Leaky Regulator quick fix?

[Mr Carcharodon]

Is it slowly freeflowing, or is there a leak from someplace else? Some people seem to get pretty worked up over small leaks with no measurable effects on air consumption. A bubble a few millimeters in diameter every few seconds is just not a significant amount of gas. Of course where it comes from does give you good clues on how to fix it which seems like a good thing to do. That is a bit different than thinking every leak is impending doom.

 

[Couv]

OK, complete stranger here attempting to answer a DIY question in the Basic Forum.

I'm going to make a couple of assumptions here as we don't have a lot of info to go on, so we'll go with the info that we do have. First assumption is that you have a slight freeflow; i.e. air is leaking into the second stage un-demanded. If you have water leaking into the second stage causing it to breathe wet, that is a different issue.

If you don't have an IP gauge we move on to the next assumption: The octopus is not having the same problem. That should rule out a problem with the IP (intermediate pressure-that's the pressure delivered from the first stage to the second stage.) However, we said "should" but let's take it one more step. Remove the discrepant second stage and it's hose from the first stage and plug that port. Hook it up to a tank and wait. Does the octopus now free flow? If yes, you most likely DO have a problem with the first stage and game over until you know more about regulators-take it in for service. If no, then remove the hose from the second stage (use two wrenches) and shine a light into the second stage barrel. You'll see either a hex (allen) key hole or a slot for a screwdriver. Insert the proper tool and while holding the purge give the screw (inlet orifice) a slight turn clockwise. As described in the regulator bible if it were a clock advance it one hour. Hook everything up again and retest. If OK-you're done; if not OK give it another 1/12th turn. Repeat 4 times maximum and report back.

I hope this helps,

Couv

 

[redacted]

Is it slowly freeflowing, or is there a leak from someplace else? Some people seem to get pretty worked up over small leaks with no measurable effects on air consumption. A bubble a few millimeters in diameter every few seconds is just not a significant amount of gas. Of course where it comes from does give you good clues on how to fix it which seems like a good thing to do. That is a bit different than thinking every leak is impending doom.

But it is a warning to be ignored at your future diving risk.

 

[GrimSleeper]

People who post here are real people and most of them who answer regulator questions are far and away beyond the typical dive shop flunkie tech who was selling appliances last week.

N

Not arguing that you aren't real, Nemrod. Just suggesting that an interweb forum might not be the place to learn how to adjust a regulator. Point taken re. some dive shop techs, which is why I service my own kit. But I learnt from people I saw servicing kit and who I saw diving that kit, rather than online from people I'd never met.

 

[Searcaigh]

That will be a pretty good trick with this post. We don't even know what make and model the reg is. Or whether the OP has the manual, parts, tools, or skills to effect a fix. At least the appliance guy can hold it in his hand.

Borrow another reg while you have this one serviced by a qualified tech.

+ 1 on this suggestion

 

[Seanothon]

Whoa. Wasn't trying to start anything here. I was just wondering if the problem sounded familiar to anybody on here because this forum seems to have a ton of advice and experience behind it. I am going to get the reg serviced asap I just had this unexpected dive come up in a few days. I'll borrow a reg for the dive and take mine to get serviced.

 

[oldschoolto]

Good idea.....

 

[Nemrod]

That will be a pretty good trick with this post. We don't even know what make and model the reg is. Or whether the OP has the manual, parts, tools, or skills to effect a fix. At least the appliance guy can hold it in his hand.

Borrow another reg while you have this one serviced by a qualified tech.

And Ab, you notice I provided no expertise, since I was given no real information. Nonetheless, the PEOPLE, some of whom I have met, who typically answer regulator questions and similar queries are real people and real experts and in some cases decades of experience. And, the answers are peer reviewed by the other dozen or so informally known as the "Usual Suspects." I would hate to tell you that it does not take anything to become a qualified tech since there is no rating, no standard, no school, no peer reviewed certification, no recognized authority and no real training aside from the odd manufacturers school. I have been to a few, most are pretty poor.

N