What to look for and ask when your equipment needs servicing

[mdb]

I can argue the "qualified" statement all day! I teach techs and sometimes the lack of skill and knowledge is scary!

Chris : So true, a couple of hours @ a DEMA seminar and now a "qualified" tech?

When I first started as a SCUBA rep in Southern California there was a service center known as Professional Scuba Repair. They did only service, no resale. The LA market was big enough to support such a service. They had all the tools and all the proper equipment to rebuild and repair SCUBA gear. Al Thompson took great pride in what he did. I used to stop in anytime I was in the area and just chat and learn a bit.

Your tips on finding a good service center are timely and well taken.

 

[stonefish35]

Hi chris,

Thanks for the write up. Its benefitial info to all.

 

[Phreak]

One quick note about the ultrasonic cleaner...not only should they have one, but for gawdsakes they should change the cruddy h2o with fresh stuff often. I've seen black water in an ultrasonic cleaner and I thought, well, if my reg wasnt dirty before ...it sure is now ! It's just gotta be clean water in there.

 

[cerich]

What do you consider an appropriate cost for this (Great) level of service? I usually service my own gear, but that kind of treatment (if I can find it) might be worth paying for.

Ballpark, I feel that $70 labor for the reg (1st and 2 seconds) and $15 for the inflator plus parts if not free parts or things like mouthpieces and hoses is fair price.

 

[redacted]

Ballpark, I feel that $70 labor for the reg (1st and 2 seconds) and $15 for the inflator plus parts if not free parts or things like mouthpieces and hoses is fair price.

It's a big ballpark. Shop around and settle on prices in advance. Look on the internet and know the prices that reputable mail order service providers are charging. Then see what you have available locally.

 

[cerich]

I disagee for the type of service I'm talking about! Some online places are $39 for the reg set, I saying $30 bucks more for a local place that supplies a warranty, uses the correct service kits and has invested in the tools to do the job correctly. No shipping, less waiting and someone who is invested in you as a cust.

 

[cerich]

If some of you feel that the level of servicing out there is acceptable then look at this thread

http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=140325

Simple fact- IF THEY HAD FOLLOWED THE STEPS I OUTLINED IN MY POST THIS DIVER WOULD NOT HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM!

 

[alo100]

I chatted with a LDS, about the list.
He told me that every manufacturer has their own list to follow, so even if there is a universal list, it depends on which regulator the customer is using and they will follow the instruction from that particular manufacturer. Is that the normal procedure?
Do you have any comment about what he said?

 

[cerich]

I chatted with a LDS, about the list.
He told me that every manufacturer has their own list to follow, so even if there is a universal list, it depends on which regulator the customer is using and they will follow the instruction from that particular manufacturer. Is that the normal procedure?
Do you have any comment about what he said?

The only manuf. that I have seen provide a list was Scubapro in a clinic a few years ago. I do not know if that was the rep or something SP did.

I don't provide a list, what I do in a clinic is go thru what should be on a list and then suggest the shop creates their own they follow. This list is not brand specfic by any means as the testing process should be consistant. For instance if a shop doesn't have a flow bench there is no need to have a spot for flow results.

I think maybe there is confusion with a list and the service procedures guide.

I'm going to type up a list that I would use and then show it here so people can see what I'm talking about

Best,

Chris

 

[cerich]

Simple Draft of "List"

Regulator Service Sheet

Owner _________________________________ Contact Phone # _______________________
Date Dropped Off ________________________ Date Required _______________________
Received by ____________________________

Reg First Stage Brand ________________ Model _________________________ Serial # ___________
Reg Primary Second Brand __________________ Model ___________________Serail #____________
Reg Octo Brand___________________________ Model ____________________Serial #____________
Attached Console/Computer Brand Model Serial # ____________________________________________
Nitrox Use ______ Deco Use ___________
Intake Inspection

Tech _________________

IP Pressure ______________
Magnellic Primary ___________________
Magnellic Octo ______________________
Vacuum Test Primary _________________
Vacuum Test Octo ____________________
Flow Bench Results ___________________

Initial Pre Service inspection and comments ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


Service

Tech __________________

Comments (What service Kits used, any additional issue seen etc)_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Post Service


IP Pressure ______________
Magnellic Primary ___________________
Magnellic Octo ______________________
Vacuum Test Primary _________________
Vacuum Test Octo ____________________
Flow Bench Results ___________________