Second stage started dribbling bubbles

[Matt S.]

(I am sure this is a FAQ but I couldn't turn up a good thread with the search, I guess the key words are too common.)

My Dive Rite 2010 second stage, which has been used for about 7 hours, has developed a small air leak. I can see it in the pause between inhale/exhale, or if I remove it from my mouth. It's definitely not the hose or a fitting, it's the reg itself.

My instructor told me on day 1 that it was likely a new reg would do this once it broke in, and that it was easy to fix either with the knob or an internal adjustment. So far I have compensated with the knob, but if there is a better way to handle this I would like to know.

Using the knob to stop the bubbles does make the reg a little harder to breathe, so if I can fix it another way and maintain easier breathing... great. If an internal adjustment is going to do the same thing as the knob and increase WOB in the same way, I'll just adjust the knob as needed and forget about it.

TIA!

 

[redacted]

Most pneumatically balanced adjustable 2nds are tuned with the user adjustment knob set all the way out (easiest breathing position) and the tuning adjustment is then done where the LP hose connects by adjusting the orifice that seals against the LP seat. This gets both lever height and spring tension set correctly. The user adjustment then mostly effects spring tension and increases work of breathing and cracking pressure. While correcting a minor freeflow caused by the LP seat taking a set (groove) with the user adjustment is OK, it would be best to readjust the orifice to correct the problem so you don't end up with higher than spec spring tension trying top offset higher than spec lever height. Since you are noticing the performance difference, I suggest you get the adjustments done correctly.

 

[Igodeep]

Get your dive shop to make the adjustment for you. It will only take them about 5 min. and they should be happy to do this for you.