SPG spool (spindle) and SPG care

[hubert]

Hi everybody,

Does anyone know how to take care of one's SPG, especially the little tube (called, I understand, spool or spindle) that's inside the swivel connecting the gauge to the hose?
Mine is greenish and needs a good clean up. It also has o rings which I am sure would like to be changed. Once everything is taken apart, is there a specific way to put it back together?

A related thought: how bad can an SPG failure be? Apart from false readings, are massive air leaks a thing that can develop during a dive?

Thanks!

Hubert

 

[spectrum]

Well an SPG failure is not nearly as exciting as one on the LP side. It is fed by a very very small orifice that will keep you from zipping off like George Jetson.

If the thing is green it's due for some attention and for the money maybe just replacement.

See: RG27AS at DRE or your LDS.

Otherwise vinegar and a toothbrush will make a good clean-up effort. Rinse well after to clear it of the (vinegar) acid. The O rings are tiny and can be a pita to R&R there is a little tool made for the job but mere mortals have done it alone before. Once it's all clean and fresh apply just enough silicone grease to make things shiny. Using a pair of wrenches give the fitting just a hint of firmness while choking up on the wrenches.

Here's a handy o ring reference.

The tool if you are a tool junkie like me. Universal HP Restrictor Bullet O'ring Kit (second one down)

Pete

 

[dumpsterDiver]

If it is not leaking, and the o-rings look ok, then take it out, clean it with some detergent, apply a little silicone grease and re-assemble.

You can change the o-rings too, put it is kinda a pain without the correct tool. Failure to maintain the spindle and orings can result in a minor air leak and might allow saltwater into guage which will destroy the guage.

 

[matjo1]

I think the HP swivel and connection is flawed by design. Salt water will always get to the threads and swivel, but there is no effective way to rince it out after every dive! This is what I do. (I'm sure many people will disagree but...)Take everything apart, clean with vinegar as stated above (unless you have a ultrasonic cleaner), DO NOT GET THE SLIGHTEST DROP OF WATER IN THE GAUGE, rinse well, dry well, put a small amount of grease in the gauge opening (that's right, down in that hole), grease up the swivel, insert it in the gauge, slobber the end of the swivel, threads, and the end of your HP hose with more, that's right silicone grease. Assemble all parts as the grease oozes out from every sides (am I being to graphic). All you are trying to do is fill the air pockets where water would go anyway. No worries about "blocking" air flow, there is no air flow in a pressure gauge, only a transfer in pressure. Your gauge will read pressure wether it is transmited by air or by silicone grease. Water oxidizes, grease does not.

 

[metaldector]

Spindles are fairly cheap. I check mine at the same time I have the regs. rebuilt. If I recall the spindle with o-rings was under $5.00. The Vineger (white) should be used to clean out the corrosion in the orface where the spindle fits. This whole process takes only a few minutes.