Problems with my Reg

[rhyno87]

Living in northern British Columbia, Canada I do not get to dive as much as I would like so earlier today I decided to hook up my regs (primary and octopus) to my tank and just breath down a tank of gas to work on my breathing.

My primary first stage is a Mares Proton Ice Extreme and I noticed that when I am not breathing out of it, it leaks gas. If I keep it in the breathing position but instead breath through my nose it doesn't seam to leak however, when placing it on my lap and breathing out of my octopus within 10 seconds it'll start leaking.

I have purged it with no resolve. I have had it in for service before, for making a very loud weezing noise (when breathing, under water of course) but I haven't dove it since however, breathing through it on the couch has lead me to believe this 'weezing' sound is gone.

So, anyone know what the deal is with the leaking?

Thank.

 

[Bubbletrubble]

You described a very slight second stage freeflow. It shouldn't be that big of a deal to fix.

If I were you, here's what I would do:

1. Check the i.p. of the first stage using an i.p. gauge. This lets you know whether the i.p. being put out by the first stage is within normal limits. The normal i.p. range is usually 130-150 psi. Sometimes, if the reg will be used in cold water, the tech will set the i.p. a little lower (120-125 psi).
2. If the i.p. is OK, then I'd try adjusting the cracking pressure of the problematic second stage. For many regs this is a simple tuning procedure. The Proton is a classic downstream second stage, so tuning will consist of removing the face cover + diaphragm and adjusting the demand lever locking nut. For the specifics on tuning, refer to the reg tech manual that knowone linked below.

If this reg troubleshooting sounds like more than you'd want to do on your own, you could always bring the reg to your local shop and have them check it out for you. Since I'm a familiar face and I've spent a few dollars in my local shop over the years, the shop would normally do this adjustment for free.

 

[knowone]

http://www.wedir.ch/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=MCkjn3+F35Y=&tabid=73&mid=500


How's your throat.

 

[Norberto]

If you purge regulator or take a breath and it stops leaking air and then within few seconds starts to leak again then it's a problem with HP seat on the first stage. If you have older model of Proton Ice Exreme chances are that first stage is equipped with spherical core system which was not as stable as new tri-material HP-seat. You can have it easly upgraded at authorized Mares center.
The weezing sound you mentioned earlier usually is a result of harmonics which can be solve by changing adjustment on second stage or filpping spring. I would not advise you to work on your regulator unless you have proper training. If you don't have authorized Mares center close to your home send it to Aquasub and I will service it within 2 working days.
Cheers
Norbert
AquaSub Scuba Diving Centre located in Richmond Hill serving the Greater Toronto Area

 

[scoobydrew]

it sounds like a creeping IP as it takes 10 seconds before freeflow starts. Bubbletrubble has listed what to do there.

 

[rhyno87]

I have read what you have all posted, thanks a lot for the speedy reply.

In addition, since my first post, I noticed a bit of a sound coming from close to the first stage, almost from where the HP hose hooks into the first stage. This certainly sounds like air is leaking from around the adaptor from the hose to the 1st stage.

So before I dive into what both Bubbletrubble and Norberto have mentioned does anyone have anything more to add, with this new bit of information?

P.S., knowone my throats a bit dry

Thanks again guys.

 

[Bubbletrubble]

In addition, since my first post, I noticed a bit of a sound coming from close to the first stage, almost from where the HP hose hooks into the first stage. This certainly sounds like air is leaking from around the adaptor from the hose to the 1st stage.

The leak you just described is probably not related to your second stage freeflow. Sounds like it's just the o-ring at the first stage end of the HP hose. Replacing the o-ring (size -012) should fix that. Divegearexpress.com has a useful table with common dive gear-related o-ring sizes. After replacing the o-ring, be careful not to over-tighten the hose into the first stage body. Just install it hand-tight. Then put the wrench on it and apply pressure with 2 fingers -- just enough to snug it up.

That's the most likely cause of the leak. Other possible causes include a damaged crimp at the end of the HP hose (get a new HP hose) or a cracked first stage body (expensive replacement part). To aid with locating leaks, a nice trick is to spray some very dilute soapy solution on the area. You'll see bubbling in the exact location of the leak.

How many years has it been since you used the reg? Even if a reg just sits, the soft parts inside the reg and the hoses can deteriorate. If it's been several years, I'd recommend having a competent service tech take a look at the whole reg setup.

Here's a link to a nice pre-dive reg inspection list. Definitely check the reg over thoroughly before using it underwater.

 

[Ste Wart]

I think I see the problem.

It appears you are trying to use a MARES regulator

 

[rhyno87]

The leak you just described is probably not related to your second stage freeflow. Sounds like it's just the o-ring at the first stage end of the HP hose. Replacing the o-ring (size -012) should fix that. Divegearexpress.com has useful tables with common dive gear-related o-ring sizes. After replacing the o-ring, be careful not to over-tighten the hose into the first stage body. Just install it hand-tight. Then put the wrench on it and apply pressure with 2 fingers -- just enough to snug it up.

That's the most likely cause of the leak. Other possible causes include a damaged crimp at the end of the HP hose (get a new HP hose) or a cracked first stage body (expensive replacement part). To aid with locating leaks, a nice trick is to spray some very dilute soapy solution on the area. You'll see bubbling in the exact location of the leak.

How many years has it been since you used the reg? Even if a reg just sits, the soft parts inside the reg and the hoses can deteriorate. If it's been several years, I'd recommend having a competent service tech take a look at the whole reg setup.

Thanks for the guidance there.

The regulator was purchased brand new in June of 2010 so it's just under a year old but has been doing a lot of sitting.

I think I'll have it serviced by someone who's authorized, that way they can look over everything and make sure I'm good to go.

I'll let ya'll know what they determine.

Cheers.

 

[LeadTurn_SD]

Bubbletrubble covered about everything I can think of (I own and service Mares regs)....

Just a quick question rhyno87, did this regulator come with Miflex hoses? Your regulator is so new that I'm very surprised at any leak from the first stage or hoses, but a bad o-ring is certainly possible.... but if you have a Miflex high pressure hose, I'd look VERY closely at that, as there have been documented problems with the Miflex HP hoses.... just a thought.

The technician should be able to sort it out quickly.

Good luck.