Question Scubapro A700 Metal Body "Flaking"

[Eric Sedletzky]

If they F'd up your reg by too much soaking in solution, that's a shame. Degrading chrome should be done by you from long hard use, not fast tracked by some ignoramus in a shop, if that was/is indeed the case. In a way you were cheated out of the pleasure of wearing out the chrome on your own reg. But then it also may be a case of "They don't make chrome like they used to".
I have a lot of older metal regs and some are more degraded than others, but some bare spots and verdigris doesn't bother me. A little flaking and few dings tell a story and give it character.

 

[Eric Sedletzky]

I just got back from the LDS to pick up my regs.....They were not willing to put the reg back together due to the rust shown in the attached photos and still insisted that I needed a new second stage. I don't get the impression that they left it too long in the ultrasonic cleaner, but rather I think they may taking an overly conservative approach with their servicing.

It's not that bad.
I have older 109 and 1085 regs that are the same or worse. I think the dive shop is making a big deal out of it because they don't want to deal with it and it's easier just to sell you a new reg. That's their business.
Just soak it in white vinegar and water solution for 15 to 20 minutes and clean it up with a tooth brush. Rinse it and put it back together with a new kit and it will work fine. After diving it in salt water soak it well overnight. That happened because of not cleaning/soaking it well enough and allowing salt to dry and harden on the chrome. Never let salt dry out inside a metal reg, always rinse it out at least the best you can between dive days then properly fully soak and clean it at the end of the dive trip.

 

[Nemrod]

I just got back from the LDS to pick up my regs.....They were not willing to put the reg back together due to the rust shown in the attached photos and still insisted that I needed a new second stage. I don't get the impression that they left it too long in the ultrasonic cleaner, but rather I think they may taking an overly conservative approach with their servicing.

That regulator will clean up. It will never be pretty again but it will work just fine. The regulator has not been properly rinsed after use and thus the development of verdigris. BTW, there is no rust on that regulator. Brass nor chrome is capable of rusting. Rust is an iron oxidation process with Fe reacting with O2 to form FeO2, Iron Oxide. By definition brass cannot rust but it can corrode.

You need to learn to service your own gear or find a better shop. And, not being mean, but clean and rinse your gear more carefully after use .

 

[Mobulai]

As @Nemrod and @Eric Sedletzky mentioned, this seems to be a case of chrome loss due to verdigris; you really need to soak it for a long time after diving unlike plastic regs
But also, your LDS seems to want to upsell you on something somehow — that reg will breathe just fine as it did before (you’ll have to rinse better tho now that there’s exposed brass)

Tell them to close it up and finish the damn service regardless of the exposed spots (or learn DIY service)

 

[Eric Sedletzky]

As @Nemrod and @Eric Sedletzky mentioned, this seems to be a case of chrome loss due to verdigris; you really need to soak it for a long time after diving unlike plastic regs
But also, your LDS seems to want to upsell you on something somehow — that reg will breathe just fine as it did before (you’ll have to rinse better tho now that there’s exposed brass)

Tell them to close it up and finish the damn service regardless of the exposed spots (or learn DIY service)

...or he can soak it and clean up the body himself then take it in and tell them it's good enough, re-assemble it please.

 

[Alfa13]

Thanks all for the advice and input. I was good about soaking and rinsing the reg, but I did purchase it used about 3 years ago so I'm not sure about it's maintenance history before that. I'll try soaking the body and doing some cleanup and then take it to a different shop for a second opinion.

 

[Mobulai]

Oh I missed the part that OP actually picked them up — thats a dick move of them to just hand over unassembled parts

...or he can soak it and clean up the body himself then take it in and tell them it's good enough, re-assemble it please.

Yea exactly, if possible another LDS as well

 

[rsingler]

Add one more shop to the "Do Not Patronize" list. I mean, c'mon! That's a garden variety A700.
Overhyped reg, but serviceable.
How about this one? LOTS of "flakey".

Send it to me. I'll service it good as new.
$35 + expensive service kit.

The legion of stories about bad shops just continues to grow. I had a buddy chat with me yesterday. He was in a shop when someone brought back their second stage reg - free-flowing. He knew the brand very well, and took it apart there on the counter. He found that the shop had 1) bent the lever, 2) used incorrect orings, and 3) ?lost the poppet? because they had switched in another brand's poppet with an aftermarket seat.

You can't make this stuff up.
Words were exchanged...

 

[Nemrod]

Thanks all for the advice and input. I was good about soaking and rinsing the reg, but I did purchase it used about 3 years ago so I'm not sure about it's maintenance history before that. I'll try soaking the body and doing some cleanup and then take it to a different shop for a second opinion.

That reg does not need a second or third or fouth opinion. It needs to be properly serviced and put back to diving.

Run as fast and as far from that store as you can and never go back. What a bunch of maroons.

Take rsingler up on his offer. He is the best reg tech on scubaboard.

 

[Mobulai]

Were they actively trying to unalive them!?

Words were exchanged...

Only words!? I’d introduce them to my trusted companions mr. left and mr. right..