View Full Version : Self servicing
craigdiver
23-08-06, 16:48
To start with, i'm looking for opinions and to find out what other people do before I decide to take any course of action.
My regs are almost a year old and 2nd stages will need serviced soon. I have heard a few stories about problems with regs after they have been serviced (probably due to service centre used). I also do not have any contact details of a service centre that I could trust to do it right (any recommendations please?)
I am an Engineering Technician and after looking at the Apeks PDFs describing very clearly step-by-step instructions on how to service my regs it looks easy and service kits are available on ebay.
Should I service them myself or put them into a reputable service centre?
CraigDiver
I too have an engineering background so I have always serviced my own valves, it's not rocket science. However, there is a possibility that you could be in legal pooh pooh if a diver suffered an incident caused by using your valve, which was not serviced by certified personnel.
average priced reg, lets say £200 for an easy figure.
average service, lets say £60-£80 but lets call it £60.
after 2 years use without service, 2nd hand ebay estimated value £100-£120.
£100 + £60 = £160.
£40 isnt bad running costs for 2 years use.
polish them, sell them, buy new ones.
thats what i do,
my 2 bobs worth!
craigdiver
23-08-06, 20:23
average priced reg, lets say £200 for an easy figure.
average service, lets say £60-£80 but lets call it £60.
after 2 years use without service, 2nd hand ebay estimated value £100-£120.
£100 + £60 = £160.
£40 isnt bad running costs for 2 years use.
polish them, sell them, buy new ones.
thats what i do,
my 2 bobs worth!
Wow - great idea! - I like new shiny kit!
Lizardland
24-08-06, 10:21
I service all my own regs, I've got three complete Apeks sets plus two 1st stages on my rebreather. I can do them all in about 3hrs. I can't afford to get a shop to do these (the RB valves need non-standard servicing anyway).
I buy the service kits from a German dive shop (by law they have to sell them to divers unlike the UK), about £25 for a complete 1st/2nd set. I rarely use a service kit though unless I have a big problem, generally I just strip, clean and lubricate the valves. My oldest is about 15yrs old, it's never had a service kit used on it, just a good clean twice a year.
You need to invest in a few bits of kit: an IP gauge (£15), a pair of pin spanners (about £20 the pair), some grease (£3 if you aren't doing O2 clean, or about £30 if you are), a bottle of white vinegar, a bottle of fairy liquid and some general tools (hex keys, spanners, etc). A dental pick is useful for removing o-rings and seats. It all pays for itself and I know that if I'm on a trip I can fix anything that's wrong with my regs myself (I always carry a spare service kit).
Apeks are the easiest to service, not all regs are as simple.
Cheers,
Stuart
Hi Lizardland
My rebreather need servicing (uses apex) where did u get the service info and the kits reply by e-mail if u want.
craigdiver
24-08-06, 12:45
Hi Lizardland
My rebreather need servicing (uses apex) where did u get the service info and the kits reply by e-mail if u want.
Aberdeen Watersports have all the Apeks service manuals in PDF format on their web site. Service kits available from Ebay
Regards
CraigDiver
Lizardland
24-08-06, 12:58
If you contact any Apeks dealer in Germany they will supply you. I use www.deepstop.de they are very helpful and speedy. I got my manuals from www.frogkick.dk
Alternatively, you can buy Inspiration/Apeks 1st stage kits from www.rebreatherspares.co.uk but I don't think they do 2nd stage kits.
I bought my IP gauge from www.divingniknaks.co.uk, Phil is really good. I ordered it on Friday afternoon, it came Saturday morning. Cheaper if you buy off his e-bay shop though.
Divers Warehouse sell small tubes of O2 grease for a tenner on the website but you're better off investing in a bigger tube from elsewhere. You can get a tube for about £30 off e-bay.
The pin spanner for removing the end cap is harder to find, you want a 42mm.
Lizardland
24-08-06, 13:14
I've managed to get hold of 3 pin spanners.
£15 a piece to anyone who wants one.
I've managed to get hold of 3 pin spanners.
£15 a piece to anyone who wants one.
Will circlip plyers not do? ;)
Lizardland
25-08-06, 10:58
Will circlip plyers not do? ;)
Nope and neither do mole grips or stilsons :)
After you have assembled them, dont you check the cracking pressure... Fine is the reg has CRC (Cracking Resistance Control), but what if it hasnt?
Alex
Lizardland
29-08-06, 09:37
The cracking resistance can be set manually, there are instructions in the Apeks manuals. In fact, as I recall, the manuals don't ask for any instrument use for setting them.
The TX50 has a knob, the TX40 & 20 have a hex socket. I don't use any other regs so I don't know about the ATX range.
Factory settings are one thing (Apeks regs are detuned to achieve CE approval) but in the end it is how it breathes and performs that matters. I set it for what feels right for me.
Very correct, Apeks mentions nothing in their service course or slides regarding cracking pressure, it just mentions the height of the lever(2nd stage) and how to set the Interstage pressure(1st stage). Not all regs are as easy as apeks to service thou. Irrespective of peoples technical background, I personally think it is definatly worthwhile going on a service course, either a manufactures or an independent 'generic' course, after all its not hard to service a reg, but it lets you meet the requirements laid down by the HSE regarding equipment servicing, you would have the education and some experience to perform the task confidently and correctly. Unfortunately life isn’t that simple and when you are at a dive site with newly returned regs and the 2nd stage is free flowing (happened many times). So maybe the solution would be to get some one to service them but understand how the regulator works and what can affect performance so that when the need arises minor adjustments can be made.
I personally went on the Scuba technicians course.
My 2p worth
Alex
Lizardland
30-08-06, 08:47
it lets you meet the requirements laid down by the HSE regarding equipment servicing
HSE requirements only apply if you are servicing for other people. If it's for your own use then it doesn't matter. Not sure what your insurer would say but I don't have any life insurance so I don't care :)
Not many manufacturers will let you on their courses without being employed by one of their dealers. A technician's course is a good idea if you want someone to walk you through it, I'd guess it would give a lot more confidence. I've been pulling my regs apart for years so I'm fairly confident in doing it.
Generally, if you have the right tools and service kit, if the reg doesn't bubble at the end of it, if it doesn't freeflow when you breathe it, if the IP is set right and finally if it actually breathes then it's a good guess it is working.
Apeks are probably the easiest to service, most regs aren't as simple.
As I normally fall into the category as a diver at work, compliance with the HSE is not an option.
Probably should have mentioned that.
Alex