Scubapro 156 and 108 first stage advice.
- Thread starter Tr4lover
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scrane
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Tr4lover
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axxel57
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Tr4lover
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axxel57
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Before 1994 there was no D400 on the market as far as I know. It was first sold in '94.
There has probably been a series of D400 in the beginning which had metal orifices, but it's very difficult to recognize them, because nobody knows the S/Ns of them.
I never found one, I just had once a conversion Kit from D350 to D400 with metal orifice which I sold to Simon.
Good luck!
scrane
Contributor
But... if the d300 or d350 or d400 has been serviced within the last couple of decades it may very well have been updated to the newer orifice. I have a metal orifice d400 that I dive and a plastic one I hold in reserve. They say the older metal d's can be tuned to a lower cracking pressure. But for me, 1-1.2" is plenty good, and the value of the d series is its overall easygoing breathing characteristics and its immunity to differences in orientations in the water.
When buying a d series it is most important, IMO, that the rubber covering is in excellent condition. If the rubber tears the regulator cannot be repaired and is good only for parts.
We have a valuable resource here in @rsingler for parts and service and overall knowledge of all the D regulators.
If you are vigilant and patient you should be able to find a D in excellent condition for < 100.
When buying a d series it is most important, IMO, that the rubber covering is in excellent condition. If the rubber tears the regulator cannot be repaired and is good only for parts.
We have a valuable resource here in @rsingler for parts and service and overall knowledge of all the D regulators.
If you are vigilant and patient you should be able to find a D in excellent condition for < 100.
I don't often differ with @axxel57 , but here in the US, it's far more common to find a metal orifice D400 than one with that Delrin replacement.
I'm pretty happy with my metal orifices, and there's a fairly easy technique for maintaining the knife edge if you're delicate.
But parts are getting really scarce, and resurfacing a plastic late model orifice is not feasible. There are no more Delrin orifices. Here's a workaround that I'm currently investigating:
I've built a little jig, and I believe I can convert the fifteen old D350 metal orifices I have lying around into D400, just by enlarging the hole for the lever. I'll let you know how it goes. Having extra metal orifices will add another decade to these beauties. We may have to find someone to make us new diaphragms, tho.
axxel57
Contributor
Ah, okay, I'm not even sure that those D400 with metal orifice have ever been sold here in Europe.I don't often differ with @axxel57 , but here in the US, it's far more common to find a metal orifice D400 than one with that Delrin replacement.
I'm pretty happy with my metal orifices, and there's a fairly easy technique for maintaining the knife edge if you're delicate.
But parts are getting really scarce, and resurfacing a plastic late model orifice is not feasible. There are no more Delrin orifices. Here's a workaround that I'm currently investigating:
I've built a little jig, and I believe I can convert the fifteen old D350 metal orifices I have lying around into D400, just by enlarging the hole for the lever. I'll let you know how it goes. Having extra metal orifices will add another decade to these beauties. We may have to find someone to make us new diaphragms, tho.
It's pretty possible that they started producing & selling the D400s here only with Delrin orifices.......
1994 was the year of the implementation of the CE Standards, and the D-Series was considered as too sensitive and prone to free flowing, I think that was the reason why they changed the orifices.
In the US that might have played only later a role.....
The US doesn't often seem to get it right, so score one for this side of the pond. However helpful the CE standards have been in ensuring minimum capability, their cold water requirements have been a PITA for us delicate warm water divers.
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