Servicing old Dacor regulators

[geodaro]

I have a backup set of regulators that I've had since 1984. I haven't needed to use them in over a year and I tried to get them serviced by two LDS's and was told that there are no parts available and that I should trash the reg. I'm not sure what model the 1st stage is but the second stage is a Pacer XL. Anybody know where (or if) I can get this setup serviced in west central Florida?

 

[LUBOLD8431]

You have to find a shop with the parts in stock. Call around to the dealers in your state, you might also try some of the bigger stores, like scubatoys (IIRC, they are a DACOR dealer, and might have some parts left!!!). Mares bought out Dacor a few years ago, and now they are not making any more parts for the older (pre-Mares) Dacor regs. So, eventually, you wont be able to service it at all...
This is one reason I like Scubapro and Aqualung (to some extent), they still carry parts for the older regs going WAYYYY back... Makes you consider your next regulator purchase a little more carefully.

 

[geodaro]

No kidding! I've been diving with SP regs for the past 4 or 5 years and I wouldn't trade them for anything. For what it's worth though, That set of Dacor regs lasted over 15 years of active diving and as far as I know still works today. I'm just too nervous to let anyone else use it since it hasn't been serviced recently. I think Dacor made quality regs in the 1980's. Something must have happened that made their quality diminish (maybe being sold). Who knows (or cares really)! Thanks for the advice though!

 

[LUBOLD8431]

Yes, the decline happened when the evil empire took over (Mares). Since then, all Dacor equipment is really just rebadged Mares crap. I dont know why anyone would buy any of their stuff anymore...

 

[rescuediver009]

For what it's worth, even if you can't get the parts, I would try to have it serviced somewhere. even if they just flip the seats, clean it and change out the o-rings (which are generic). Because although I cannot attest to having a reg that old that I like to dive with, I just serviced a Dacor Pacer and it breathed better than I thought. A very good reg.

 

[geodaro]

Thanks RescueDiver, thats a very good idea. Like you said, they really do breathe better than expected! The last time a buddy of mine used it while his reg was being serviced, he absolutely couldn't believe that I bought it in 1984. He said that he has used regs bought in the mid 90's that weren't even close. That being said, I can't wait to dive Sunday with my SP regs! They were purchased in 2000 and 2003 (seperately) and are the BOMB (IMHO)!! :07:

 

[UndrWatrDan]

I've got 2 sets of the regs consisting of the Dacor Pacers that I bought in 1984. I love the way they breathe and prefer them over the others I've tried.

Danny

Danny
www.divingrebels.org

 

[SueMermaid]

Yeah, this is such a bummer about Dacor regs. Guess I am a little behind on my news, I just found out about this ~6 months ago. I have a Quantum that's about 9 years old, and I have really liked it. Just had the first stage overhauled about a year ago, so I hope I get lots more life out of it before it goes in the dumpster.

 

[dacordiver]

The Modular style regs. I.E. extreme, quantum, enduro, currently still have parts kits being produced for them. I suggest talking to your dealer about having a bunch of kits ordered for you as a stockpile for when they are eventually discontinued. Some dealers have been offering that option, and although the modulars are finicky regs, they do breath great when tuned well.

 

[Hoya97]

Try Kissimmee Dive Center in Kissimmee, Florida. It's on 192 (406 E. Vine Street) heading towards St Cloud. They have been servicing Dacor products for, like forever. I talked to the head maintenance guy there in response to your query and he suggested you to bring it in. He has a lot of 'older' parts knocking around the shop and may be able to help you.

Best of luck!