Use of silicone grease on reg port screws?

[lemon]

While recently having a second LP hose attached to my Aeris Ion first stage for use while learning to dry suit dive, my instructor suggested using a small amount of silicone grease on the screw threads of the hose that attach to the LP port. I didn't think anything of it at the time but then started to wonder if this is in anyway a safety issue or a bad idea? Anyone? Are there any issues related to using small amounts of silicone grease on your first stage port attachments?

Thanks!

 

[Fishpie]

Don't worry....the o ring on the port plug (or hose) is static and makes the seal. It doesn't need grease to work.
The threads don't need grease either since there shouldn't be any water in the 1st stage to cause corrosion.

.....however I usually put a tiny dab of grease on the threads and o ring....matter of habit.

 

[coldwaterlloyd]

Likewise , I use a very small amount just to ease the threads . Makes removal a little easier as well .

 

[SwimJim]

Be sure to wipe off any excess as it will attract every bit of crud around. A properly lubed o ring will look wet and have no excess grease.

 

[meesier42]

yup, just a little grease on the o-ring is all it needs

 

[muddiver]

The O-rings on hose connections and plugs are static O-rings. There is no need to grease them and they are not designed to be lubricated. With diving regulators the rule of thumb is "as little as possible on dynamic O-rings and none on Static O-rings". Reference "Regulator Maintenance and Repair" by Vance Harlow, Airspeed Press.

 

[Couv]

I like a thin layer on the plug threads (any threads for that matter) to prevent corrosion and to act as anti- seize. For the o-ring, just as SwimJim said, massage enough onto it to make it shinny.

A word of caution and the reason for my redundant post, DO NOT lubricate silicone o-rings with silicone grease. Silicone grease will absorb into the seals and distort them. Silicone o-rings generally do not need lubricant, but you can use a lube such as Christo-lube, Tribolube, and I think Parker Super-O-Lube is ok on silicone too. I'm sure there are others, but if you have silicone o-rings, it is best to verify that the lube you use is compatible.

Edit: Silicone o-rings nor silicone grease should not be used for elevated Oxygen (>40%) gas mixes.

Couv

 

[knotical]

Pete Wolfinger in Scuba Regulator Savvy identifies four types of static o-ring seals and recommends light lubrication of the o-ring for all but the simplest crush seal, (such as sealing hoses or plugs to the first stage). For simplicity, I lube all o-rings because I don't know that it causes a problem.

As for the OP's question about the threads, I just don't know. I've done it both ways without apparent issue, but look forward to authoritative answers.

 

[Hatul]

The O-rings on hose connections and plugs are static O-rings. There is no need to grease them and they are not designed to be lubricated. With diving regulators the rule of thumb is "as little as possible on dynamic O-rings and none on Static O-rings". Reference "Regulator Maintenance and Repair" by Vance Harlow, Airspeed Press.

OK. Then why is it that on camera-case O rings they recommend greasing and even provide the grease? These are static as well.

Adam

 

[Bob-B]

After years of assembling and repairing machines I found it is best to have a small dab of lube on any o-ring. With static o-rings there is a tiny bit of movement when hoses are installed or fittings but together that may cause the o-ring to catch and wrinkle resulting in a leak. A little lubrication can mean the difference between sealing and leaking. Plus the fact that there is movement in almost everything as the temperatures and pressures change.

As you take your camera from the surface to 60 feet or more how does the pressure effect the front half of the case as compared to the back half? Does everything expand and contract perfectly equal?

Use a little lube on o-rings.