Regulator Servicing

[tiewrapdiver]

From looking at various threads about kit servicing, i was wondering how many people bother to get their kit serviced and how often.

Tim

[NeilP]

Every year.
I use Mares Abyss regs, only piece of kit I bother to get serviced (Apart from tank).


After all, they are my lifeline!

[Padowan]

Apeks regs recommend 2 year intervals for 1st stages and yearly for 2nd stages.

So I put in one 1st stage (from the twins) with both 2nd stages (like a main and octopus) each year, and alternate the first stages, so they get a 2 yearly interval.

[ChrisP]

[quote=Padowan]Apeks regs recommend 2 year intervals for 1st stages and yearly for 2nd stages.
QUOTE]

When I last had my Apeks serviced I mentioned this and they thought I was mad. They said the 2nd stages needed to be "balanaced" and they would only guarantee them if I had them both done at the same time. I got the impression that they contacted Apeks who said it was better to have both serviced at the same time.
Now I am confused!!!
I would be interested to hear other folks thoughts etc on this one.
Also if you dive alot, say 100+ dives per year should you have them serviced more often.

[beanie]

Originally Posted by ChrisP

Also if you dive alot, say 100+ dives per year should you have them serviced more often.

funnily enough no
the Apeks service manual state the oppersite really if you use your regs less get them serviced more often

[Padowan]

Originally Posted by ChrisP

When I last had my Apeks serviced I mentioned this and they thought I was mad. They said the 2nd stages needed to be "balanaced" and they would only guarantee them if I had them both done at the same time. I got the impression that they contacted Apeks who said it was better to have both serviced at the same time.

Bear in mind that anyone sho is getting paid to service your regs will probably err on the side of profit, when it comes to servicing frequencies.

Both my 1st stages are the same and my 2nd stages are the same - if they service them both to the same standards, then the 2nd stages will be balanced on either first stage.

Personally (and you know what I'm like) servicing regs is how I get new parts fitted. I'm happy to tweak the breathe myself after the event if it's not quite how I want.

[Noel Johnson]

I've not had mine done for 2 years and they're fine...

[Jetsam]

Usually 2-3 yrs for servicing (replacement of parts,clean etc).I think every year is a waste,unless it has been abused.

It would be nice to be able to do it myself,but they will not send me the part's,as i'm not a shop.But having said that i only pay £35(parts and labour) for a 1st and 2nd stage full service(some makes are a bit cheaper than that),so it's easier to leave it to my service chap,who has been doing it a long time and i have a good relationship with(not that sort of relationship!).I would advise you find a good technician though.

Also getting them done allows you to get updated parts free of charge.The brass pistons in Scubapro Mk20's being replaced with the stainless ones after a slight problem springs to mind.When a technician finds one they should be exchanged no quibble and no charge.They will have all the up to date knowledge on what need's looking at,you may not.

Looking after your kit is the best thing to do,it will extend it's service life,but there is a limit to it,things wear out in time.

Someone will say differently however.

[AirHog]

I have 3 sets of Apeks regs, all bought second hand. I had the first set I bought serviced and after 20 or so dives I had a hose pop in the pool. Damage under the shrink wrapped hose protector.

Since then I get them checked out for interstage pressure and general well being at the LDS before I dive them the first time. I then get them looked at if they don't feel right in the water - haven't had them long enough to get them serviced annually yet.

I change 2nds on 1st stages as and when I feel like it and (maybe lack of experience) don't notice any difference on the breaths.

Did call Apeks about servicing courses and have to buy a shop to get a go, so will see about the ASSETT (?) courses and then try for the Apeks course again. Trouble is cost and time - £1000+ and 10 days.

Regards

Mark

[Finless]

I have recently lost one dive and only just saved another by frantic replumbing. I get mine done once a year if the LDS remind me they are due for a service.

The main problem with mine was "crudding up".

On the home service front, I would be happier if I could service my own stuff.