Self service regulator

[DavideShardana]

Vaseline, just to reiterate, is not and never has been an acceptable lubricant or assembly grease for a scuba regulator.

If the exhaust valve and diaphragm are actually okay, then it is possible to leak water between the mouthpiece and housing. Have you done a vacuum test on the second stage? Also check for cracks around the valve insert and housing. There is an O-ring at the valve assembly insert that seals between the regulator housing and valve assembly, that can leak due to salt crystal buildup.

thanks I did think about the mouthpiece, and now that you pointed out a little piece of rubber is missing on the left side.

 

[Bigbella]

Vaseline, just to reiterate, is not and never has been an acceptable lubricant or assembly grease for a scuba regulator.

Sadly, that hasn't always been the case -- but YIKES to this thread . . .

 

[Nemrod]

Well, then, hmmm. It could leak through the Venturi vane penetration. There is a little O-ring inside there and it is subject also to salt crystals. Sometime a vacuum check will not reveal a small leak.

Does the exhaust valve sit flat on the sealing surface of the case? There are no scratches along the exhaust valve sealing surface on the case? You might get a new mouthpiece and a new clamp strap. Also check that the case plug, left side is seated and the O-ring is clean and properly installed.

I am thinking you need a new mouthpiece .

James

 

[DavideShardana]

Hopefully it was the mouthpiece

 

[DiveLikeAMuppet]

You might also want to check or replace your hoses and clean/lube/replace o-rings on the hose connectors.

 

[DavideShardana]

You might also want to check or replace your hoses and clean/lube/replace o-rings on the hose connectors.

First thing I did

 

[buddhasummer]

Found a technician in Melbourne but I have to post the regs to them, just checking if with a good clean the problem is solved. Otherwise I'll let professional do their magic if I find somebody.

Where are you based? I'm in WA and could perhaps assist.

 

[L2m]

"servicing" a reg usually means dismounting, cleaning, changing the seats of both 1st and 2nd stage and the dynamic O-rings. Often some mating surfaces need some finishing, particularly inside the first stage, where the piston head seals over the brass thanks to the large, thin dynamic O-ring.
Static O-rings should be inspected, cleaned, re-greased and reused, if in good conditions.
Finally, IP is measured and checked over time, after proper "burn in" of the seats, and the second stage is tuned to the wanted "cracking pressure".
The whole process usually takes almost one hour (to me, at least). Slightly more if it is sealed and silicon-packed.

Out of curiosity, do you think there exists a practical way for one to test the IP and cracking effort at home?

I took a service technician course earlier last year. I'm currently living somewhere where regulator service of my reg is not really accessible (the price of shipping and servicing is enough to buy a new set and time length in months) so really wish to do the servicing myself if I can. I've found some deals of "personal-level" reg service workbench that seems to feature both an IP gauge and a CP gauge and whose price is within reasonable range. I'm not sure if a ultrasonic cleanser from Amazon will be sufficient to clean the regulator components. I shall be able to acquire appropriate lubricants and replacement parts from nearby dive shops or online. It is just the IP and cracking effort measurement that I haven't figured out a way of doing.

Or alternatively I wonder if a dive shop would allow me to use their workbench at a reasonable rate, if I show my certificate and sign a liability release that I take full responsibility for my reg after the service?

 

[OMyMyOHellYes]

Where are you based? I'm in WA and could perhaps assist.

What part of Washington state?

 

[lexvil]

What part of Washington state?

He meant Western Australia