What does "inspect and adjust" mean?

[k374]

I gave my regulator/octo to Sport Chalet recently to "Inspect/Adjust" to keep up the annual warranty requirement. It has about 40 dives on it and doesn't actually need anything since it works perfectly. I asked what the service entails but the rep there did not really know as the main service center does the work. What is usually involved with this process? After the adjustment do I need to test it out in a pool, if so should I perform any specific tasks to put the equipment through it's paces (breathing hard and purging are the only tests I can think of).

On a side note I also gave my computer/guage attached to the unit since I didn't want to disassemble it, do you guys usually take that off when giving your regs for service to keep from possible damage?

 

[redacted]

Here is a good description of regulator inspection; http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/regulators/260452-regulator-checklist-inspection.html. This is something most divers should be able to do with their own regs.

Adjustment (as needed) would involve adjusting intermediate pressure on the 1st stage and cracking pressure on the 2nd stages. While the only disassembly may have been a few port plugs and the LP hose connections at the 2nd, It is probably a good ides to give those connections a test, by hand, and to dive a bit on the conservative side for the 1st dive and watch for any signs of leaks.

 

[k374]

Thanks much!! Yeah, I would've done it myself but Mares requires it to be done by an authorized dealer to maintain the warranty. I always worry that they will not put stuff back together properly and actually break something that's working fine.

 

[Bubbletrubble]

The "inspect and adjust" service for Aqualung/Apeks regs every other year (non-overhaul years) is really minimal. I'm not sure how Mares "inspect and adjust" servicing compares. For Aqualung/Apeks regs, the tech will look over the reg for any external signs of overt corrosion (e.g., verdigris on the inlet screen of the first stage) or anything else that doesn't look right (e.g., hose damage, hose loose, etc.). He will then measure the intermediate pressure (i.p.) being put out by the first stage to confirm that it is within normal limits (typically 140-145 psi). Then, he'll check the cracking pressure of each second stage to confirm that it's within normal limits. If the reg is freeflowing or breathing too hard, he'll adjust the cracking pressure accordingly. If there are too many issues with the reg, at his discretion, he can ask you for permission to do a complete overhaul servicing. Technically, you would be responsible for the cost of the parts since Aqualung/Apeks only provides free parts kits every other year.

If you take care of your reg, monitor the i.p. periodically, and ensure that the second stages are breathing properly, the "inspect and adjust" should only take a couple of minutes. I think it's kind of a joke that any self-respecting scuba shop will send out regs for "inspect and adjust" servicing. With magnelic and i.p. gauges, the shop should be able to do it for you while you wait. What's the turnaround time for "inspect and adjust" servicing at your Sport Chalet?

I have a set of Aqualung regs that I maintain under warranty. When it comes time to get the reg setup overhauled, I will leave the SPG on it. The reg repair tech is supposed to clean up the HP spool and replace the o-rings on it. If I had an air-integrated computer, I'd probably just leave it on the reg during servicing. I'm assuming that the reg tech would exercise enough care so as not to damage it during servicing.

I highly recommend that you purchase an i.p. gauge ($16 at Divegearexpress.com) and Vance Harlow's Scuba Regulator Maintenance and Repair book. Every reg owner should know how to tune his reg. It's really easy to do.

Hope this helps...

 

[tfsails]

Our shop strips each and every stage down to bare parts. We then clean & inspect them as required, and reassemble them with new parts from the applicable service kit. After it goes back together we test it and adjust it to factory specs (even if it's not a brand for which we are a dealer). We then have another technician inspect the finished reg to see if the first tech made any boo-boos. We are of the opinion that you can't do a proper service on a reg without stripping it bare.

As a retired airplane fixer, I was raised to be proud of my work and not be in the least bit offended if another wanted to inspect my work. In fact, I encourage it. Same applies for scuba gear. Having said all that, I am well aware that the most likely time for a reg to malfunction is immediately after it's been serviced. To that end, we try our damnedest to make sure that never happens with something we turn out.

We always recommend to our customers that they take their gear to the pool at our next pool session and check it out before going on a "real dive". We even give them the air tank for free.

 

[k374]

Hi Bubbletrubble, Sport Chalet has given me a 3-4 weeks turn around time..YIKES! This is the very first time I am giving my reg for service since I have been diving only a year. Thanks a lot of the suggestions for an i.p. guage, I will get one.

@tfsails, damn! If I could find a SCUBA shop with a commitment to service like yours I swear I'll be a lifetime customer. Unfortunately, I have not found any good shops around here... I'm in South Orange County, California.

Sport Chalet does seem to be clueless in all matters SCUBA but they are closest to me so it's convenient.

 

[Bubbletrubble]

Our shop strips each and every stage down to bare parts. We then clean & inspect them as required, and reassemble them with new parts from the applicable service kit. After it goes back together we test it and adjust it to factory specs (even if it's not a brand for which we are a dealer). We then have another technician inspect the finished reg to see if the first tech made any boo-boos. We are of the opinion that you can't do a proper service on a reg without stripping it bare.

@tfsails: I would call what you described an "overhaul" or "rebuild." That's definitely more than what Aqualung/Apeks requires for an "inspect and adjust" servicing.

I like the idea of having a second pair of eyes doing quality control.

 

[Bubbletrubble]

Hi Bubbletrubble, Sport Chalet has given me a 3-4 weeks turn around time..YIKES! This is the very first time I am giving my reg for service since I have been diving only a year.

@k374: 3-4 weeks is completely unacceptable for that kind of servicing. For a complete reg overhaul at my LDS, I reserve one day a few weeks in the future and drop off the reg on the day before the servicing appointment. The reg tech calls me when he's done overhauling the reg. Typically, for me, the turnaround time is one day...for complete overhaul. If the reg tech isn't busy, "inspect and adjust" takes a few minutes while I wait.

Take your reg somewhere else -- preferably to a shop that services the regs "in house." I would be very unhappy not being able to use my reg for one month during the summer. Aren't you upset?

 

[k374]

Yeah, I thought it was unacceptable as well but they gave me some cock and bull... they have to ship it out to some "facility" and their truck leaves only on Thursdays and then these guys here can't answer any questions since the guys in the "facility" are the ones that fix the stuff etc. Well, I know better now than to return to Sport Chalet... :bonk: they're ok for tank rentals but I know I should've just gone down to my LDS, Sport Chalet is right next door to where I live and I have been unfortunately extremely busy with work to drive down to the LDS

On the plus side they did say they would rent me a BCD and Reg set free during the time they have mine.

 

[LeadTurn_SD]

Thanks much!! Yeah, I would've done it myself but Mares requires it to be done by an authorized dealer to maintain the warranty. I always worry that they will not put stuff back together properly and actually break something that's working fine.

Hi k374,

I service my own Mares regs (6 sets).

I would expect the "inspect and adjust" to be just that: Inspect and Adjust. This should be a "while you wait" kind of job. 3-4 weeks means they are either sending the regulator out for service elsewhere, are not stocking parts, or don't have enough techs.

Inspect and Adjust should mean give the regs and hoses a good external inspection, take a look at the 1st stage filter, test IP, pull the front covers off the 2nd stages and take a look inside, then if everything looks good, adjust IP of 1st stage and cracking pressure of the 2nd stages (only if needed).

Any more disassembly than that and they should be doing a full service. A full service would (might) be justified if they found a problem during the "inspection" (and testing) of the regulator.

With a full service, the reg is completely stripped down and cleaned, the parts that are in the rebuild kits are lubed and replaced (o-rings for both stages and hoses, puck-type soft seat for 2nd stage, exhaust valve for 2nd stage); all other internal parts are cleaned and inspected, and re-used if in good shape.

The 1st stage diaphragm and HP poppet are changed every other year unless they show signs of wear (I personally go ahead and change the diaphragm if I've gone to the trouble to tear down the first stage, but that is just me).

Best wishes.