OP
Clifford Simon
Registered
Just ordered an IP gauge so I'll be able to check that soon
Second Stage Leaking Air During Movement
- Thread starter Clifford Simon
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Just guessing but if the IP checks out it’s probably a tuning issue.
runsongas
Contributor
take the cover off and check the exhaust valve for any warping or drying out.
OP
Clifford Simon
Registered
So the IP checks out accordingly to the service manual, I'm seeing between 137-140 psi.
I've also adjusted the orifice (the internal adjustment knob) to what the manual says (1.5 turns loosened from the tight position) and that seemed to help a slight bit but I noticed that little changes in that knob seem to make big differences so I'm keeping that in the proper adjustment for now and see if you guys have anything to say about that.
But one thing for sure that seems to be obvious now, the cracking pressure seems to be hit too easily where the movement of the 2nd stage in water can crack it slightly, releasing some air. Is this something that internal adjustment knob will fix with very small adjustments?
Also, I took off the cover, no signs of warping or drying out
I've also adjusted the orifice (the internal adjustment knob) to what the manual says (1.5 turns loosened from the tight position) and that seemed to help a slight bit but I noticed that little changes in that knob seem to make big differences so I'm keeping that in the proper adjustment for now and see if you guys have anything to say about that.
But one thing for sure that seems to be obvious now, the cracking pressure seems to be hit too easily where the movement of the 2nd stage in water can crack it slightly, releasing some air. Is this something that internal adjustment knob will fix with very small adjustments?
Also, I took off the cover, no signs of warping or drying out
You seem to be going about troubleshooting this well. The 1.5 turns is just a rough adjustment, final tuning is done using a magnehelic gauge or one can substitute submerging in a bucket of water. Proper cracking pressure is between .8 and 1.0 inch of water for your 2nd stage.
If using the submerging method, hold the pressurized 2nd stage with the mouthpiece side up, and the diaphragm level/parallel to the surface of the water you will submerge it in. Mentally note the level/position of the diaphragm in the 2nd stage body. Mentally note or mark your bowl/bucket at the 1-inch mark. Slowly submerge your 2nd stage into the water and note at what depth the diaphragm is when air begins to flow out of it….if it flows at less than .8 to 1.0 inches depth then your regulator’s orifice is set too sensitive. Adjust and retest. If you find 1-inch still too sensitive for your diving, you can “detune” your 2nd stage further but I would not recommend detuning by too much (let’s say not more than 1.5-inches). Be sure to press the purge button when turning the orifice in or out.
If the above does not work to solve your problem then perhaps you have an issue with the MP seat and/or orifice, or one of the o-rings….at that point I would either send it to Dive Rite for inspection/service or do a complete tear down and carefully inspect every part to ensure nothing is amiss and install a new seat and o-rings.
Hope that helps.
-Z
If using the submerging method, hold the pressurized 2nd stage with the mouthpiece side up, and the diaphragm level/parallel to the surface of the water you will submerge it in. Mentally note the level/position of the diaphragm in the 2nd stage body. Mentally note or mark your bowl/bucket at the 1-inch mark. Slowly submerge your 2nd stage into the water and note at what depth the diaphragm is when air begins to flow out of it….if it flows at less than .8 to 1.0 inches depth then your regulator’s orifice is set too sensitive. Adjust and retest. If you find 1-inch still too sensitive for your diving, you can “detune” your 2nd stage further but I would not recommend detuning by too much (let’s say not more than 1.5-inches). Be sure to press the purge button when turning the orifice in or out.
If the above does not work to solve your problem then perhaps you have an issue with the MP seat and/or orifice, or one of the o-rings….at that point I would either send it to Dive Rite for inspection/service or do a complete tear down and carefully inspect every part to ensure nothing is amiss and install a new seat and o-rings.
Hope that helps.
-Z
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