How long do 1st stages last?

[krakilin]

I bought a working ProSub BC and an old Aqualung Calypso VI regulator setup off of craigslist for 20 bucks. It had been in storage for many years with only a few dives on it. I got the regulator bench checked and they replaced the mouth piece and exhaust valve on the 2nd stage.

My question is, according to that information, how long do you think I can go before getting it overhauled since they didn't touch the 1st stage?

From what people have told me the part of a 1st stage that wears easiest is the o ring. My LDS said that it will be hard to find the parts for it.

Any suggestions, comments?

 

[Couv]

Hello Kraklin,

Welcome to Scuba Board and congratulations on a good find.

Regulators can last a very long time when taken care of. If your dive shop bench checked it and it's working ok that is testimony to it's reliability. However, it sounds like your LDS does not want to (or can't) rebuild it. If you are not (yet) into DIY regulator repair, it would be best to have it done by someone who is familiar with your model. Try sending a PM to DA Aquamaster and see if he can help you out.

Good luck,

Couv

 

[Chugwhump]

I have not had mine rebuilt in over 5 years.
It is an Oceanic.
I find that bringing the pressure up..... S L O W L Y.....when you open the tank valve to pressurize the system makes a very big difference.
Also, regs that get used regularly seem to do a whole lot better.

Chug

 

[keithdiver]

If you get the regulator serviced regularly, lik eoyu should with all of your gear. The reg should last a long time. Take care in the packing of it when not in use ,a nd also whentraveling with it. Use it as a carry on itme not one that is checlked like the rest of your lugagge.

 

[Hatul]

I have not had mine rebuilt in over 5 years.
It is an Oceanic.
I find that bringing the pressure up..... S L O W L Y.....when you open the tank valve to pressurize the system makes a very big difference.
Also, regs that get used regularly seem to do a whole lot better.

Chug

I second that about regular use of the regulator actually preventing problems. The times I've had leaks in my Delta 2 was after it had been sitting unused for a while. Don't know what the explanation is but it may be that regulators are under light use anyway, unless you're a professional, which is best for mechanical things.

Adam

 

[Swiss Icebear]

First of all, let your 1st stage revised every year. If so, you would be able to use it for at least the next 10 years. I use my Apeks Reg exactly the same time. But look about it and bring it to your dealer for a revision every year!

 

[herman]

There are 2 basic schools of thought on reg service. One says have it serviced on a time based period, usually every year and the other says to observe the reg using non invasive checks and service the reg when it begins to show signs of needing service. Most divers who DIY their gear lean more to the fix when needed, dive shops recommend doing it every year....for a fee.
Which you choose is up to you.

If the reg you have is the one I think it is, with proper cleaning and care it will be diving long after you stop. I have several double hose regs that are over 50 years old and some single hose regs that are over 40, all of which are in divable condition. The HP seat is pretty much generic (used in a bunch of current and past regs) and the Orings will always be around. Finding a shop that will service it may be difficult, most will not service a reg if they can not get factory service kits even though other parts will work.

 

[WD8CDH]

I have one regulator that I decided to see how long it would work without service. I do regularly bench check it for IP and cracking pressure. I have adjusted the second stage twice, the first time after 10 dives and the second time after about 600 dives. It is a Conshelf 14 Supreme purchased in 1975. It now has over 1000 dives without the first stage even being opened up. It still cracked at .7" earlier this year.

I don't reccomend doing this, especially if you don't equipment to check the regulator, but it does give you and idea of the reliability of a well designed regulator.

 

[llqwyd]

Aloha and welcome to SB...

I would a least have it checked before you dive. It should not need service, but if it has set for a number of years as you say, I would worry more about hardening seals than wear.

Just as Chugwhump said, a reg that is used regularly will fair better than one that just sits. As far as spending a little money to have it looked at, what is your life worth? I'm not saying, I'm just saying...

Happy Diving!

 

[james croft]

I have one regulator that I decided to see how long it would work without service. I do regularly bench check it for IP and cracking pressure. I have adjusted the second stage twice, the first time after 10 dives and the second time after about 600 dives. It is a Conshelf 14 Supreme purchased in 1975. It now has over 1000 dives without the first stage even being opened up. It still cracked at .7" earlier this year.

I don't reccomend doing this, especially if you don't equipment to check the regulator, but it does give you and idea of the reliability of a well designed regulator.

I do the same thing. I have a Conshelf SE2 I bought in 1987 that has never been overhauled other than having new HP seat put in after a recall. I have not overhauled it just to see how long it will go without screwing with it. You should be able to get parts for the Conshelf 6 as the parts are basically interchangeable with newer Conshelfs