Right-side up regulator = freeflow?!

[ajmataz]

Giant stride off the boat then filled my BC. When I switched from regulator to snorkel, the regulator started free-flowing. It stopped when I faced it upside-down (mouthpiece down toward ocean bottom). But whenever I faced the mouthpiece up to the sky, both in and out of water, it would free flow.

So that means when I was swimming with the snorkel, I had to hold my regulator and face it down, otherwise I would lose air.

This has happened to me twice with two different rental regulators. My question is: is it because of the cheapo rental regulators? Or is there some technique as to stop this?

Newbie here. Need some advice.

 

[Uncle Pug]

that is the design... greater pressure on the diaphram side will cause regulator to supply air to try and equalize pressure on the mouthpiece side.... that is why when you take a breath... it gives you a breath...

When you face the diaphram down and it is deeper than the mouthpiece it senses the pressure differential and it flows air.

Some regs. have a lever adjustment to minimize this tendency.

 

[tchil01]

Wow UP, I bet you never get tired of hearing that...

Given these were rentals, they might need to be adjusted too. I know rental regs are usualy good quality but they get knocked around quite a bit. These might need to be tuned so they don't freeflow as easy.

Ty

 

[DiveTub]

Sounds to me like the High pressure Seat in the first stage is stuffed, only needs a small nick out of it. Other one might be the line pressure is running to high, or the valve in the second stage needs cleaning or replacment

Cheers
Chris

 

[redacted]

HP seat problem would freeflow regardless of 2nd stage position. If normal freeflow, then once you have pointed the mouthpiece downward, you should be able to turn it slowly, allowing the 2nd to fill with water. That will eliminate the pressure differential on the diaphram and end the problem for that dive. If the problem continues then the lever height is probably a bit too high and a slight surge or bump will press the diaphram against the lever and initiate freeflow. This blows out the water, points the mouthpiece upward, and freeflow will continue until you get the mouthpiece pointed downward again. If the 2nd has a venturi control lever (a device that puts an obstruction in the path of the flowing air) then adjusting it may reduce the severity and frequency of the freeflow. With an breathing resistance adjustable 2nd (knob on side of reg opposite hose) you should be able to cure with a crank or 2 on the adjustment knob.

Shop you are renting from shouild be able to show you what to do.

 

[WreckWriter]

Mouthpiece up, underwater, the reg should freeflow. If it doesn't, it's either mis-adjusted or trash. Sounds like yours was good.

Service procedures for some regs call for checking/adjustment of "cracking pressure". Its checked by holding the second stage upside down and slowly submerging it. The "crack" is when it starts to free-flow.

If it flows mouthpiece down, you've blown a seat.

Tom

edit: Thanks Pug!

 

[Walter]

I agree with Tom. It means your regulator was working as it should.

 

[ajmataz]

So does that mean you always have to be aware of your regulator when you're snorkelling? Seems like a hassle, and if the regulator happens to be behind you and free flowing, won't you lose a lot of air?

You have to make sure the mouthpiece is always facing down?

Thanks for all your help!:hehe:

 

[Uncle Pug]

ajmataz once bubbled...
You have to make sure the mouthpiece is always facing down?

At least if it has the feature(s) mentioned several times already... a venturi adjustment lever and/or cracking pressure adjustment knob.

If the regulator lacks these features then... yes, you need to watch that it is not freeflowing while you are snorkling.

 

[dlarbale]

ajmataz,

I agree with the info given by UP (correct as usual). I would like to add though that you should really always know where your reg is and although it's normally only the tech diving lot that connect bolt snaps to stuff I'd suggest you put one on the reg hose and use it to clip off the reg to you whilst snorkelling.

This clip also has the added advantage of getting your regs off of the floor whilst on the boat and preventing it from dragging in the sand whilst your snorkelling. This will generally result in your reg being subjected to less abuse and therefore lasting longer!!

With rental gear you might like to consider using something like the DiveRite octo holder - just remember to remove it from the rental gear when your done!

Dave.