Question Simple and easy DIY pressure test for 2nd stage regulator?
- Thread starter SelfDiver
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Still Kicking
Contributor
You need to pressurize the reg.
You can suck on the second stage while closing the first stage inlet to check for second stage leaks. You should be able to draw a vacuum.
But you still need to pressurize the reg to check for positive pressure leaks.
You can suck on the second stage while closing the first stage inlet to check for second stage leaks. You should be able to draw a vacuum.
But you still need to pressurize the reg to check for positive pressure leaks.
The simplest method is to keep the first stage sealed (cap, or your finger), then inhale from the 2nd stage:
if it is sealed, the membrane will "click" inward and hold the vacuum.
If there is a leak and you listen carefully you can hear a small hissing noise and the membrane will not hold the low pressure.
It is a rudimentary test: it won't detect subtle micro leaks nor positive pressure leaks- but better than nothing.
if it is sealed, the membrane will "click" inward and hold the vacuum.
If there is a leak and you listen carefully you can hear a small hissing noise and the membrane will not hold the low pressure.
It is a rudimentary test: it won't detect subtle micro leaks nor positive pressure leaks- but better than nothing.
If you have a normal air compressor at home you can make a bcd nipple to air compressor nipple adapter, leave the dust cap installed tight (for yoke regs) and pressurize the reg via the bcd hose.
Buy a tank. It can be a small one, like a 19 or 13cf bottle that will fit in a cabinet. Use it to test, rinse, or clear your regulators. If you are not breathing off it extensively you can use it for years to just pressurize and rinse or test your gear. Regs, BCs, etc.
phgachoud
Registered
remember the intermediate pressure (IP) of a 1st stage is generally 125-145psi (8.6-10 bars) so depending on your 1st stage you'll have to tune your 2nd stage not to leak if IP is high and not to be closed to tight and increase the cracking effort (and by consequence the breathing effort). So I'd really recommend you to get the whole set you're wanting to test on a tank with at least 10 bars (probably more depending on the 1st stage) to get it as in working conditions to setup your 2nd stage as it would work in plugged to a tank and reg configuration. Remember 2nd stage have to be tuned to one only 1st stage to give the best outcome it can regarding not freeflowing and having the least cracking effort possible. Hope am not speaking chineese to you...
Rent a tank for the day and test to your heart's content.
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