Rebuild a Conshelf XIV

[Green Frog]

I stopped in at the nearest dive shop today in preparation for my first trip back to the Bahamas since COVID hit. I asked about having an “annual” service to my trusty old Conshelf XIV, but was told they are no longer supported and I can’t have that done. Is this true? Although my 14 is probably at least 35 years or more old, it only has about 300 or so dives on it and I’d love to get at least one more trip out of it. Can anyone put me in contact with a shop still servicing them? Thanks in advance for any help!
Froggie

 

[Zef]

There was a post on the board within the last few months where someone stated something to the effect that Aqualung was discontinuing distribution of the service kits for Conshelf/Titan (old style) regulators. Even if this were true, there are still parts available as the high pressure poppet is common across many models of 1st stage regulators, the filter is common item available to shops via Trident, and other than the port plugs, to my limited knowledge, there is only one o-ring inside.

I think you need to find a new shop. Best to just call around to dive shops in your area (as far as you feel comfortable driving) and ask.

-Z

 

[Scuba Lawyer]

I have rebuilt several XIV regs. If you ever wanted to get into DIY reg repair the XIV is a very simple diaphragm reg to start on. DIY is not for everyone but it sure saves me a lot of $. My 2psi.

 

[rsingler]

@Green Frog , send it to me. I'll service it.
I have OEM Aqualung #900001 kits and lots of aftermarket parts. If a previous tech hasn't scratched the volcano, it's easy to service.

Conshelf SE3 service kit Question w/images

I just put a kit into a Conshelf 11 and it had a blue seat. It was a stock Aqualung kit- factory OEM, not an aftermarket.

scubaboard.com

 

[Luis H]

@rsingler, I was hoping you would show up on this thread.

This same question comes up way too often, about the Conshelf.

Considering that even all the latest 2023 Aqualung (diaphragm fist stage) regulators use the exact same replacement HP seat as the Conshelf, it is very hard to sy that they don't produce parts for it anymore...

Basically as long as Aqualung is in business, they will continue to produce the typical replacement parts for the Conshelf.

 

[rsingler]

Be careful what you wish for, Luis!

 

[Eric Sedletzky]

There are so many OEM service kits for those still in circulation that it would take years to use them all up. And that’s just OEM, aftermarket is a whole other subject and probably thousands of those around too. AFAIK the US Navy still uses the Conshelf 14/ all metal 1085 second stage so as long as they are still using it there will be kits.
Obtaining them? Might be a different story.
But we have ways….

 

[Zef]

There are so many OEM service kits for those still in circulation that it would take years to use them all up. And that’s just OEM, aftermarket is a whole other subject and probably thousands of those around too. AFAIK the US Navy still uses the Conshelf 14/ all metal 1085 second stage so as long as they are still using it there will be kits.
Obtaining them? Might be a different story.
But we have ways….

I can confirm that Navy Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU) 1 out of Oahu, HI uses the Conshelf among their assortment of equipment.

-Z

 

[Green Frog]

Update to previous. Earlier this afternoon I spoke with AquaTech Scuba Service of Raleigh, NC and was told by their tech that of course they could still service it and took my number. an hour later I got a call back from the lady who arranges shipping, etc who said that Aqua Lung had discontinued support of all of the Conshelf and earlier second stages as of the end of 2022 and parts were no longer available. Apparently the first stage is still OK, but not the second! Upon further questioning she admitted that the Military/Professional Conshelf 14s were still available new and were the same thing, but that they no longer "could" work on them.

Meanwhile, the folks at my choice of dive operations in the Bahamas have become irregular in booking diving packages... apparently they only book room and dive packages when they get a large enough group to make it worth their while. If the rest of my trip doesn't continue to fall through, I'll be in touch with one of you kind folks who has volunteered to take the job. Regardless, thanks again to all who responded!

Froggie

 

[Green Frog]

rsingler,
I tried to send you a direct message to get info about having you service my C-14. It came back to me from the auto moderator that what I said looked like SPAM (I assure you, it wasn’t ) or contained objectionable language. I went back through it and none of that was there either!

Anyway, would you mind sending me a DM, preferably with an email, so we can connect a little more conveniently? I’m definitely interested in your offer to help.

On another level, Scuba Lawyer suggested it could be a DIY job? What think ye of that solution? I completed the PADI “Equipment Specialist“ course about 30 years ago and would probably need a refresher, but maybe as a long term solution after I have you do it this time…?

Thanks a lot,
Froggie