Stuck diaphragm clamp - Tecline R2

[Tonnerre de Brest]

Hi everyone

I’m struggling to disassemble the diaphragm clamp on my Tecline R2 first stage and could really use some advice.

I managed to remove the environmental seal cap earlier, but it was already a real struggle. The pin hole there was shallower, which made the c spanner tool less stable, but after forcing a bit I eventually got it off.

Now I’m stuck with the diaphragm clamp. I started with the proper C-spanner, but the clamp is so tight that despite applying significant force, the holes have now become slightly oval. The pin still engages, but it slips more easily now, which shows how much torque I’ve already applied without success.

Here’s what I’ve tried so far:

• Secured the body in a padded vice for stability
• Ultrasonic bath with hot water + vinegar solution (around 10 minutes) to help break down possible salt deposits/corrosion
• Repeated attempts with the C-spanner

Despite all this, the clamp hasn’t moved at all. It really seems seized solid.

I’m considering getting a strap wrench, but I’m not convinced it will provide enough grip compared to the original tool. Before I risk damaging it further, does anyone have a proven method or alternative tool for breaking free a stuck diaphragm clamp on this model (or similar)?

Any input from those who’ve dealt with a stubborn Tecline R2 or other diaphragm first stages would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[Mobulai]

Proven? No
But works (eventually); here’s the worst case version:

Tap it witha rubber hammer

Freeze it overnight and then dump it into hot water to break up salt deposits; repeat
It took me about 4 months for the DS4 (same body structure) enviro seal (ok like 20-30 cycles, but sometimes I just forgot about it in the freezer)
A couple of these tries the hot water (~70C) was the bath for the ultrasonic, ran it for like 20 mins — but I couldn’t do that all times, just maddening

This might work after 5 or 30 cycles, but can also continue to being stuck

at that stage if still stuck spray some solvent like wd40 and give it maybe an hour or 2 to seep through the threads; wipe and try again

Right now I am this step, but I need to buy another C spanner tool first as I can’t manipulate it (the main clamp is off, but the seal is stuck to it)
But my mk20 that was also stuck during the same routine eventually opened up

Oh might be a good idea to “break” the diaphragm to make way to expose the threads of the clamp; it’s a metal to metal contact so nothing is gonna slip in from the outside — try cutting it with a exacto-knife and pulling at it with tongs or something like that

Goodluck

 

[rsingler]

Captive Pin Spanner
Scuba-Clinic-Tools.com
SCT-1717

 

[Tonnerre de Brest]

Thanks !

I already tried to tap the spanner with a rubber mallet without much success.

I will try to freeze overnight and dump it into hot water a few times.

WD40 as a last measure also seems appealing: once used, is a bath of dish soap and water, then brushing it with a toothbrush sufficient to clean the part and remove the product to avoid toxicity ?

 

[Mobulai]

WD40 as a last measure also seems appealing: once used, is a bath of dish soap and water, then brushing it with a toothbrush sufficient to clean the part and remove the product to avoid toxicity ?

I went with laundry detergent + alcohol in the ultrasonic (in a plastic container) as it has more suffecants (idk how to spell that word) and anionic tensides that enables carrying off oils
I’m not sure it’s the best approach, just followed @happy-diver ‘s recipe (after following @rsingler s suggestions [hot/cold, wd..] that I listed above)
It did smell/feel to have no traces of the mineral oil (the WD); but (for legal reasons ) I can’t guarantee that

 

[rsingler]

If you use a penetrating oil, WD-40 is only average.
Try finding Kroil or Aerokroil.
And try dripping it into the threads every twelve hours for FOUR days. Capillary action can take awhile. I had a tropical customer whose reg I lubed for that long, and when it finally came loose, the bottom two threads were still dry and crusty.

 

[Tonnerre de Brest]

Thanks !

I'm trying to freeze it and dump it into hot water, will see after a few cycles.

Since the regulator has never been serviced since I bought it, I imagine the clamp must really tight and the contact metal to metal, I'll try with WD40 but doubt it can slip in as Mobulai said.

I also ordered the captive pin spanner. I'm quite hopeful as I will be able to use it with my Torque wrench

 

[lexvil]

Thanks !

I'm trying to freeze it and dump it into hot water, will see after a few cycles.

Since the regulator has never been serviced since I bought it, I imagine the clamp must really tight and the contact metal to metal, I'll try with WD40 but doubt it can slip in as Mobulai said.

I also ordered the captive pin spanner. I'm quite hopeful as I will be able to use it with my Torque wrench

Leave it until you have the new spanner