More on J-valves

[Research Diver]

Anyone know where to get plugs to permanently convert a J-valve to a K-valve. The ones that are chrome plated brass with oring seals. I've reviewed the post on leaving it up or down, but I'd rather just get plugs and leave it at that. I've checked Trident, GMC and Peterbuilt with no luck.
Thanks

 

[Scubaroo]

Have you considered just grabbing a new valve? http://www.fillexpress.com/retail.shtml#valves has new Thermos K valves for around $32.

 

[Research Diver]

only issue is the dozen j-valves I have, and the same number of hungry tanks out back. If a source for plugs doesn't surface, I see some thermo pro valves in my future.

 

[Scubaroo]

Ah. Fair point. Have a look on this site, they have the Trident catalog online, which is a fairly comprehensive listing of spare parts for a lot of stuff - you might get lucky:

http://www.mikesscuba.com/accessories.htm

 

[japan-diver]

Depending on the brand of valve you should be able to disable the reserve mech (usually by removing a spring) and have a perfectly working valve. Before buying new valves for rental tanks at one of the shops I worked for a few years back we did this on all of our tanks.

 

[oxyhacker]

You can just throw away the spring cartridge, but that leaves the lever flopping around.

It's possible to homebuild a plug by using a SS bolt the same diameter as the old shaft, usually 1/4" with th stock O-ring and nylon back-up ring on the inside, and a self-locking nut on the outside. The self-locking nut is necessary because the nut shouldn't be tightened down hard, but just enough to snug up the O-ring so it can work. It may be necessary to grind the bolt head down slightly to it fits inside the gland, and maybe hacksaw a screwdriver slot in it.

Research Diver once bubbled...
Anyone know where to get plugs to permanently convert a J-valve to a K-valve. The ones that are chrome plated brass with oring seals. I've reviewed the post on leaving it up or down, but I'd rather just get plugs and leave it at that. I've checked Trident, GMC and Peterbuilt with no luck.
Thanks

 

[Walter]

Why bother?

 

[Sprinter]

This is probably an old question but I can't find an answer around....why are there still J valves around? I'd have assumed they'd become obsolete and K valves would be the universal standard now?

 

[Bob3]

....why are there still J valves around?

If it ain't broke, why bother to fit it?
Just because its "old" doesn't mean they have to be thrown in the scrap pile.
Heck, I would've been there a long time ago if that was the case.

The only problem I can see if the newbie shop help not knowing they have to fill them with the handle in the DOWN position or they'll short fill you.

 

[Sprinter]

I agree...I still have one in my SAD kit.

I've seen fairly new ones in the LDS though so I was just wondering if they still make them?

If so, there must be a reason or something to justify their continued existence?