebay often for under 50 used for both stages.

 

[c-snake]

Wow, thanks for all the replies.

Dave, Ebay may be my best option, I have recieved a pm with a possible parts source, we will see.
I am worried that a used SE2 plastic 2nd stage may also be cracked. The cracks are hard to see on the black body and the seller may not even know they are there.
I don't think gluing is an option in this particular case.

Bob, I think you could be right on the price. Thats why I am contemplating the rebuilt Titon at $139.

James, the brass 2nd would be the way to go if used. I agree and will probably do that if I go that rout.

I have replaced all the o-rings and given everything a good cleaning. Hoses look good, seats look good and IP holds. Should I be concerned with seven plus year old internals if I don't find a new parts source?

 

[diveprof]

I agree with the above comments. Unless you get real lucky on e-bay, you may be better off with a different second stage (cost/value). The 14 was bullet proof and the others were good, but the conshelf to me was more of a middle of the road performer - not what I would use deep or invest a lot of money in. A dive shop I once worked for used it in their rentals and this was an excellent use - not great, but reliable and an easy field fix. I liked it much better than the early micras. In my humble opinion, it doesn't hold a candle to my scubapros or select older sherwoods.

 

[james croft]

I have an SE2 I bought new in 1987. The HP seat had a recall and I had it replaced in 1988 or so. Other than that I have not had it overhauled and have put about 1000 dives give or take on it. No problems with it. I soak it after using it and am diligent in allowing no water inside the first stage. I am just trying to see how long it will go before needing any repairs. Overhaul kits are readily available and I have seen a couple of folks on SB offer overhaul kits for the Conshelfs.
I like em as they are easy to work on, get parts for and are well suited for the diving I do, I also have nice technical regs that may perform better and cost more but for the money it is hard to beat a Conshelf. My only complaint is that they could use another LP port on the first stage.

 

[Bob3]

... I pick the 14 off of ebay often for under 50 used for both stages....

So YOU'RE the guy that keeps running up the dang bids on me all the time!!!

Trivia:
The Conshelf XIV 2nd stage was what was used to make the early Kirby-Morgan regs used on the Superlite hats & Bandmasks; they just added an adjustment knob so the pressure differentials could be compensated for while running off of surface supplied air.
The 1st stage is the most common one used on commercial diver's bailout bottles.

Come to think of it, I may even have a SE2 second stage out in my "spares" bin.

 

[james croft]

Sorry Bob,
I only buy and use Conshelfs recreationally. I'm not hooked....I can stop buying and using them whenever I want.

 

[marchand]

thats what they all say