Where to buy regulator parts?

[cerich]

I forgot to tell this part of the story. I called the shop and told them what the problem was. I told them that I did not want my money back or anything, but they needed to know what was going on where they sent regs for service. Just so none of their costumers get injured or killed.

Instead of focusing on solving the problem, they got defensinve and told me many times that they never had trouble with those people before. I said that I didn't care, but they needed to solve their problem. Upon opening the first stage it was clear that the servicer never even opened the first stage and they broke a part on the second stage. They gave no indication that they even thought there really was a problem.

I got them reserviced at another shop. They did it right, but charged a gazillion dollars. Just like they do for everything else. They are the home of the $100 mask, $200 fins and $75 snorkel.

Could you please PM me with some details on the issues you had with regard to the Oceanic dealer? (yes, I want to know what dealer it was)

BTY, I was a Mares/Dacor rep, the shop may not be the problem per say. The second stage oriface on that reg . in 2001 is a PITA! It is a white plastic one that didn't take a seat worth a damn, after only a few dives you have a small free flow. Some techs will make the connection more "secure" to reduce the frequency of freeflow at the expense of the ease of breathing. Good news, there is a new oriface that is green that works somewhat better. The other posiibility is the second stage spring is not in spec. There was a bunch that were not cut at he exact angle on the ends. The also caused a freeflow after a couple dives. Sometimes it is difficult to know what is causing the problem. Change one part and the same issues then the other and bingo.

These weren't safety issues just a pain in the butt for the owners and dive shops.

Things like these are the reason that taking the tech course every year is a great idea when you are a tech., the instructor will normally mention these items. This is very important when tech. notices aren't sent to dealers when a vendor sees issues like this.

Best,

Chris Richardson
Oceanic Southeast Regional Manager

 

[Oceanseleven]

I have a Dacor Viper Metal regulator and dacor Viper Octo. I purchased them in 2001 and have been unhappy with the folks servicing them. So, I want to do it myself. I plan on getting the Airspeed press book, but I need a source for parts for my first stage, second stage, and the octo.

Anyone know where to order them?

Thanks!

See here for manual on your regulator and go to Talk - Equipment - Regulators from their menus and find Dacor. Contact these guys for parts for your regulator. http://www.ntdservices.com/

:fro:

 

[426Scuba]

Oceanseleven,

Great link, just wish I would have found it before I sent the guy on ebay $10 for a cd with the same manuals on it.

 

[Mr Carcharodon]

I have a Dacor Viper Metal regulator and dacor Viper Octo. I purchased them in 2001 and have been unhappy with the folks servicing them. So, I want to do it myself. I plan on getting the Airspeed press book, but I need a source for parts for my first stage, second stage, and the octo.

Anyone know where to order them?

Thanks!

I get my parts through a LDS that I have an understanding with. If you dont have that e-bay and the internet are your friend. Parts can be mail ordered from Europe and Asia for some regulators.

Unfortunately your situation is very common. Shops commonly fail to service per the manufacturers requirements and skip steps. Also an other neat trick is that they break parts and then charge you for them. Since you care about the performance of your regulator more than the shops do by all means do your own service.

 

[dive smart]

It is only your life support equipment! I see no reason why you don't just disassemble, clean the parts, replace generic o' rings and put it back together. The cacking pressure should be ok. No need to check IP, it will be about the same most likely. No need to verify work of breathing rate. It will be the same at 30ft as well as a 100ft. regardless if your are site seeing or hunting. No worry be happy.

 

[Oceanseleven]

It is only your life support equipment! I see no reason why you don't just disassemble, clean the parts, replace generic o' rings and put it back together. The cacking pressure should be ok. No need to check IP, it will be about the same most likely. No need to verify work of breathing rate. It will be the same at 30ft as well as a 100ft. regardless if your are site seeing or hunting. No worry be happy.

:11: :shakehead

Please tell me your joking!

 

[redacted]

:11: :shakehead

Please tell me your joking!

Some folks make their living duping the diving public. When refusing to sell parts and documentation isn't enough, then they can try scaring folks away from that regulator that only the most highly trained technician could ever hope to service.:14:

Unfortunately, some scuba professionals say some pretty stupid things when they think they are protecting their turf.

 

[Oceanseleven]

Some folks make their living duping the diving public. When refusing to sell parts and documentation isn't enough, then they can try scaring folks away from that regulator that only the most highly trained technician could ever hope to service.:14:

Unfortunately, some scuba professionals say some pretty stupid things when they think they are protecting their turf.

Not tryin' to protect anyones turf here. I think if someone wants to service their own equipment and takes the time to learn how I'm all for it but to tell someone not to check the intermediate pressure and that the cracking pressure should be fine is just plain stupid.

 

[redacted]

Not tryin' to protect anyones turf here. I think if someone wants to service their own equipment and takes the time to learn how I'm all for it but to tell someone not to check the intermediate pressure and that the cracking pressure should be fine is just plain stupid.

I'm sure it was 110% sarcasm. Including the very idea that an individual could service their own gear outside of an LDS evnironment.

I like the shop owner I deal with. He would rather support the few DIYers around than have them find other shops. When a customer brings in his gear, he checks it and will advise the customer if he doesn't think it needs a maximum annual service - and charge accordingly. He does not believe in throwing an annual parts kit at a reg if it doesn't need it. To bad more shops don't deal with their customers that way.

 

[Oceanseleven]

I with ya awap. Dive on!