Cleaning regulator first stages

[SSpiffyDiver]

Had a discussion with dive buddy (well, as soon as he starts diving again...) regarding cleaning regulators after diving. One of us was of the opinion that the first stage never get submerged unless it is under pressure, so just hose it off; the other was of the opinion that, so long as the cap seals well, soak the darn thing to ensure all salt is out of any joints, hose crimps, etc.

So, what's you opinion?

[CaptnJack]

Put the cap on and soak it. You'd be surprised the amount of salt & corrosion you can get in threads and other 'hidden' places like the swivel turret. This includes threads on things like the SPG too btw. Rinsing won't reach those places, soak the whole thing.

[kdupreez]

+1 on what Richard said. if your cap seals well, a good soak in luke warm fresh water will do them a world if good.

[fmerkel]

Been doing unpressurized but capped soaks for over a decade without problem. The only hassle is the rare time I forget to put the cap on.....rats! But that's just fresh water > take the hoses off (gauge hose is critical to remove)and pressurize it a couple seconds and the water is gone. I've actually taken them apart when I've done this and it's a pretty trivial amount that gets in if anything at all.

[dwashbur]

Been doing unpressurized but capped soaks for over a decade without problem. The only hassle is the rare time I forget to put the cap on.....rats! But that's just fresh water > take the hoses off (gauge hose is critical to remove)and pressurize it a couple seconds and the water is gone. I've actually taken them apart when I've done this and it's a pretty trivial amount that gets in if anything at all.

I never thought of doing this. Thanks!

[kdupreez]

Another tip for rinsing/soaking, is to move or remove any hose protectors if you have them.

The hose protectors is supposed to prevent the hoses from kinking, but it does more harm than good, because it traps salt and calcium deposits on critical parts of the hose where the crimping or hose fittings are and highly increases the chance of corrosion.

so in order to rinse properly, slide the protectors back to expose the hose ends/fittings/crimpings and soak/rinse well.

personally, I just cut & remove all hose protectors from my kit.

[fmerkel]

+1 on hose protector removal. I think this is another retailing misconception. Sounds good on paper, doesn't work out in practice, especially the tight fitting cheap plastic ones.

[Waynne Fowler]

I do much the same as described by Richard and Koos. But about every 10 or so dives I remove all hoses. Seperate the SPG from it's hose leave the cap off the 1st stage and toss it all in nice clean fresh warm water for about an hour then I flush it all with another quick rinse of warm water for about 5 min's. hook up the first stage to a tank an blow it out. Add the regulator hoses, put an HP Plug in place and purge again, put on 2nd stages and HP hose purge once more making sure that the HP Hose blows nice dry air (TP works well as it show moisture easily) Operate the second stages until I'm satisfied the unit is pretty dry inside.
Don't forget - like I always do - the inflator hose will fill with water so you either remove the schrader or ensure you operate the schrader to get the water out

all that sounds like a PITA and ... it sorta is.... but it really doesn't take all that long. It takes me about 15-20 min's of actual hands on for about every 3 sets or so. But I think it's also a good reason that I don't ever have regulator issues. If there is a problem with a reg of mine I actually have my hands on every individual piece on a very regular basis.

My thoughts on hose protectors.... like my thoughts matter ....
I don't like them but I believe them to be a necessary evil for some hoses. I don't put them on my BC hose as once it's plugged in it doesn't move much, I don't use one on my backup reg for the same reason, it just doesn't move around enuf IMO to warrant one. Drysuit hose... same gig.... I put them on my primary reg hose as it's moving all the time and gets taxed at the hose/swag interface, the same is true for my SPG it's always getting pulled and moved.

[Waynne Fowler]

oh.... if you blow air through a hose with nothing on the end of it, do yourself a BIG fav and HOLD them firmly.