Regs, to service or not to service

[Kharon]

Overall, I am convinced that annual service actually increases the likelihood of failure for most divers, as opposed to regular inspection and service when indicated, given moderate use and proper care by the diver.

+1 as long as you are doing due dilligence in inspecting your own equipment.

 

[KeithG]

Sounds like you need a new LDS.

Not really. Well maybe...

We use a LDS (any one, I do not care) to make purchases that rely on proper fit. Everything else has become online purchases.

We have locally bought booties, a mask (which was then sent out by us for prescription lens), and a travel bcd in the last 5 years. Fiddley bits we buy from the vacation dive shop (they often have better prices).

 

[JamesBon92007]

I unscrew the second stage of my 1985 Sherwood Magnum after every dive trip which is typically somewhere between about 6-12 dives. Usually there is a little debris in there which I clean out and make sure the little wheel turns freely and spray a tiny bit of silicone spray on it. I also clean the metal part of the diaphram and lightly coat it with silicone so everything slides smoothly. I check the exhaust valve to make sure it's opening and closing properly and check the diaphram for any sign of deterioration. After each dive I immerse the first stage briefly, not long enough for any water to get in past the little plastic cover thingy which probably should have an O-Ring on it. I thoroughly rinse the second stage and dry it with the mouthpiece down so all the water runs out. A few years ago I took apart the first stage of one of my Magnums but it looked brand new inside which reassured me that their original claims were true. If I don't seen any sign of corrosion at the air inlet and it's making little bubbles like it's supposed to then I don't take it apart. I also stick the second stage in a bucket of water to make sure no air is getting past the demand valve and if it is I replace/re-grease the O-Ring and adjust as necessary for best possible air flow. In short, my second stage always looks brand new inside (or very close to it). I'm not real big on replacing parts that don't need to be replaced. All of my regulators still have their original diaphrams etc and at least one or two manufacturer's manuals tells you how to inspect them and put it back if it's OK.

On my old regulators I take them completely apart and remove any corrosion as needed, replace O-Rings as needed, inspect, put it back together, and put it back in my box of backup equipment. The old ones (US Divers Calypso etc) mainly get used for swimming pool jobs but I would not hesitate to use it for shallow beach diving if I suddenly had a lot of guest divers who needed regulators and that was all that was left. I have one Calypso second stage set aside in case I decide to use it as an octopus. I actually was required to have an octopus on some dives recently and had to borrow one. Next they'll be wanting me to have a computer too.

I guess the short answer is that some regulators seem to need more maintenance than others. Things such as BCD valves have a tendency to turn to crap if not serviced regularly. Tank valves may look OK from the outside but I like to service mine every few years or so. This site still has some manuals for some brands:

http://www.frogkick.dk/manuals/aqualung/

A lot of the information that applies to one piece of equipment may also apply to other brands as well.

 

[Rusty Roo]

mine chug along having o rings replaced when needed, probably should have a proper service but it worries me as you normally see issues arising normally after a service.