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Regulator service

Posted: Mon Sep 02, 2019 9:50 am
by SashimiFencer
I have about 100 dives over the past 3 years on my atomics regulator. It’s working well still but should I get it serviced regardless? Recommendations for local shops who provide this service? I did buy it from local dive shop so my default is to take it to the same place.

Thanks!

Re: Regulator service

Posted: Mon Sep 02, 2019 2:25 pm
by Penopolypants
You may have a free or reduced service option with the shop you bought it with, so I would check with them first. Otherwise I'd send it to Don Peterson at Octopus Gardens.

Re: Regulator service

Posted: Mon Sep 02, 2019 7:28 pm
by BillZ
Disclaimer - I'm not endorsing this practice.... but I typically dive my regs until they start having problems.

Re: Regulator service

Posted: Mon Sep 02, 2019 9:43 pm
by dlh
A few ways to make an informed decision:

1) Buy an IP Gauge for $10 to see if your 1st stage has an IP in spec and stable or has drifted out of spec (should be 130-140 psi)
2) Remove the 2nd Stage purge cover and see if everything is clean without debris or scaled on junk
3) Put the 2nd Stage pressurize in a sink or tub, mouthpiece up and slowly submerge it. About 1" down, before the mouthpiece opening goes under it should free flow. If it floods too soon or only after water floods in it probably need adjustment.
4) Submerge the 2nd mouthpiece downward, fully submerge, then point it mouthpiece up. Should not free flow.

If all that is good you a probably working fine. Even so, probably keep a good eye on it and know that Time will erode the lubrication and orings even if use does not. Don't push it too hard to save a few bucks.

Re: Regulator service

Posted: Tue Sep 03, 2019 10:30 pm
by Scubak
I have to recommend Don Peterson with Octopus Gardens...
I have been lax and needed to get all my regs serviced. In two mailings, they are now all done. Yes, it was expensive. But the workmanship, service and reliability of your regulators is necessary. I don't mind paying at all. I think I had 5 or 6 done in total...
Kirsten

Re: Regulator service

Posted: Thu Sep 05, 2019 3:20 pm
by Gdog
+3 on Don at Octopus Gardens.

Re: Regulator service

Posted: Thu Dec 12, 2019 8:35 pm
by SashimiFencer
Thanks for the advice! My regs are all shiny and ready to go this weekend! *gulp* in the price of service but I’d rather be safe because it’s the equipment that keeps me alive.... it was easy to ship out and fast turnaround time. I appreciated his explanations and seeing the testing paperwork.

Re: Regulator service

Posted: Fri Dec 13, 2019 7:16 am
by Penopolypants
One of the greatest lies ever told is "Yeah, scuba is expensive, but once you get all your gear you're just paying for air fills!". Ahahahahaaa! Yeah.

Re: Regulator service

Posted: Sat Dec 14, 2019 9:16 pm
by Gdog
Penopolypants wrote: Fri Dec 13, 2019 7:16 am One of the greatest lies ever told is "Yeah, scuba is expensive, but once you get all your gear you're just paying for air fills!". Ahahahahaaa! Yeah.
Tell that to my leaky drysuit.