Self Servicing Your Regulators

[captain]

Someone said if youÃÓe mechanically inclined then no biggie:

I am very mechanically inclined. I was a mechanical designer for years, (think engineer) and I am a certified motorcycle mechanic. I have worked on many cars, trucks and motorcycles.

Last week I completed the equipment specialist course, a very good course when taught by a great technician. While the inner workings of a regulator are very simple, when compared to a ducati engine...

I would not even think of servicing my reg. 3 words life support equipment.

I would rather leave the annual service up to the tech that
1) Services them on a regular basis,
2) Gets the tech updates from the manufacture
3) Gets the training from the manufactures
4) Already has all the special tools and parts
5) Has easy access to the parts that they need.

Then I assume you don't work on motorcycle or automobile brake systems, life support, you know

 

[halocline]

I would not even think of servicing my reg. 3 words life support equipment.

Do you seriously think that reg failure would cost you your life?

 

[Jimmer]

I would not even think of servicing my reg. 3 words life support equipment.

I'd be a lot more afraid of a brake failure, than a reg failure, but that doesn't stop people from doing their own brake jobs. Having done my own brake jobs, and serviced my own regs, I think the regs are easier.

 

[Couv]

... 3 words life support equipment....

Precisely why I do it myself.

 

[beanojones]

Which are the manufacturers that sell parts as company policy(and not dive shop policy)?
I know Dive Rite, and it seems like Zeagle does, but that may just be the dealers doing the right thing.

Are there any others?

 

[Thalassamania]

Sure I have some friends in the industry, but I have never had any trouble getting the parts that I needed to service my regulators.

 

[redacted]

I don't believe any of the mfgrs are openly advocating the sale of repair part to the diving public. I think we are seeing some of the larger retailer selling those things they want to sell that the mfgr permits or simply can not effectively stop. Many smaller retailers are also bucking the policies of the past and selling parts to their customers. Divers who need parts and are willing to put some effort into buying them can get what they need.

 

[beanojones]

Dive Rite does put the manuals up for download right from their site at least.

So counting on Dive Shops to sell parts means they could stop at some point? Maybe I don't want to keep these Dive Rite regs then.

Ach! It is such a pain. I am just going to switch to all unbalanced piston regs. Five minutes and the overhaul's done, and only three parts to swap.

Also the DIY forum should be linked in this thread:
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/do-yourself-diy/

 

[beanojones]

Sure I have some friends in the industry, but I have never had any trouble getting the parts that I needed to service my regulators.

Do you maintain a rental fleet? I am striking out on my own, and I wonder how hard it is going to be to get parts for it (on a regular consistent basis in quantities of ten), once I am not directly at a shop.

 

[redacted]

Dive Rite does put the manuals up for download right from their site at least.

So counting on Dive Shops to sell parts means they could stop at some point? Maybe I don't want to keep these Dive Rite regs then.

Ach! It is such a pain. I am just going to switch to all unbalanced piston regs. Five minutes and the overhaul's done, and only three parts to swap.

Also the DIY forum should be linked in this thread:
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/do-yourself-diy/

I thought that was DiveRite Express that had manuals and parts. I believe they are an independent dealer.

It is a pain. But it is getting much better. I have number of Scubapro 109s and they are all staying as unbalanced adjustables for simplicity and parts availability. What did you think of those LP seats?