Installing HP spool swivel - O-rings uncooperative

[mr. mark]

On my last dive I noticed my HP host was leaking slightly so I bought a new hose.
I ordered an Viton O-ring replacement kit and tried replacing the 003 spool O-rings myself
but I ended-up breaking one of them before I could get it installed.
I decided to take the spool to a Scuba shop near me and install 2 new O-rings which they did.
Now I find that the spool is impossible to insert back into the pressure gauge or the hose without
the new O-ring hanging-up on the edge of the hole for the spool. I've tried firm pressure with no luck.
I've lubed everything with a light film of silicone grease as well. It looks like the O-rings the Scuba shop installed might be slightly larger than the originals. Is this supposed to be this difficult?

Thanks,
Mark

 

[Jim Lapenta]

Nope, and you need more than a light coating of lube. I am always real generous with the lube on these. Just don't get it in the hole. Did you consider asking the shop to install it? Did they advise you on how much lube to use? If they said none find another shop.

 

[mr. mark]

I didn't think I needed help to perform such a simple task. It seemed really straightforward but it looks like the o-rings from the shop are slightly larger
diameter than the originals and the excess diameter is causing the spool to jam before it seats fully. The Viton o-rings I got have s smaller diameter but
they're a b#tch to install without a tool. I'll head back to the shop with hose and gauge this time and see what happens. I may pop for a new spool with the rings pre-installed.

Mark

 

[HenrikBP]

Don't know how you're trying to install the Viton o-rings, but one of the DIY'ers here (Couv or AWAP - sorry can't remember), once mentioned this method:

lube the o-ring and spool well. Place the o-ring in the palm of your hand and then "stab" the end of the spool into the center of the o-ring. I've used that method with good results.

Henrik

 

[mr. mark]

My original spool has completely flat ends so this method doesn't work very well.
I see pictures of newer spools that have a more rounded end. This may work better.
I have a set of Viton o-rings that I tried to install and ended-up breaking them. I think I cut them with my fingernail trying to stretch it.
The Viton rings did seem to hug the spool better and I bet they would have worked if I didn't ruin them.
Are Viton rings less elastic?
I'll just pick-up a new spool tomorrow at the dive shop and try that.

Thanks,

 

[Jim Lapenta]

Depends on the durometer of the viton. The higher the number the harder or less elastic they are. 75-90 is a good range for most. I like the 90's for the spool. What you need is one of these:
HP Restrictor Bullet O'ring Kit, Universal

Bought one 5 years ago and it has saved many divers days.

 

[HenrikBP]

My original spool has completely flat ends so this method doesn't work very well.
I see pictures of newer spools that have a more rounded end. This may work better.

Ah yes, I can see how a flat end spool would be a problem.

Depends on the durometer of the viton. The higher the number the harder or less elastic they are. 75-90 is a good range for most. I like the 90's for the spool.

I must admit - I cheat I have a couple of spare "pre-loaded" spools in my save-a-dive kit so I can just pull out a new one just in case.

Henrik

 

[g1138]

I've seen two sizes of O-rings that are used on HP spools. So it's quite possible the shop installed the wrong ones.

Have you tried hanging the O-ring on the edge of your spool's end and rolling it over then on with your thumb?
Lightly lube both your O-rings to keep it from being dry but save the rest until you actually get both the O-rings on the spool.

If you keep breaking O-rings it might just be better to buy a newer version with rounded ends.

 

[buddhasummer]

At around $3 for the complete spool I'd just buy a new one, in fact that is what I do, saves the fiddling. Although next time I'll give HenrikBPs post a try.

 

[The Chairman]

I have a piece of brass plate that has a hole just a bit larger than the spool. I gently rock the spool into the oring, then I slide it to the hole to finish the process. It's an easy jig to make in a piece of scrap aluminum or brass. Other than that, I fiddle with it for a minute or two. I do replace the spool if I see any signs of corrosion or wear.