Silly Question

[Aerosynth]

I just purchased a BC, reg/octo, and guage/computer set. Very excited as this is the first full rig that I have owned.

However, upon inspecting my new equipment, I found that there is no O-ring in the valve connection on the first stage. There is supposed to be one there, right? Or am I backwards, and the O-ring goes on the cylinder end?

I know I should know this so go easy on me... lol... but for the life of me I cannot remember which end of the connection is supposed to have the O-ring. :-/

Renting a tank tomorrow morning to do an equipment check in the pool. I'm just asking this question so that I will know whether or not I need to pick up a new O-ring while I am at the shop.

Thanks.

 

[Doc]

Silly answer: It is on the cylinder's valve.

Well, that's the theory, anyway. Carry a few spares.

 

[Aerosynth]

LOL... Thanks...

 

[eponym]

If you have a yoke-style first stage, the o-ring will be seated securely in a groove on the valve atop the tank. This is the common style for the ubiquitous Aluminum 80 tanks.

If you have a din-style first stage, the o-ring should indeed be on the first stage.

And RoatanMan is right: keep a couple of extras handy. Rental tanks sometimes have very well-worn o-rings.

-Bryan

 

[spectrum]

The O-ring ring is embedded in the valve face. The regulator will have a smooth ring that mates to the o-ring. You're good to go.

Be sure to check the tank ring. Rental tanks can have some pretty beat up o-rings. If in doubt call it to the shops attention.

Pete

 

[spectrum]

If you have a din-style first stage, the o-ring should indeed be on the first stage.

-Bryan

Good point, the OP didn't say anything to rule that out.

 

[Aerosynth]

Bryan, it's yoke, so I am assuming that my O-ring will be on the cylinder as RoatanMan said. However, thanks for the answer... it's cool to know there is a difference.

I may actually pick up a few extra ANYWAY just to put in my dive bag... just in case I need them in the future.

 

[eponym]

When you rent tanks, it's a good idea to have the shop put a gauge on each tank. As well as verifying that the tank is full, it verifies that the o-ring is still sealing. Carrying a couple of spares (and the pick tools that allow you to remove an old and firmly embedded one) is a good idea too.

Have fun in the pool!

-Bryan

 

[Aerosynth]

Have fun in the pool!

Haha, thanks. It's a little cheesy I know... but I am chomping at the bit to try out my new gear and my next dive trip isn't for 2 weeks.

 

[devilkitty]

Do take note that there are two sizes of yoke o-rings, commonly referred to as "thin" and "fat". Keep a few of each on hand. If you're renting cylinders, it's almost dead certain that if you only carry one size of spares, the bottles you've rented will have the other.

I've saved a lot of folks' dives by having both sizes around.