Inflator maintenance - my orings are in a bunch

[bkotheimer]

What do you expect in a "rebuild" kit beyond the normal service parts, aka the orings?

Tobin

Well, I guess that's a matter of semantics, or perhaps a poor choice of words on my part. If it's a rebuild kit for the cartridge valve then, no, I wouldn't expect it to contain an entire cartridge valve. That would be ridiculous. But in something packaged as a rebuild kit for the inflator, it would be great if they included at least the valve spool component of the cartridge valve. That little pin really takes (and shows) some abuse, at least in the case of myself and the OP here.

And when I say "it would be great," I don't mean to kick off a pissing match. It's a small part, it's the only significant moving part, mine looks like hell, SoCalSwami's is bent, and it would be great for the two of us at least if we could easily source another one on its own or as part of a maintenance kit.

If John has cartridge valves for $19 buy some. That's a very fair price for a very hard to source item.

Yeah, I thought so too.

 

[cool_hardware52]

Well, I guess that's a matter of semantics, or perhaps a poor choice of words on my part. If it's a rebuild kit for the cartridge valve then, no, I wouldn't expect it to contain an entire cartridge valve. That would be ridiculous. But in something packaged as a rebuild kit for the inflator, it would be great if they included at least the valve spool component of the cartridge valve. That little pin really takes (and shows) some abuse, at least in the case of myself and the OP here.

The spool isn't a normal wear part. I've serviced many many inflators and never had to replace the spool.

Most dive shop recommend replacing the inflator, i.e. dispose of, no service at all.

No dive shop I know even has the Cartridge Valves. NESS is the exception. Good for John. I've tried to source the Cartridge valves separate from the Inflators and have never succeeded.

Buy an individual internal small part for an inexpensive item that's most often disposed of en toto? Good luck.

Today the trend is towards more complex assemblies and service kits for every thing from auto parts to regulators. Fewer sku's to stock, and less the counter man needs to know.

Tobin