regulator port adapter?

[tech3324]

My AL regulator has a 1/2" port for the primary 2nd stage. I'm reconfiguring to try an underarm 36" hose, and decided to put an adapter on the 1/2" port so that I could use standard hoses to both 2nd stages.

In my parts box I had some Apex brand port adapters for 1/2" male to 3/8" female. I tried one and it leaks badly where it threads into the regulator body because there's no o-ring on that connection. The o-ring isn't just missing, the adapter isn't designed to take an o-ring.

Then I tried another style adapter with an o-ring and it works perfectly but sits much higher above the regulator than the Apex adapter. It looks like the top-right one on this page: Adapters and Special Fittings - Dive Gear Express

So my question is, why would Apex make a port adapter without an o-ring? Maybe some Apex regulator has the o-ring on the regulator side? Should I just trash these things or do they have some other use? Thanks for any ideas.

 

[claymore]

If the first has four lp ports like the Cousteau/SEA you could flip the reg over and use the 2 3/8" ports on the right side for your second stages use the one 3/8" port for your inflator and cap the 1/2" if you do not need it. The 3/8" ports should provide more than enough air for your seconds.

 

[herman]

My guess is the Apeks adapter does require an Oring. Why do you think it should not have one? I have never seen a metal to metal airtight junction that did not require some form of seal be it an Oring or a gasket.

 

[tech3324]

If the first has four lp ports like the Cousteau/SEA you could flip the reg over and use the 2 3/8" ports on the right side for your second stages use the one 3/8" port for your inflator and cap the 1/2" if you do not need it. The 3/8" ports should provide more than enough air for your seconds.

Good idea, I had not thought of doing that. Yes, it is a SEA regulator. Part of my reconfiguring is due to getting into drysuit diving, so I'm going to need all four of the LP ports. BTW, I have another first stage, almost identical to the SEA but it has only three LP ports. Guess it was the predecessor to the SEA. Keeping that one as a spare for warm water trips.

 

[tech3324]

My guess is the Apeks adapter does require an Oring. Why do you think it should not have one? I have never seen a metal to metal airtight junction that did not require some form of seal be it an Oring or a gasket.

You guessed right. The low profile Apex adapter works perfectly with an o-ring borrowed from a 1/2" hose. I thought it wouldn't take one because it came new without one, and I made a bad assumption. Now I know better, and thanks!

 

[tfsails]

we all know what "assume" means: it makes an "ass" out of "u" and "me". I, on the other hand, always "presume"... That's my story and I'm sticking to it!!