Really disappointed in my regs right now

[Scott M]

As easy as it is to pin a secondary diaphragm problem on faulty workmanship, it is also possible that debris could also cause it to be displaced.

I don't know enough about them to state for sure what was the cause. Poor workmanship or something else but I have rarely; if every done any real hard diving of any kind and I am obsessive compulsive about my gear so either way it would be best for me to be able to do the service and know what I am diving.

Now that I will be doing my own service do I have to change my screen name to Dark Scott?

 

[redacted]

As easy as it is to pin a secondary diaphragm problem on faulty workmanship, it is also possible that debris could also cause it to be displaced.

Debris may foul an exhaust valve and cause a leak but should not displace a properly installed diaphragm.

But it is hard to tell who was the last person to tighten that case cover.

 

[Scott M]

Debris may foul an exhaust valve and cause a leak but should not displace a properly installed diaphragm.

But it is hard to tell who was the last person to tighten that case cover.

I tried taking a picture of it but can not seem to get one to come out showing the diaphram. You can see the edges where the cap holds it into the seat that it is crushed from being closed on for a long period of time and the rubber has sat like that long enough to be permanently creased. Also like I said earlier the center white plastic disk is literally folded in half and the plastic is distressed.

 

[redacted]

I tried taking a picture of it but can not seem to get one to come out showing the diaphram. You can see the edges where the cap holds it into the seat that it is crushed from being closed on for a long period of time and the rubber has sat like that long enough to be permanently creased. Also like I said earlier the center white plastic disk is literally folded in half and the plastic is distressed.

Yes, if the diaphragm cover is allowed to twist as the case cover is screwed in, that may happen.

 

[Scott M]

Yes, if the diaphragm cover is allowed to twist as the case cover is screwed in, that may happen.

So it may have nothing more than the LDS trying to finish them up real quick or just plain carelessness.

Still, all in all I am very thank full and lucky to not have had to need that reg in any kind of stressfull situation or at any kind of depth had my primary failed.

 

[keyshunter]

Yes, if the diaphragm cover is allowed to twist as the case cover is screwed in, that may happen.

The ATX has a plastic ring between the cover and diaphragm, which is supposed to keep the diaphragm edge flat when the cover is screwed on. The case cover should not contact the diaphragm until the purge is pushed. If a tech cannot manage a simple task like that, I have little hope for the rest of his work.

 

[flareless]

Having just purchased an XTX 200 to compliment my XTX 50 octo, I was a little distressed when I read the original post in this thread. In fact, my kit is at the LDS as I write this having the 200 installed. Apeks gear comes highly recommended by my LDS and by many divers who I've met. The shop is Apeks certified and trained for service and they receive real Apeks parts. This is huge in helping increase my comfort level.

So far the work I've seen them perform on my older Sherwood regs and those of my buddy was spot on. I'm even more pleased that after a recent trip to Cuba using tanks supplied by the Cuban dive op (that wouldn't have been filled by any reputable North American shop) I was told to bring my regs in for a free service as contamination was found in some of the regs that had gone on the trip.

I guess the bottom line is to have service done by someone you can trust or to ensure you have the propper training to do the work correctly yourself. After all, the life you save could be your own (or more importantly - mine ).

Thanks to everyone for posting some tremendously useful information!

 

[Scott M]

I guess the bottom line is to have service done by someone you can trust or to ensure you have the propper training to do the work correctly yourself. After all, the life you save could be your own (or more importantly - mine ).

Thanks to everyone for posting some tremendously useful information!

I couldn't agree more except in this case the shop that did the work is a very good shop. They have been around a long long time and have a great reputation in the community. What happened in my case may well be the exception to the rule. I recently contacted them regarding the issues not so much because of my issues but to warn them that they may others out that were rebuilt at the same time. The response was apologetic but nothing in the line of bring them in we will have look at them or what can we do to make it right. This is life support equipment that they rebuilt, wether or not it was their fault is really irrelevant at this point. I would have thought it is something that they would have wanted to look into and quickly. An LDS that I was with when this happened that had nothing to do with my regs that I have never boughten a thing from was more concerned than they where. So who can you trust? For me, it's me.


I have done quite a bit of research these past couple of days and down loaded the rebuild/repair manuals. I have read them a few times through now and see nothing in there that is real difficult other than having the proper tools to do the job and lubricants which they very clearly define.