SP S-650 Leaks air

[halocline]

If you want to do an interesting experiment and have a tech you can trust, you could buy a used D400, which is the supposed predecessor of the X-650. As DA pointed out, the X-650 lacks two of the primary design benefits of the D400 (coaxial exhaust and the nice balanced coaxial valve) but bears some resemblance to it. I think you'll be amazed at the performance of a well tuned D400; extremely stable in a variety of positions and super smooth air delivery. Then you too can join the group of curmudgeons who go on and on about older SP regs. Watch out, though, they can get a little addictive.

 

[merxlin]

If you want to do an interesting experiment and have a tech you can trust, you could buy a used D400, which is the supposed predecessor of the X-650. As DA pointed out, the X-650 lacks two of the primary design benefits of the D400 (coaxial exhaust and the nice balanced coaxial valve) but bears some resemblance to it. I think you'll be amazed at the performance of a well tuned D400; extremely stable in a variety of positions and super smooth air delivery. Then you too can join the group of curmudgeons who go on and on about older SP regs. Watch out, though, they can get a little addictive.

Thanks. I'll see what I can find. I'm not oppossed to older regs, as my first reg was a double hose.........

 

[merxlin]

Well, although my reg seemed to be just fine above water, not so much when it got to depth. It started to flow very slightly at about 15ft, At 100 ft it was more noticable, and then it started to escalate. I turned my dive and came up. Next stop- Scubapro Service. I firmly believe there is a crack/space in the housing causing the pressure change in the 2nd stage.

BTW, I was able to borrow a G250V to do my last 2 dives, and I gotta tell you, I think that will be my next reg. When used with my MK25 it was effortless. Old school style with newer (yet not so new that it is untested and unproven)technology.

 

[merxlin]

So as I am about to send my reg to the shop, again, when I notice a small bulge from just below the pre-dive/dive lever. There is a piece (maybe 1/16") of the O-ring that is obviously seated just under the lever (looks like it is for the adjustment knob) sticking out from the housing. I'm not a tech, but I know that O-rings pinching up and out through a housing cannot be good. More to follow once SP gets the reg for evaluation I am sure.

 

[DA Aquamaster]

Yes, an o-ring poking out between the adjustment knob and case is probably not helping much. It would not impact the performance of the knob or poppet, but it could be causing a leak in the case. Performing a vaccuum check by puttng the dust cap firmly on the first stage and trying to inhale will tell you a lot - you should get no air at all through the second stage when you try to inhale.If you have a leak you will hear it and feel it.

The G250V is actually old school (mid to late 1980's) technology with new styling. The mechanical differences between the G250V and original G250 are minimal - a slightly longer air barrel, larger retaining nut and a slightly longer oblong aspirator hole in the air barrel.

 

[merxlin]

SP has "totaled" my old reg and is replacing it to my satisfaction (and not with another X-650). I am not happy that the problem occurred, but am happy with the outcome. I am not sure how much my LDS had to do with the decision (my bet is they had a lot to do with it) but it solidifies in my mind that you can shop a good LDS and online and have the best of both worlds.

 

[Teamcasa]

That's good news Mike, I glad it worked out.

 

[Cyclops_Diver]

Great news! What reg are they replacing it with?

 

[merxlin]

Great news! What reg are they replacing it with?

I'm not sure what the deal was between SP and my LDS, but we decided on an S-600. I actually like it better than the G250V because of it's small size. And wil match up with the MK-25 very well.

 

[Cyclops_Diver]

I agree. Not a bad setup at all!

Glad you got the situation resolved much to your benefit!