Venturing into DIY with an MK-5

[Zung]

Maybe that's why I'm struggling. It's hard to tell from the pic; is it a simple hook (1 plane, 2D) or does it bend sideways too (2 planes, 3D)?

 

[Zung]

But then it's harder for me to put a new o-ring in then to pull the old one out.

 

[redacted]

Maybe that's why I'm struggling. It's hard to tell from the pic; is it a simple hook (1 plane, 2D) or does it bend sideways too (2 planes, 3D)?

It is bent in 2 planes. It will work as pictured but I like to dull the tip (does not need to be sharp) and bend it just a bit more to made it easier to slide down on one side of that HP o-ring and twist the handle to bring it up the other side. It makes removal fairly easy. That way I can save all the special words to the more difficult installation of the new o-ring.

Now, if someone would make one with a smaller double hook that could be used on the LPI hose connector o-ring without removing the Schradder valve and the downstream end o-ring of an LP hose.

But then it's harder for me to put a new o-ring in then to pull the old one out.

That is why it is import to not waste those words on the removal task.

 

[halocline]

I suspect the o-ring installation tool works pretty well. It's probably a good time saver. Tweezers and couple of chopsticks work for me. It is more work getting the 90 duro polyurethane o-rings in there, but they really do keep the IP stable at high tank pressures.

 

[Couv]

Bullet or straw.

Hello Parzdiver, welcome to the dark side.

To protect the stem o-ring I now use a bullet because I have one, but a plastic straw works very well too if it is the correct size. The straw must fit over the piston stem, not in it, and be small enough to fit through the stem o-ring. After installing the stem o-ring, insert the stem with the straw over it through the body past the seal, then pull it off from the opposite (hp seat) side.

Here is a picture of the pick (ignore the ruler and o-rings to the left, that's for something else) I use to remove the stem o-ring. I have an assortment of picks, but this homemade one works best for me. It's a small brazing rod I put just the right bend, and thin, flat, business end on.

 

[parzdiver]

Yep, I'm being pulled well into the dark side. I found myself monitoring (and placing a couple bids) on R109's on eBay.... Don't tell my wife.

 

[redacted]

Yep, I'm being pulled well into the dark side. I found myself monitoring (and placing a couple bids) on R109's on eBay.... Don't tell my wife.

This is just the tip of the iceberg. She is going to find out. My paypal account is in my wife's name so most of my "wins" arrive addressed to her. She keeps asking questions like why I need a dozed regs while she has only one so I offered to buy her some more.

BTW, don't be in too much of a hurry. Prices (demand) seems to take a dip between Thanksgiving and Xmas. I figure no more than $30 a stage (including shipping) unless there is really something special. That Mk5 you have is a good one. But you will also need a spare....

 

[parzdiver]

This is just the tip of the iceberg. She is going to find out. My paypal account is in my wife's name so most of my "wins" arrive addressed to her. She keeps asking questions like why I need a dozed regs while she has only one so I offered to buy her some more.

BTW, don't be in too much of a hurry. Prices (demand) seems to take a dip between Thanksgiving and Xmas. I figure no more than $30 a stage (including shipping) unless there is really something special. That Mk5 you have is a good one. But you will also need a spare....

Thanks for the buying tip. Luckily the wife doesn't check the accounts I use, just as I don't check hers. As long as the bills get paid, it's all good.

I did win one auction - It is a R109 and I believe an MK2. I figure the MK2 can make a great pony/stage/deco reg. We'll see once I get it.

 

[herman]

Thanks for the buying tip. Luckily the wife doesn't check the accounts I use, just as I don't check hers. As long as the bills get paid, it's all good.

I did win one auction - It is a R109 and I believe an MK2. I figure the MK2 can make a great pony/stage/deco reg. We'll see once I get it.

It does and it is another very easy to DIY reg

 

[parzdiver]

It does and it is another very easy to DIY reg

I found a service manual online. It looks like there are only three o-rings? Two on the piston and one for the yoke. Talk about simple.