Hog D1 Regulator Repair Class

[stargost]

I’ve been wondering why so many people are willing to service their own reg.
I understand the pro perspective of course, and I understand why you may consider it once you are a heavy tech diver with more than 10 sets to service.
But for regular divers, even owning up to 5 reg (Mum, Dad, John, Jane and spare), I don’t think it makes a lot of sense.
Of course, if you are interested in understanding the deep insights of how a reg works, it is good to get a manual of your reg, (while I think the “regulator savvy “ book, for 30$ is already too much of what’s needed), but why really willing to get it serviced yourself ? It looks time consuming as you wont know for sure how to do it, will always be missing one tool, how exactly do you get it fully tested, and so on.

I am really interested to get a HOG kit for doubles, because it is cheap, seems robust and already recognized, also because I always like companies with business models breaking the rules.
And if I managed to get the next good deal from Mike/DRIS, I’ll enjoy the regs, may take the 2nd stage into pieces to make sure I can clean if it gets clogged (no 100 pages detailed manual for that), and once it needs service, I’ll send it back so someone who has more expertise and time than me will do it. (note that this is why the DiveRite offer is not too bad either).

Maybe a personal perception and interest level, or do I miss something critical here ?

 

[fppf]

I don't think your missing anything.
For the run of the mill diver, this makes zero sense, period.

It takes a significant time and money investment to do this work. You are really not saving any money at the end of it. And the guys that skip the tools list are not doing it correctly anyway.

 

[BB1]

I’ve been wondering why so many people are willing to service their own reg.
I understand the pro perspective of course, and I understand why you may consider it once you are a heavy tech diver with more than 10 sets to service.
But for regular divers, even owning up to 5 reg (Mum, Dad, John, Jane and spare), I don’t think it makes a lot of sense.
Of course, if you are interested in understanding the deep insights of how a reg works, it is good to get a manual of your reg........

For me, here is why:

A) I like to understand how things work - just from reading other manufacturers regs manuals I already have a pretty good understanding of the basics (they aren't rocket science!) though I do understand there is finesse needed in tuning etc which is still a mystery for now hence to need to access a webinar!

B) I am very tech and tools savvy so why shouldn't I do it myself - I take full responsibilty for my own actions! I have built and rebuilt my own Top Fuel Harley dragbikes for 14 years therefore a reg does not worry me!

C) Reg servicing costs down here in OZ are BL##DY expensive!!! EG to service a scubapro MK10 and S600 is +/- $220 for 1 1st and 1 2nd stage. Labour is around $100 and parts are the balance of that for the Manufacturer specific parts kit . They replace all parts whether they need it or not!

To me it makes a lot of sense to be able to service both mine and my wife's reg's and save over $400 after buying rebuild kits!!!

 

[fppf]

BB1, what tools do you already have and what tools do you need?
I noticed you just got into diving as well. He has as much right to question why as we have to question why not.

Most mfgrs have replacement schedules that techs follow, they don't replace everything just because.

 

[CaveMD]

I’ve been wondering why so many people are willing to service their own reg.
I understand the pro perspective of course, and I understand why you may consider it once you are a heavy tech diver with more than 10 sets to service.
But for regular divers, even owning up to 5 reg (Mum, Dad, John, Jane and spare), I don’t think it makes a lot of sense.
Of course, if you are interested in understanding the deep insights of how a reg works, it is good to get a manual of your reg, (while I think the “regulator savvy “ book, for 30$ is already too much of what’s needed), but why really willing to get it serviced yourself ? It looks time consuming as you wont know for sure how to do it, will always be missing one tool, how exactly do you get it fully tested, and so on.

I am really interested to get a HOG kit for doubles, because it is cheap, seems robust and already recognized, also because I always like companies with business models breaking the rules.
And if I managed to get the next good deal from Mike/DRIS, I’ll enjoy the regs, may take the 2nd stage into pieces to make sure I can clean if it gets clogged (no 100 pages detailed manual for that), and once it needs service, I’ll send it back so someone who has more expertise and time than me will do it. (note that this is why the DiveRite offer is not too bad either).

Maybe a personal perception and interest level, or do I miss something critical here ?

Nothing missed at all.

Most people fall into that category.

Some of use just like to do stuff our selves. It's probably more expensive to service it yourself actually.

There is a certain level of relief knowing that you put the regulator together and tested it yourself and you know for sure it's been done right and not done haphazardly in a hurry. Everyone should at least have an understanding of how your regs work even if not to the level of being able to work on it yourself.

 

[BB1]

BB1, what tools do you already have and what tools do you need?
I noticed you just got into diving as well. He has as much right to question why as we have to question why not.

Most mfgrs have replacement schedules that techs follow, they don't replace everything just because.

I have 2 roll cabs worth of tools - mostly snapon and Mac tools with some specialist and some not so specialist tools and a lot that I have made myself. I used to teach engineering apprentices in the past for the aircraft and engineering industries! I can weld, fabricate, machine (manual and CNC) with lathes, mills, precision grinders etc etc.

I figure I need some Brass and some plastic picks as mine are all stainless which are potentially damaging and possibly an inline IP gauge though I have been advised that they can affect the reading by a Scuba tech here in OZ.

Here in Australia pricing on everything scuba related is really expensive! Dealer tech just seems to say - "full kit put in mate" and charge accordingly though I feel certain they only replace what is needed. Note this may not apply to all dealer tech's

 

[fppf]

Well your going to need a lot of specialty scuba tools depending on the brand.
I feel an ultrasonic cleaner is a must have, along with a magnahelic. Those in line IP gauges are mostly junk. Most mfgrs are specing pressures within 2-4 PSI. You want a good high accuracy dial gauge or digital gauge.

Just keep in mind, we are the great minority. The VAST majority of people don't want to know boo.

 

[BB1]

Well your going to need a lot of specialty scuba tools depending on the brand.
I feel an ultrasonic cleaner is a must have, along with a magnahelic. Those in line IP gauges are mostly junk. Most mfgrs are specing pressures within 2-4 PSI. You want a good high accuracy dial gauge or digital gauge.

Just keep in mind, we are the great minority. The VAST majority of people don't want to know boo.

Well I reckon if you're "in the field" you wouldn't have access to those 2 items so I'm not going to let it worry me to much.

As I said above - local advise was that an inline IP gauge wasn't accurate.

I am used to working to those kind of psi tolerances - you ever seen how the fuel system and clutch system works on a top fueler?? It all depends on accurate PSI settings as its all based around pressure and poppet valves. I built some of my own pressure gauges and setting tools using big diameter pressure gauges to better see the pressure's being set. Tyre pressure alone is measured to 1/2 a PSI and does make a difference.

I hope to be introduced to the minority soon

 

[stargost]

For me, here is why:

A) I like to understand how things work - just from reading other manufacturers regs manuals I already have a pretty good understanding of the basics (they aren't rocket science!) though I do understand there is finesse needed in tuning etc which is still a mystery for now hence to need to access a webinar!

B) I am very tech and tools savvy so why shouldn't I do it myself - I take full responsibilty for my own actions! I have built and rebuilt my own Top Fuel Harley dragbikes for 14 years therefore a reg does not worry me!

C) Reg servicing costs down here in OZ are BL##DY expensive!!! EG to service a scubapro MK10 and S600 is +/- $220 for 1 1st and 1 2nd stage. Labour is around $100 and parts are the balance of that for the Manufacturer specific parts kit . They replace all parts whether they need it or not!

To me it makes a lot of sense to be able to service both mine and my wife's reg's and save over $400 after buying rebuild kits!!!

I completely understand that at 400$ service, it may be worth exploring more options - like buying a new HOG set every year

I also enjoy understanding things I like, but will try to stop to the reg book - I think I'm only a tech wanabee, and I didnt really enjoy doing the harley upgrade/tax myself + it maybe the reason my nice sportster needs to get to a real dealer for real service now

 

[BB1]

Yep its Cheaper to buy a new 1st and 2nd stage from Mike each year than service it!! Go figure.....

Can I interest you in a nice harley?? Your choice of 132" or 158" motor and around 800HP????

I got this new hobby/obsession to feed now!