"Squeaky" Regulator?

[LeadTurn_SD]

Here's the reg ( i guess im not allowed to post links) heres the name Tusa Platina Regulator, Black (RS-110)

Im 99% sure its coming from the second stage.

My observations with a few 2nd stages that have done what you are describing over the years:

I've had 2nd stages that were (slight) "whistler's" on inhalation underwater, and "quacker's" on the surface.

For most 2nd stages, the quacking (think "duck call" kind of noise) on the surface is the 2nd stage diaphragm vibrating on inhalation, and the exhast valve vibrating on exhalation (it seems to be what is happening). Underwater these noises usually go away (the water seems to dampen the vibration?).

The whistling underwater I'm less sure about, but I think that is just the air passing through the orifice of the demand valve as you inhale? I'm not talking about a loud screeching noise, just a slight high-pitched whistle as I inhaled on some regs.... not sure if this is what you are experiencing.

The noises I'm describing are harmless, but if you have any concerns it is a good idea to get the reg checked just for peace of mind.

Best wishes.

 

[mjb94]

Yes...and specifically when it's making the weird sounds.

FYI, upon inhalation, the diaphragm is sucked inward, depressing the lever which starts the flow of air. The exhaust valve is supposed to seal the second stage when you inhale...and then allow air to exit when you exhale. If water were getting into the reg upon inhalation, then those two things should be checked.

If water is flowing into the second stage regardless of the phase of the breathing cycle (inhalation vs. exhalation), then it could be a crack in the housing or perhaps an o-ring isn't sealing the second stage properly.

No its staying nice and dry.

 

[mjb94]

The whistling underwater I'm less sure about, but I think that is just the air passing through the orifice of the demand valve as you inhale? I'm not talking about a loud screeching noise, just a slight high-pitched whistle as I inhaled on some regs.... not sure if this is what you are experiencing.

The noises I'm describing are harmless, but if you have any concerns it is a good idea to get the reg checked just for peace of mind.

Best wishes.

Yes thats the noise it makes.

 

[Bubbletrubble]

Yes thats the noise it makes.

Hmmm. Leadturn SD is probably right. Might just be "normal" sounds.

 

[mjb94]

Hmmm. Leadturn SD is probably right. Might just be "normal" sounds.

Well if thats the case, next time I won't be a cheap ass and all splurge on my reg. But for now ill live with it.

Thanks

 

[LeadTurn_SD]

Well if thats the case, next time I won't be a cheap ass and all splurge on my reg. But for now ill live with it.

Thanks

I've had expensive regs make "embarassing" noises

I think sometimes you can make the surface sounds go away by removing the 2nd stage cover, remove the diaphragm, then put it back together (only do this if you are comfortable doing it!). Simply changing the orientation of the diaphragm slightly, or some other intangible thing has cured the "quacks" in some of my regs.... but I generally don't worry about it.

And I've had 3 identical regulators (for my kids), 1 "quacked", the other 2 didn't. Go figure. I think it can be pretty random, from my limited experience. Nothing to do with $$$.

And, I've had surface "quackers" that stopped acting like ducks after a few dives.

When I think about soft whistling under water, MOST regs I've used do it to a certain extent, depending on how hard, soft, fast or slow I inhale. They may not do it if I inhale slowly, but will whistle slightly if I inhale fast, or vice versa. But in either case, the effort of breathing is not effected, and again I'm only talking about a slight noise that is easy to tune out, not some loud screech.

What you do want to monitor is any changes in performance over time, new sounds that didn't used to be there, etc.

Here is a link to a great regulator checklist that was put together by some of the "regulars" here, and is a good way to be "proactive" in the care of your new toys:

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/regulators/260452-regulator-checklist-inspection.html

Best wishes.

 

[halocline]

They're two different sounds. The whistle on inhalation under water is from the 1st stage, it's either an inadequately lubed o-ring or some resonance with the piston/spring/whatever bushings there are. This is an unbalanced "flow-by" piston 1st stage just like the MK2. It's not a serious problem, either live with it until the next rebuild or take it apart (if you know what you're doing), relube the piston stem o-ring, and if you're superstitious you can flip the spring over.

The other honking sort of sound on land with exhalation is the 2nd stage diaphragm resonating against the case. It's normal, and it won't happen under water.

 

[mjb94]

Thank you very much SD. I will skip taking it apart and see how it goes in the keys, worse case i will have rentals avalible. It's the Boy Scouts Sea Base im going to so now worries there,

Thanks to Everyone else as well!