Regulator needs rebuilding?

[slackercruster]

The other day I was dry testing my reg before heading out for a dive. When I took the first inhalation it had some resistance then seemed to break free with a slight pop sound and then breath normally after the first inhalation and exhalation cycle. Is this first breath resistance I described normal or is it indicative of it heading for a rebuild? The reg in question was purchased new 3 years ago, has never been rebuilt, has never seen salt water, been rinsed and dried properly and has been used on maybe 15 dives or so.

BTW, what happens to a reg when it goes haywire. Does it stop breathing or just free flow for the most part? How can you tell a reg is needing a rebuild without wasting money doing it when unneeded? I dive with 3 regs on average, (main, octo, redundant pony) so am not that concerned with 1 reg going bad on a dive. But would still like to strike a balance of proper rebuilds and be at peace with by $$ budget as well.

Thanks

 

[300bar]

Sounds like a reg not being used for some time IMO your LP seat got stuck on the orifice thus giving you some resistance on the frist breath,nothing to worry about,
only when it stays this way.


When a reg goes "haywire" it sould not stop giving you air,all "modern" regs are build
failsafe witch means it will start to freeflow. Most common problem will be a defect to the HPseat,you will get a build up of pressure and the reg will start to freeflow.A standard servicejob should do the trick.

have a good dive