Regulator self-service

[PhilEllis]

So do the manuals specify what type of o-rings to order? What about the other parts or are there other parts? I thought I have heard people say that there are some nylon nuts that have to be replaced.

One more question-can an SPG be adjusted? I have 2 and when I hook them up to the same tank they show a difference of about 200 pounds (2800 on one set-3k on the other) Of course, I don't know which one is right so I don't know which one to adjust but I am sure there is a way around that as well.

While you are likely very mechanically inclined, your questions do indicate a little lack of knowledge about your regulators. The books previously referenced will go a long way toward helping you understand them. Combined with brand-specific exploded parts diagrams and brand-specific service procedure manuals, you will have a great start.

Phil Ellis

 

[OldNSalty]

Well, you are correct on all accounts I must admit. I am worried that if I were to try this I would not be able to find any parts as I only own USD and scubapro. I already tried buying a very simple part for my reg (a plug) and was told that i would have to bring the entire thing in and they would do the work (by both USD shops in the area)

So what about the second question-can the SPG be adjusted or not? (or is a variance of 200 pounds OK?)

 

[mwhities]

While you are likely very mechanically inclined, your questions do indicate a little lack of knowledge about your regulators. The books previously referenced will go a long way toward helping you understand them. Combined with brand-specific exploded parts diagrams and brand-specific service procedure manuals, you will have a great start.

Phil Ellis

I plan to purchase the books myself plus, download the manuals and work sheets for DiveRites. (I only own DR regs.) Is there a list of tools for each to use on the regs? Skimming through the DR manual, I can pick out what tools I'd need but, I was curious if there is a place to purchase "packaged" tools for whatever regs. DR in my case.

Michael

(Or could you send me a list for DR's in PM? Or sell me a package of every tool needed for all of DRs regs (first and second)?)

 

[PhilEllis]

Dive Rite RG-2500 and RG-3000 regulators don't require any tools that are unique to that regulator. With the exception of pressure testing and flow analysis, they can be easily handled with standard bench tools.

Phil Ellis

 

[mwhities]

Dive Rite RG-2500 and RG-3000 regulators don't require any tools that are unique to that regulator. With the exception of pressure testing and flow analysis, they can be easily handled with standard bench tools.

Phil Ellis

Thanks Phil.

Now to get those tanks to you.

Michael

 

[widget]

Well, you are correct on all accounts I must admit. I am worried that if I were to try this I would not be able to find any parts as I only own USD and scubapro. I already tried buying a very simple part for my reg (a plug) and was told that i would have to bring the entire thing in and they would do the work (by both USD shops in the area)

So what about the second question-can the SPG be adjusted or not? (or is a variance of 200 pounds OK?)

From my experience, theres no modern SPGs that can be successfully adjusted. Most plastic ones have the mechanism sealed inside the case which means to open it you usually have to destroy the case and the metal units are pressed together which makes opening and re-sealing them almost impossible.

I am surprised that local shops dont want to sell spares, in most other parts of the world I have dived, you just march in, ask and they sell it right over the counter.

 

[Thalassamania]

Most SPGs that I know (and I'll grant you I've had mine for years) have a screw off bezel of some sort with the mechanism being held in by two small brass screws down at the bottom. With some care and attention to detail you can very gently bend the tube to set the zero point and/or mess with the linkage. Be careful to check it when done ... it is easy to introduce non-linear irregularities. I just accept that variances and non-linearities exist and (if needed) I mark the zero point, 500 PSI, 1000 PSI, 1500 PSI, and 2000 PSI with an indelible sharpie.

 

[Luis H]

Regulator manufacturers, even the self-service friendly ones, will NEVER recommend standard industrial o-rings for their regulators. If you are mindful of the liability climate that the manufacturers think they face, this is understandable. Regulator makers/marketers will provide THEIR part number for any part in your regulator. What you will have some difficulty finding is a cross reference that takes THEIR part number to an AS568 -dash number, if a direct industrial match even exists. You can send factory o-rings to most o-ring manufacturers and they will provide a size match or you can search other resources to find size matches. What is slightly more difficult is matching the exact material formulation. While some will not think this is important, I am positive that the ergulator manufacturers would disagree.

There is also the issue of diaphragms, seats, and metal parts. In most cases, there is brand interchangeability on these items. In many cases, these parts are unique to a particular brand or model.

Good luck with your service. I think EVERYONE should understand more about how their equipment works. Self-service is one way to get that understanding.

Phil Ellis

I can think of at least one manufacturer (Oceanic / Aeris) whose O-ring part number clearly spells out the standard O-ring numbering system with some added prefix. It is very easy to identify the O-ring size from the part number.

I was hoping that by now more manufacturers would follow that practice, but I guess they still like to make believe that O-rings are rocket science…yes some O-rings are rocket science, but not the ones on a regulator. Regulator O-rings are in a very benign environment as compared to many other O-ring applications

My vintage regulators use so few O-rings that I just by them from one of several LDS. A Royal Aqua Master double hose only has one O-ring and Scubapro balanced adjustable also have very few O-rings as compared to modern plastic cased regulators.

The only O-rings I buy in bulk are tank connection O-ring, 3/8” ports O-rings, and other similar applications.

Here is one of my preferred O-ring vendors:
O-rings Online Frameset


I totally agree that the liability issue makes for some ridiculous policies, but I also wonder how much is a business decision to keep customers hostage to spare parts. A practice that I thought was illegal in this country. You would never hear a car manufacturer getting away with not selling brake parts to the DIY because they are a life support item.

 

[Luis H]

I am surprised that local shops dont want to sell spares, in most other parts of the world I have dived, you just march in, ask and they sell it right over the counter.

IMO, that is the way it should be...just like spare parts for the brakes on a car, etc.

 

[Colliam7]

One more question-can an SPG be adjusted? I have 2 and when I hook them up to the same tank they show a difference of about 200 pounds (2800 on one set-3k on the other) Of course, I don't know which one is right so I don't know which one to adjust but I am sure there is a way around that as well.

Do both read zero when disconnected from a pressure source? As Thal says, it is possible to 'tweak' them, but care is required.