squealing reg...causes or suggestions?

[loudgonzo]

Last 2 days at Lake Travis and this is the first time I've heard my reg squeal. It doesn't happen with every breath, but pretty often. As I inhale, a very high pitch squeal comes from the 2nd stage. And I mean a very high pitch, not very loud, but noticeable to the point where if you heard it on land, you would likely cover your ears. I switched to my alternate and every few breaths, the same squeal could be heard from it. I've dived these regs several times and this is the first I've heard that noise.

btw-these are atomic z2 regs

[ScubaToys Larry]

Nice trouble shooting... by testing the octo and it still exists, that lets us know it's the first stage and not the second. Since that is a piston reg, there is an o-ring that rides along the piston to keep the HP chamber isolated from the ambient pressure chamber. That o-ring probably just needs a little dab of grease.

This is very common with piston regs like that - and just lubbing up the o-ring and the piston cures it 99% of the time.

[awap]

I also flip the spring while I'm doing the lubing. It can't hurt.

This is also an interesting demonstration of sound UW. Apparently, because sound travels faster UW, it is difficult to sense direction on UW sounds. But you might think you can. Don't try to use sound as a navigation aide UW.

[loudgonzo]

Originally Posted by ScubaToys Larry

Nice trouble shooting... by testing the octo and it still exists, that lets us know it's the first stage and not the second. Since that is a piston reg, there is an o-ring that rides along the piston to keep the HP chamber isolated from the ambient pressure chamber. That o-ring probably just needs a little dab of grease.

This is very common with piston regs like that - and just lubbing up the o-ring and the piston cures it 99% of the time.

Thanks Larry, sounds like an easy fix. If I bring it in to ST this week, how much and how long would it take to do this? I've never taken a reg apart besides relocating some hoses.

[loudgonzo]

Originally Posted by awap

I also flip the spring while I'm doing the lubing. It can't hurt.

This is also an interesting demonstration of sound UW. Apparently, because sound travels faster UW, it is difficult to sense direction on UW sounds. But you might think you can. Don't try to use sound as a navigation aide UW.

Good point on the sound, I really thought it was coming from the second stage, I do know my right ear was hearing it though, I had a little ringing in it for a little while afterwards.

[ScubaToys Larry]

Originally Posted by loudgonzo

Thanks Larry, sounds like an easy fix. If I bring it in to ST this week, how much and how long would it take to do this? I've never taken a reg apart besides relocating some hoses.

About 2 minutes and free....

[loudgonzo]

Originally Posted by ScubaToys Larry

About 2 minutes and free....

Great! I'll be there Wednesday, I'll also be picking up some other stuff I need.