rust in a regulator

[tndiverdude]

I took apart a regulator that according to the manufacturer is only about 12 years old and to my surprise there were rusty springs. I go the regulator on e-bay from a known diver.
So my question is, is iot normal for springs to rust? and if I change them out will that change how the regulator works?

[in_cavediver]

Originally Posted by tndiverdude

I took apart a regulator that according to the manufacturer is only about 12 years old and to my surprise there were rusty springs. I go the regulator on e-bay from a known diver.
So my question is, is iot normal for springs to rust? and if I change them out will that change how the regulator works?

First - I'd say no, its not normal. Its indicticitive of either a flood and/or bad storage. Regs should be kept dry and if water should enter them, it should be cleaned quickly and thoroughly.

As for fixing it - the reg really should get a full tear down, ultrasonic cleaning and then have appropriate replacement parts ordered. This also includes the standard rebuild kit as well. Once its together with the new parts, it should work good as new.

[awap]

Normally, steel components of regulators are a stainless steel that is effectively resistant to rust. I have seen some rust on a scubapro Mk5 spring and on an oceanic BP piston but not enough to make any difference. What regulator are you talking about and how bad is the rust. I'd probably run it through a sonic cleaner and then coat it with a protective lube and see how it performs.

[navyhmc]

No, it's not normal. Usually rusty springs means taht the regulator has not has regular service. I have a 20 year old TUSA that is still in pristine condition due to regular service. I would not try to service the regulator myself, rather send it to a service tech that is certified to work on that manufacturers equipment.

The spring(s) that should replace the rusty one(s) should be within the manufactureres specification so the reg should work just as good or better when they are replaced. However, if the springs are rusty, there are most likely othre things that are bad too. Send it for service.