Well that was easy- servicing an Apeks reg

[Woz]

Main reg looking a bit manky so I thought it was time for a strip and clean.

1st stage first- stripped the hoses off, removed the DIN handwheel, popped the enviromental seal housing off, took the diaphragm and pressure transmitter bit out then unscrewed the IP adjuster and took the spring out. Unscrew the diaphragm clamp and pulled out the spring seat then blew out the diaphragm with a squirt of air in one of the LP ports, catching the diaphragm as it flew across my garage.

Then flipped it over and unscrewed the hp side. Took all the seals out then ultrasoniced everything in citric acid to remove the gunk. Rinse and dry then reassembled with new bits and a light Crystolubing. Adjusted the ip then started on the 2nd stage.

Unscrew from hose, remove faceplate, diaphragm and plastic bit, unscrew nut and heat exchanger and O ring then pull the whole assembly out. Strip, ultrasonic, rinse and assemble. Adjusted the thing and left it for an hour to bed in and leak test.

Piece of piss. I don't know what all the fuss is about. Hardest part was getting the swivel O ring out of the reg end of the hose.

So- handy hints and special tools I used:

Big vice with soft jaws and an empty CO2 cartridge to hold the 1st stage.
Peter Built IP adjusting tool- brilliant for the job.
Parker pneumatics brass O ring picks.
Citric acid crystals (homebrew shop). Better than white vinegar as your gas doesn't taste like a chipshop.
Ultrasonic cleaner (used for cleaning plotter pens originally).
Digital IP gauge (well it's the one off my blending whip but it calibrated to within 0.1 bar at 10 bar- that'll do me).

Apart from that, just standard spanners, allen keys, a torch and a Beaver airgun plugged into another reg (that packed up and spat its O rings out 1/2 way through- bag of shite). Sure- all those tools cost a bit but it's worth it cos it's been done right.

[BigG]

Well done mate

Any chance you can put a guide up with pictures? Not that I'm a total numpty but why re-invent the wheel? (and save the children in the street from a lot of curse words)

Before anyone starts - I want to practice on a second hand reg (and test in the pool) before servicing my proper kit.

Cheers

G

[Woz]

No.

Mainly cos you can download the full step-by-step procedure from www.frogkick.dk

[BigG]

cheers!

[Dyson Diver]

i would question the wisdom of the citric acid ,, id go with the vinegar , the chipshop smell and taste is a huge pluss, infact , would pickle onion vinegar work , or pickle eggs , there is a whole new sphere opening up , gormet reg services. ive seen the future , and its pickle shaped.

[Woz]

The citric acid worked a treat and Missus Woz didn't moan that the place got stunk out. It's just like washing them in lemon juice except without all the squeezing and pips. Doesn't attack brass or chrome but removed the gunk really well.

[Dyson Diver]

The citric acid worked a treat and Missus Woz didn't moan that the place got stunk out. It's just like washing them in lemon juice except without all the squeezing and pips. Doesn't attack brass or chrome but removed the gunk really well.

just lacking the chip shop flavour ,,, other pickle flavours are available .

[CraigP]

Where did you obtain your new service kits. I've done my first stages but can't find a supplier for apeks 2nd stage kits.
Or did you just replace the old ones?

Craig

[fezboy]

If he told you that he'd have to shoot you....

[Graham Smith]

Where did you obtain your new service kits. I've done my first stages but can't find a supplier for apeks 2nd stage kits.
Or did you just replace the old ones?

Craig

I was going to ask the same...

Service kits are a PITA to find, most LDS's are reluctant to sell them to us mere mortals...If you do find one it's worth keeping them sweet!

I think I am right is saying you can get them shipped from Germany though...