Really disappointed in my regs right now

[Scott M]

I always carry an IP gauge with me... it makes diagnosis easier. Diaphragm reg IPs change over time as the diaphragm deforms. A slightly elevated IP can cause that seepage (I assume you mean air).

Yes, air. Well I have decided that I AM going to learn about my regs and know how to work on them.

There used to be someone on here that had a manual for the Apeks regs. I don't recall who it was.

Are rebuild kits and parts available anywhere these days or is it still LDS only type thing?

Best Regards

 

[300bar]

Manuals can be found here,
Regulator manuals

As for the Apex parts,they seem to be widely availlable

Hope it helps.

cheers,

 

[spectrum]

Yes, air.

OH air! :11: I though they were both breathing wet. The joys of trouble shooting over the internet!

If they really did happen together then it points to IP creep per NetDoc.


This is a really really good book on the topic.

Pete

 

[Scott M]

Manuals can be found here,
Regulator manuals

As for the Apex parts,they seem to be widely availlable

Hope it helps.

cheers,

Excellent resource. Thanks a lot. Now I just need to find some parts.

 

[Scott M]

OH air! :11: I though they were both breathing wet. The joys of trouble shooting over the internet!

If they really did happen together then it points to IP creep per NetDoc.


This is a really really good book on the topic.

Pete

Just the one is breathing wet but thinking back it has been a while since I have breathed off it underwater so that may not be a new issue. I always take a couple of pulls off it at the surface but sometimes neglact to underwater. That will not happen again, ever!.

Thanks for the link.

 

[scubafanatic]

I am diving Apeks, ATX200 primary w/ATX50 back-up. These regs are a little over 4 years old, have had only 51 dives on them, have been very well cared for and were rebuilt a little over a year ago.

Now my primary is seeping and nothing I do will stop it and back-up is breathing very wet. When I see people in the pool diving really old LDS crap that have had thousands and thousands of dives on them and are thrown around like old luggage it really gets to me that my top end regs barely made it 50 dives before having problems.

I guess I have to send them out for service which I hate to do because I have a new dry suit sitting here I really wanted to get wet.

...based on info my Apeks dealer shared with me a while back, I'd check the 2nd stage diaphragm condition...I was told those deteriorate over time and become wrinkled/warped causing a poor seal....I own 2 of the new XTX 200's, which I was told don't share the 'problem' that the older Apeks regs suffer from......all I can say is the XTX series are AWESOME regs, my favorites, and I own a BUNCH of regs with which to compare (Atomic B1/Mares Ruby/Aqualung Titan LX/Poseidon Jetstream..to name a few).

Karl

 

[SparticleBrane]

Scott, you have to look at it like this -- your regs essentially sat unused for 4 years. 50 dives in 4 years isn't really a lot. That would be comparable to "My car sat for 4 years, only driven once every few months, and now it doesn't work perfectly."

Regs are mechanical pieces of equipment, thus, they are destined to fail at some point. Good luck on getting them working properly again.

 

[Scott M]

...based on info my Apeks dealer shared with me a while back, I'd check the 2nd stage diaphragm condition...I was told those deteriorate over time and become wrinkled/warped causing a poor seal....I own 2 of the new XTX 200's, which I was told don't share the 'problem' that the older Apeks regs suffer from......all I can say is the XTX series are AWESOME regs, my favorites, and I own a BUNCH of regs with which to compare (Atomic B1/Mares Ruby/Aqualung Titan LX/Poseidon Jetstream..to name a few).

Karl

Something to think about for sure but if I can learn how to repair these I will probably go that route but something to think about for sure, thanks

 

[Scott M]

Scott, you have to look at it like this -- your regs essentially sat unused for 4 years. 50 dives in 4 years isn't really a lot. That would be comparable to "My car sat for 4 years, only driven once every few months, and now it doesn't work perfectly."

Regs are mechanical pieces of equipment, thus, they are destined to fail at some point. Good luck on getting them working properly again.

I had never really thought about it that way but that is an interesting point. I plan on doing a lot of diving now that I have more time on my hands so hopefully I don't see this again.

Is there a way to keep regs fresh if they do sit ideal for a period of time or is just best to take them apart and give them a good once over if they have sat for a while?

 

[spectrum]

There are several things you are looking for when evaluating if a regulator is fit to dive or due for attention.

The mentioned IP gauge will let you see what IP the 1st stage is delivering. By observing it you can see how the 1st stage recovers when you breathe and you can see if it holds a constant pressure. There is a good chance that your 1st stage is creeping and that is what the bubblers are relieving. That beats rupturing a LP hose.:11:

The second stages can be checked with something as simple as a pail of clean water. Hook the set to a cylinder and pressurize it. Now lower the regulator slowly with the mouthpiece facing up. Note how deep the diaphragm is when air flow is initiated. This simulates the typical inch or so of cracking pressure. This is not a precise measurement but if you know what normal is you can test this function almost anywhere anytime on a dive outing.

Both of these settings can drift over time even with the regulator out of service especially the second stage behavior.

The 3rd biggie is contamination. A dive regulator can process a lot of breathing air without needing service. However a slug of saltwater through the inlet can cause serious problems in a short time. This is where good practice and being observant comes in. If you do mess up and contaminate the unit you will want to be getting in there to recover. IMO it's this final wild card that often justifies the yearly service mantra. If you are in control you can intelligently choose to do otherwise.

Pete