Question What is the life expectancy of a ECCR?

[rjack321]

There are plenty of places that make custom o-rings for cheap, so that will never be an issue.

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Yeah good luck with that in a CCR. Once even the simplest Oring isnt supported anymore the rest of the unit also needs significant work/refurbishment too

 

[broncobowsher]

Depends on where the O-ring is at. Something like a DSV, just swap the DSV for a different make.

It all gets down to the details. And at that point, it isn't even an eCCR issue anymore. It is just a CCR in general issue. Or even any other mechanical thing that needs a special service part. And can part of it be adapted to something else? Look at Cuba. American cars from the 50s, staying on the road using 80's Russian tractor parts.

 

[RainPilot]

Nice, good to know

No worries. In fact, its a good idea when removing the head and checking the o-rings, to remove them, check for damage and lubricate lightly, then replace with the "corners" offset a bit (an inch or so) which will help prevent those "square" parts from becoming excessively worn. Not a big problem if you don't but that's where they tend to start getting fine cracks after a couple of years. Also, they are 2 different sizes so make sure you put 'em back where you found 'em.

 

[Tialen]

Yeah good luck with that in a CCR. Once even the simplest Oring isnt supported anymore the rest of the unit also needs significant work/refurbishment too

Why wouldn’t a custom o-ring work?

 

[broncobowsher]

Why wouldn’t a custom o-ring work?

The problem is when you need that custom O-ring, only made by the manufacturer, who no longer supports the rebreather. If the parts needed to maintain the rebreather no longer exist, you can't keep it functional.

 

[rjack321]

Why wouldn’t a custom o-ring work?

If the manufacture doesnt support even the simplest oring anymore, the unit is on its last gasps. Even the most minor repair will be challenging, potentially impossible.

 

[mr_v]

The problem is when you need that custom O-ring, only made by the manufacturer, who no longer supports the rebreather. If the parts needed to maintain the rebreather no longer exist, you can't keep it functional.

I'm curious now. Are there any examples of manufacturers not providing o-rings and not having any ability to get a proper non-OEM replacement?

 

[broncobowsher]

I'm curious now. Are there any examples of manufacturers not providing o-rings and not having any ability to get a proper non-OEM replacement?

How about an entire line of regulators that are pretty much useless since the manufacturer quit making service parts. Outside of a few die hards who are hand making stuff in there basement. Dacor.

Hollis quit providing any service parts for the Explorer. Those have turned to paperweights. A few magicly are still running. Few more tried to get a new lease on life when KISS made a conversion kit. But for the most part, service parts ended and so did the functionallity.

There are a few more I know of, but just can't think of right now. Not even dive gear related. Just the support ended and that killed the product as some key part could no longer be made to work.

 

[mr_v]

How about an entire line of regulators that are pretty much useless since the manufacturer quit making service parts. Outside of a few die hards who are hand making stuff in there basement. Dacor.

Hollis quit providing any service parts for the Explorer. Those have turned to paperweights. A few magicly are still running. Few more tried to get a new lease on life when KISS made a conversion kit. But for the most part, service parts ended and so did the functionallity.

There are a few more I know of, but just can't think of right now. Not even dive gear related. Just the support ended and that killed the product as some key part could no longer be made to work.

So, yes, you're right and I am aware of these examples.

I am puzzled by the original post that uses out-of-production o-rings to make a point. Custom o-rings aren't usually the problem due to standards/sizing. If a manufacturer stops making an o-ring, finding a replacement should not be rocket science (but may cost you).

 

[broncobowsher]

I think the O-ring example was pulled out of the blue as it is a consumable part during service. Something that was easy to understand. Not realizing there would be a rabbit hole of custom O-ring options.

I know not too long ago a local shop was trying to keep a 2nd stage alive. They had a service kit for a standard rebuild, but needed a diaphragm. Couldn't find one without canabalizing another still good 2nd stage. The tech was a bit bummed as it was all rebuilt and ready to go, except for the one part that was no longer available. And specific to that 2nd stage. And I can't remember what it was.

The nice part is so many main stream rebreathers are loaded with off the shelf or interchangeable parts. KISS uses drysuit valves for manual add and OPV. Revo uses BC inflator buttons for manual add.