Servicing your OWN regulator...

[carlthecat]

Hello all.

What do you experts think about servicing your own regulator(s)?

I am a do-it-myself type of guy and I am thinking about purchasing the service manual for my regulator and servicing it myself. I can get overhaul kits for my regulator as well so that isn’t a problem.

I am mechanically inclined and do not foresee any problems with servicing my regulator (at least with having the mechanical skill to do so). It isn’t that LDS servicing is expensive or that I don’t trust the technicians at the LDS... I just feel that this maintenance is part of the hobby and if I want to get more immersed in the hobby, this is one way to do it. I am also a glutton for knowledge (and trail mix after a dive) and I think an in-depth understading of the inner workings of my regulator will aid my ambition to keep my regulator (and other gear) in tip-top shape. The knowledge may also come in handy if there is a problem with my regulator and I don’t have the availability to give it to the dive shop for a week. Also, besides being a useful skill, I believe that performing small tasks like regulator maintenance will lead to a heightened enjoyment of diving.

So what do you think? Responses from both sides of view are welcomed and encouraged.

Carl the Cat

 

[CD_in_Chitown]

I think its a worthy goal, I'm waiting until I can get the shop to sponsor me for the course at DEMA, I'd gladly help out in the svc department in exchange for the knowledge. I'm not a book type though, I love to read but can't follow directions like that so well, I need a demo.

 

[scuba66]

so if your a non qualified person who services their own reg and you have a dive accident with that reg does your insurance company have an out in case you die becuase you serviced your own reg? thats something to consider. i have worked at dive stores and seen several basket cases of regs coming in parts becuase someone thought they were "qualified" to do the work on them. perhaps this is something best left to qualified service technicians

 

[redacted]

The only downside is you will have at least one less reason not to go buy more regulators. Well..... I guess there isn't a downside.

Parts were the only hassle I found.

 

[CD_in_Chitown]

That's why I want the manufacturers course, if you're certified tech they sell to you right?

 

[cerich]

That's why I want the manufacturers course, if you're certified tech they sell to you right?

No just to dealers

 

[Creed]

Let's see. I have rebuilt a Conshelf XIV. I am rebuilding a DA Aquamaster and a Healthways doublehose. There's nothing to difficult in it. Just use common sense, follow the manual, and don't skimp on cleaning.

 

[otay!]

and for god's sake carlthecat, don't get a hairball in there.

 

[Mr Carcharodon]

Hello all.


So what do you think? Responses from both sides of view are welcomed and encouraged.

Carl the Cat

All your reasons are good. Know that to do it really right you will have to buy a few tools and gauges. So it will take doing several or maybe half a dozen rebuilds before you break even. So cost is not really a great reason to do a single reg by yourself. But if you have a good IP pressure gauge (say 0-200 psi), and an ultrasonic cleaner you have the most expensive parts already. The rest of the tools are pretty inexpensive. Most of the tools can be had from Peterbuilt.

Also do talk to the service techs. They can usually be pretty helpful once you demonstrate you have some idea you know what you are doing.

 

[Johnw...ski]

I have been rebuilding my regs for years. If you don't have a source parts can be a problem. I built an IP pressure gage useing parts I had around but it's probably just as easy to buy one. An ultrasound is very nice but expensive. There are still a lot of shops that just soak the parts in a container. Either way Lysol toilet bowl cleaner mixed with water works very well. The ratio I use is about 20 parts water to 1 Lysol.
Don't forget it's not just the reg that needs servicing. The inflater, inflater quick disconnect, and spg swivel should also be cleaned and serviced.
Good luck,
John