Info Function checking a regulator after service

[SelfDiver]

So you dropped off your regulators for service and a couple of weeks later, they are ready to pick up.
When you get to the shop to pick it up, perform a basic function test.
Put the regulator on a tank and pressurize the system. Note the pressure and close the tank. Wait a few minutes and check the pressure again. The system should remain pressurized.
Breathe the regulator. You should be able to create a vacuum in the 2nd stage. Use your tongue and wait a few seconds. Do this for the octopus.
Open the tank again and check both purge buttons. If your 2nd stages have adjuster knobs, the regulator should free-flowing when fully open and not free-flowing when fully closed.
Breathe both 2nd stages normally.
The inflator hose should connect and disconnect with a pressurized system.

Most people don't have an Intermediate Pressure guage or don't know how to use one. You can ask for a tutorial if you and the dive shop have time.

 

[rick00001967]

good advice. i would add to check that all the hoses are snug. i have gotten regs back with loose hoses.

 

[Dsix36]

A second stage should not free-flow when fully open.

 

[Bearded Diver]

good advice. i would add to check that all the hoses are snug. i have gotten regs back with loose hoses.

This is solid advice imho

 

[Bad Oring]

A second stage should not free-flow when fully open.

Well, not a big deal if it does a little towards to loose end of the adjustment. As long as you have plenty of adjustment left that does not free flow you should be good. If it free flows half way through adjustment, that would be starting to be an issue, I feel.

 

[happy-diver]

If your 2nd stages have adjuster knobs, the regulator should free-flowing when fully open and not free-flowing when fully closed.

It is not about what a books says or that reg person says or what you say it is all about what the brain says
and the brain says, with all the other stuff going on, incorporating a self induced free flow system is wrong

 

[SelfDiver]

It is not about what a books says or that reg person says or what you say it is all about what the brain says
and the brain says, with all the other stuff going on, incorporating a self induced free flow system is wrong

That is how these adjusters are supposed to work.
When fully open, push the purge button. The stage should freeflow. It should stop when you put a finger in the mouthpiece.
When fully closed, pushing the purge button should not result in a freeflow.
These adjusters are supposed to reduce the resistance to breathing at depth. In my opinion, for most divers, the adjusters is not needed. Maybe, beyond 60 meters, there is a slight difference.
Between services, the adjusters can compensate for drift in the diaphragm -lever-LP seat system.
Some regulators also have a manual venturi valve, The regulator should not freeflow with the venturi valve "down", even with the adjusters fully open.

 

[DANDM]

When fully open, push the purge button. The stage should freeflow.

check both purge buttons. If your 2nd stages have adjuster knobs, the regulator should free-flowing when fully open and not free-flowing when fully closed.

I misread the first time as saying that the 2nd should free flow on its own without purging, by moving the knob. Maybe others misread it too? Or maybe it's just too early where I am and the coffee hasn't quite done it's magic.

Use your tongue and wait a few seconds

Use my tongue to do what?

 

[SelfDiver]

I misread the first time as saying that the 2nd should free flow on its own without purging, by moving the knob. Maybe others misread it too? Or maybe it's just too early where I am and the coffee hasn't quite done it's magic.


Use my tongue to do what?

I wrote it in crayons, then ate the crayons.
You misunderstood because I mis-explained.

The tongue is used to keep the vacuum in the second stage.

So the second stage does not need the venturi valve or the adjusters to function.
But, if they exist then I believe it might be beneficial to know how to check that they are functioning as intended.