Conshelf fans welcomed

[bill_bain]

Another Conshelf question here - The LDS decided that my Conshelf XI would be a problem to use on dive trips because the yoke wasn't a 3000 psi yoke, so they installed a Conshelf Supreme first stage (gave me back the Conshelf XI first stage, too). Question: they also gave me a metal threaded ring that screws into the bottom of the first stage and a rubber diaphragm that apparently goes underneath it. I think that it might be the "environmental" kit. I also think that I read somewhere that there's a newer environmental kit that is easier to install (or at least less messy to service).

1. Is there any virtue (or vice) to installing the environmental kit particularly if one is an infrequent diver?
2. Assuming that the answer to question 1 favors installing the kit, is there a source for the "new" kit?

Thanks!

 

[Fishpie]

The Supreme is the cold water version of the USD range.
If you are not going to be diving in sub 45 temps there's no harm in leaving the kit uninstalled.
If you do need the cold water protection you have all the parts right now....I don't think there is a new environmental cap that fits the Conshelf. Your shop would fill the end cap with mineral oil and use the ring and diaphragm to hold it there.

 

[Luis H]

Another Conshelf question here - The LDS decided that my Conshelf XI would be a problem to use on dive trips because the yoke wasn't a 3000 psi yoke, so they installed a Conshelf Supreme first stage (gave me back the Conshelf XI first stage, too). Question: they also gave me a metal threaded ring that screws into the bottom of the first stage and a rubber diaphragm that apparently goes underneath it. I think that it might be the "environmental" kit. I also think that I read somewhere that there's a newer environmental kit that is easier to install (or at least less messy to service).

1. Is there any virtue (or vice) to installing the environmental kit particularly if one is an infrequent diver?
2. Assuming that the answer to question 1 favors installing the kit, is there a source for the "new" kit?

Thanks!

You don't really need the environmental kit. Most Conshelf never had an environmental kit and they all work just fine. The environmental kit in the supreme requires to be filled with compatible oil which is a mess.

The new dry chamber environmental kit is nice to have for ice diving and to keep salt water and sand out of the external spring chamber, but it is by no means essential. If you rinse and soak your regulator proper, the second item is not really an issue, just a nice thing to have.

For ice diving again it is very nice to have, but the design is very freeze resistant even without the environmental kit.

Any Aqua Lung dealer can get you a replacement environmental kit if you want it.


BTW, the yoke on the Conshelf XI can be replaced with the newest heavy yoke. As far as I know they are perfectly interchangeable. You can also probably sell the old yoke to some vintage equipment divers. I think that is the same long yoke that would fit the old Mistral double hose single stage regulator. I may be wrong.



The regulator on the left post pointing backwards is a Conshelf with the new dry chamber environmental kit.
Here is a bit more info on my rig show on those pictures:
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/vi...atest-technical-diving-regulator-phoenix.html

 

[Luis H]

That's odd Luis. On mine the reg comes straight out off the right shoulder and the HP to the SPG is straight out off the left shoulder. My problem is the two LP ports point down which is not a problem with a single tank but is in the way on my doubles. It would be better if the LP ports did face up and out of the way. Tim

Hi DoubleHoseDiver

You are correct. I had it backwards.
I guess that I am getting used to mounting that regulator facing back.
Take a look at the pictures above.
Sorry for the mistake.

 

[DoubleHoseDiver]

If the Conshelf has a drawback, it would be the hose routing and you certainly have a clever approach for that Luis. On my double set up the two LP hoses hit the tanks, so I will use those swivels like you have to change the routing. Thanks, Luis Tim

 

[Slonda828]

How many models of Conshelves are out there? I've only heard of Conshelf XIV and Conshelf 22. Are there other Conshelf models out there?

Just so we can answer this, These are the all metal conshelf models:

Conshelf VI: 1HP, 1LP, old style metal 2nd with 7/8" exhaust valve.

Conshelf XI: 1HP, 2LP, improved 2nd stage with 7/8" exhaust valve.

Conshelf XII: 1HP, 3LP, current 2nd stage design with 1 3/16" exhaust valve.

Conshelf XIV: 1HP, 3LP, current 2nd stage design with 1 3/16" exhaust valve. This first stage has a snap ring over the yoke.

Following these models, the last of which was released in 1978 or so, USD went to those plasticky second stages.


3000PSI yokes will fit on all models, as will DIN adapters. I have tested this personally.

 

[bill_bain]

Re: "Annual" of a Conshelf 14. So, in reviewing the Conshelf 14 service manual, it really looks like nearly all of the "rebuild" is disassembly, cleaning and reassembly with the new parts from the service kit. The only really "specail" tool seesm to be the tool to seat the HP seat, and an IP pressure guage.

I'm tempted to try it on one of my spares - Looks like it might be an interesting exercise.

 

[Fishpie]

....most people can get the HP seat, balance chamber, springs and circlip in easily without the "special" tool. You can also use a wood dowel or the blunt end of a pencil to push everything down.

 

[DoubleHoseDiver]

Go to Vintage Double Hose and enter the store and look at this tool.Manuals and Tools
Product 2/7



larger image High Pressure Block Assembly Guide
Tom Madere has made a fantastic copy of the U.S. Divers tool # 1110-00 or Navy Manual tool # 1130. This tool is used to center and align the seat, spring, spring block and filter and also installs the retaining ring into the nozzle. It is made from 6061 aluminum and will not mar or damage the nozzle finish. Tom has taken the tool one step further and made a Delrin rod and knob to depress the whole assembly through the guide. The factory recommends using a Ž½ wood dowel rod. I have been using this tool on my bench for 4 years now and it makes re-assembly of the high pressure nozzle a breeze. If you rebuild double hose regulators or just like to disassemble and thoroughly clean yours on a regular basis then this is a must have tool for every bench. This tool will also work on most early model single hose regulators that have a removable yoke retained by a nut such as Calypso, Conshelf etc. If you are interested in purchasing this tool please E-mail Tom Madere at tmadere@bellsouth.net They are custom made one at a time.................... Tom is also supremely skilled with all types of J and K valves. He does have some parts last time I checked. He has also turned out a few specialty parts for me on various types of regulators. CanÃÕ hurt to ask him?.He aint cheap but you will never match his skills, quality or inventiveness! ....................tmadere@bellsouth.net

Add to Cart:

Model: HP Block assembly tool
Shipping Weight: 2lbs
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[Gen San Chris]

I used Conshelf regs for a long time and still have 5 sets on my rentals, excellent regs and I will recomend them to anyone!