My first service/inspection

[InTheDrink]

A career in politics. I think I'll take a pass on that one.

Skip the post-dive soapy washes. They aren't necessary in my opinion. In fact, the detergent can actually remove o-ring lubricant, which isn't a good thing. Where is the groaning originating? Topside "groaning" from a second stage is often caused by resonance between the diaphragm and the second stage case/body (mattboy has pointed this out on numerous SB threads). The noise can be diminished by taking off the cover and re-seating the diaphragm and thrust washer (if one exists). In some cases, over time, the groaning goes away on its own. In most cases, you can just ignore the noise. I will tell you, though, that I have an Aqualung Legend (pre-ACD) and it doesn't groan at all.

Your local authorized repair shop should only do an inspection at the 1 year timepoint following reg purchase. I would make that clear when you drop off the reg for service. Have them contact you if they plan to overhaul the reg since this will cost more. If they wanted to do this, I would ask them for justification first as to why they wanted to do the overhaul. Acceptable answers would include: "We saw some corrosion on the inlet filter," "There's significant IP creep," "There's a free flow that we can't figure out how to stop," "We can't adjust the IP to be within the recommended range," "The cracking pressure is too high on the second stage and we can't seem to adjust it by turning the orifice to change the lever height," etc.

So I've emailed myself your 'acceptable answers'. At best they will prevent anyone taking the piss and overhauling when unnecessary. At worst they'll make me sound like I have a clue about regulators (assuming I don't fluff the lines )

Cheers Bubble,
J

 

[Bubbletrubble]

So I've emailed myself your 'acceptable answers'. At best they will prevent anyone taking the piss and overhauling when unnecessary. At worst they'll make me sound like I have a clue about regulators (assuming I don't fluff the lines )

Cheers Bubble,
J

That's hardly an exhaustive list -- I provided them as examples of reasonable justifications to do an "early" overhaul.

What it boils down to is this:

1. Does either second stage free flow?
2. Do both of your second stages breathe well?
3. Is the IP of your first stage 135 ± 5 psi?

If there's no free flow and the second stages breathe nicely, then things are probably OK.
If you buy an IP gauge, you'll be able to get a handle on #3.

Good luck with everything.

 

[InTheDrink]

That's hardly an exhaustive list -- I provided them as examples of reasonable justifications to do an "early" overhaul.

What it boils down to is this:

1. Does either second stage free flow?
2. Do both of your second stages breathe well?
3. Is the IP of your first stage 135 ± 5 psi?

If there's no free flow and the second stages breathe nicely, then things are probably OK.
If you buy an IP gauge, you'll be able to get a handle on #3.

Good luck with everything.

Hi Bubble,

I bought myself an IP tester a few months ago for just this purpose and the IP is fine.
Seconds don't free flow but are on the verge on the surface with the venturi set to max - which is essentially how I want them.

The groaning was the only issue but these seems to have righted itself for one reason or another (the reason I suspect[ed] soap is that the breathing resistance knob had got quite stiff until I gave the regs a good soapy [shampoo] wash. I also used conditioner, which I've no idea whether good, bad or indifferent idea)

Cheers,
J