regulator service phobia

[ScubaToys Larry]

Originally Posted by fire diver

I called and talked to a manager, and emailed Larry, but Larry never replied.

I never got a PM or an email from you... my personal email is larry@scubatoys.com and I was informed of the situation and told that they offered to overnight the reg back and forth at our cost to fix the situation. If there is anything else I can do to help with the problem, please feel free to contact me directly at my pm here, or the email above.

[awap]

Originally Posted by fire diver

The yoke retaining nut was loose. Loose enough that I could turn it with a finger. So my problem is that if the tech failed to torque down a major component, what small parts were over looked?

This is why you must learn to inspect your own regulators rather than be completely dependent on some else. Many potential service errors may remain hidden even through a test dive.

[fire diver]

Inspect is one thing, getting service kits is another.

[awap]

Originally Posted by fire diver

Inspect is one thing, getting service kits is another.

Inspect is probably as good as most divers can/will do. I don't think there really are many divers who are seriously interested in servicing their own regs. Regardless of who does the service, it is a good practice to check, by hand & eye, all accessible connections. Many torque specs are quite light and can loosen in normal use. Even a yoke nut which has a fairly high torque spec can be loosened (or tightened) by accident.

I have been doing all my own service for about 10 years now. Breaking the code on parts was probably the biggest obstacle, but it need not be a show stopper if you are serious about DIY.

[kenny918]

People make mistakes. We all do. If you have problems with the Tech, or the work the Tech does, I'd find a new LDS. But as stated many times above, test the equipment after service, and don't wait till your on the big trip to find out you have a problem.

[gee]

Good advise FishFood. I have not dove the quarry but it would be the closest place for a C/O dive.

Originally Posted by FishFood

As stated - Test the regs plenty of time BEFORE the trip. ST's does good work, but they are still only human.

EDIT -

You're up there in N Alabama, so go dive that Madison quarry before your dive trip.

[gee]

awap,
Agreed, getting parts is the biggest obstacle for DIY on my regs. I believe I would get a lot of personal satisfaction out of doing it though.

Originally Posted by awap

Inspect is probably as good as most divers can/will do. I don't think there really are many divers who are seriously interested in servicing their own regs. Regardless of who does the service, it is a good practice to check, by hand & eye, all accessible connections. Many torque specs are quite light and can loosen in normal use. Even a yoke nut which has a fairly high torque spec can be loosened (or tightened) by accident.

I have been doing all my own service for about 10 years now. Breaking the code on parts was probably the biggest obstacle, but it need not be a show stopper if you are serious about DIY.

[CompuDude]

I've had nothing but good experiences the couple times I've used ST for reg service.

I use a local guy who has been 100% trustworthy to day, however.

[UofTOrange]

I use local too, just so I can get it to them quickly if it's not right.

Is submerging the reg part of the repair process? It would seem like it should be. Not saying that would catch everything, but it could catch a lot

[Lake Michijim]

Originally Posted by CompuDude

I've had nothing but good experiences the couple times I've used ST for reg service.

I use a local guy who has been 100% trustworthy to day, however.

You are lucky. Out of three local shops I've had service regs, lets just say they won't be doing anymore work from me. I rebuild/restore vintage regs and as soon as I can find a parts source and manuals for my Poseidon Extremes I will do those too. I was forced to start doing my own work on the vintage stuff as few places will even look at them. Out of the dozen or so single hose regs and about two dozen double hosers I've have had close to zero problems with my own work. I guess since it's my posterior on the line, that makes me just that much more careful about what I do.

Jim