Help! How much damage Is done when...?

[CPDiver]

OK, I have this “friend” who dunked his Brand new (less than 10 dives) Aqualung Legend LX Supreme in the dunk tank on the dive boat….without replacing the dust cap. Now, I am sure none of you have done anything that stupid before. But I, I mean my friend, was hoping some of you also might have known someone who carelessly made the same boneheaded maneuver. OK, I’ll admit it, I am the bonehead.

After I realized the error I hooked the reg up to a tank and purged the primary and octo for about 10 seconds. I figured drying out the reg was the most important step. I am wondering if I did the right thing, and is there anything I can do 24 hours after the fact to limit any possible problems. Should I run fresh water through the 1st stage, and then repurge? Just let it be? I really would rather not bring the reg in for an expensive overhaul if I could take care of the problem myself.

By the way, while it was a freshwater rinse tank, others had rinsed there saltwater laden equipment before the reg was rinsed in the tank. I did not dunk it deep so I don’t believe there is much of a chance that sediment entered the 1st stage (but what do I know, I forgot the darned dust cap). Also, this is not this years new model with the automatic dust cap closure mechanism.

I would really appreciate any opinions any knowledgeable individuals may have on the topic.

 

[onfloat]

No worries it will be fine. I would have just let it dry with out pushing what water was in it through it though.

 

[Diver Dennis]

Yes, fresh water is fine, although I would not make a habit of doing it.

 

[Rick Murchison]

Personally I'd break it down and clean it.
At the least watch the sintered filter for signs of corrosion and if you see any (green crud) take it in.
Rick

 

[MarkH]

This only sticks in my head because I've heard it mentioned on Scubaboard a few times before: Did you remove the pressure gauge/computer before pressurising it? In theory I guess, any moisture that made it's way into the reg could be forced into your HP hose, where it hits your gauge/computer and has nowhere else to go.

 

[meekal]

sorry. it is totally ruined. i will gladly take it off your hands for $5.00 - hehehehe - JK - it'll be fine. if you have a good relationship with your LDS (you DO have a good relationship with your local LDS don't you?) - just ask the guy to look at it.... he has the right tools and in about 30 seconds he'll know for sure

 

[CPDiver]

This only sticks in my head because I've heard it mentioned on Scubaboard a few times before: Did you remove the pressure gauge/computer before pressurising it? In theory I guess, any moisture that made it's way into the reg could be forced into your HP hose, where it hits your gauge/computer and has nowhere else to go.

Yep, took the gauge off first

 

[CPDiver]

Personally I'd break it down and clean it.
At the least watch the sintered filter for signs of corrosion and if you see any (green crud) take it in.
Rick

OK Rick, since I have already admitted to being enough of a dumbarse to dunk the reg minus the dustcap, I'll ask this question publicly.

Sintered Filter? Is that the opening that should have been covered by the dust cap?

Thanks

 

[redacted]

Yep, took the gauge off first

You did good. I'd keep a close eye for any indication of problem with the first stage and wait till next service unless a problem occurs.

I'm a DIYer so I'd clean it now but I think it is fun.

 

[Al Mialkovsky]

Take it to your shop. This happens on a semi regular basis with out rental gear and it's obvious which ones have been dunked as the filter gets corroded.

One of our divers did the same with his reg, a few months later during normal service there was a lot of "green"gunk inside. I wouldn't chance it myself.