Apeks Reg Servicing

[CGE925]

New Apeks regulator owner here. I recently got an amazing deal on a complete sidemount package which included two very lightly used XTX50/DST regs, both with 5th port mods, configured for SM. Due to issues with a recent servicing of my old Mares reg set, I've decided to start doing my own servicing (particularly since I will now be doing the servicing on TWO reg sets). I have a wide and eclectic technical background working on cars and airplanes, electronics, even expensive and fiddly telescopes, so working on these regs should be straightforward, especially given the fact that the consensus here on SB seems to be that Apeks regs are easy to work on. I have a ton of tools and equipment already, as well as Harlow's book, though not Reg Savvy. I have a few questions to help me get started:

1) Apeks service kits appear to be universal, one for first stages, one for second stages, and seem to be available from a number of sources, though for quite different prices. NESS, Ebay, a few European sellers, etc. Any suggestions/recommendations for a Canadian buyer. Are these service kits regularly available to third parties who are unaffiliated with an LDS?

2) Tools will be an important factor as well. I will definitely be buying an ultrasonic cleaner and an IP gauge, and have all the other generic tools needed for servicing regs (wrenches, picks, hex key sets, torque wrenches, etc). I have the Service Manuals for the XTX50 and DST, though both are over 10 years old (do newer versions exist?) The Service Manuals do call out a few "Apeks-specific" tools, however. Apeks P/N AT20 is a little dongle for unscrewing the case cover on the XTX50 as well as setting the lever height, and AT51 is the "slotted seat adjuster" also for the 2nd stage. The DST first stage seems pretty straight forward, the only thing I'll be wanting there seems to be a suitable pin spanner. As to testing, I like the idea of a DIY magnehelic setup that I've seen talked about here on SB, but I understand that's a nice to have.

Thoughts and comments will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[eelpout]

Make sure you get the right size spanner and make sure you get two of them. Apeks DST first stages will sometimes act funny specially if used in salt water. The DST ring (part # 28)will stick to the Diaphragm Clamp (part # 23). You will need two snapper wrenches to disengage them from each other. If you do not have the right size you may end damaging either part. Get this one Apeks Pin Spanner AT30

 

[tbone1004]

1. the parts from NESS will fit, but are not from Apeks. The parts on ebay from Europe are not supposed to be sold outside of those countries because it violates the dealer agreements they have with Aqualung. You picked probably the second hardest brand to self service if you want real parts kits for them *worst is Hollis/Oceanic in my experience*. The official parts are only available to authorized trained service technicians, who also work for an authorized service center. No exceptions despite what some of the people on this forum will tell you. I have read the agreements, it is very explicit. You can do it, I have rebuilt Apeks regs before, but most people I know that still dive them have an unofficial connection through a dealer. I'm sure someone from Germany is going to pop in and say it's easy and he did it last week, but he lives in one of like 3 countries you'll see parts kits from and are the exception to the rule

2. the old manuals are fine, they haven't changed since the regs were first released. None of those are required outside of the pin spanner if you have DIN first stages. Everything else makes it easier, but not required.
https://scuba-clinic-tools.com/collections/apeks-specialised-tools

I don't think you really need a magnehelic personally, but if you want to build one or buy one, then go for it.
https://scuba-clinic-tools.com/products/universal-mouthpiece-assembly?variant=11059984006
that helps quite a bit actually for convenience, though you can take an old mouthpiece and just put a hole in it and put some putty around it to seal it if you want to. Your call


If it were me? I'd try to flip the regs at market price to someone where DIY self service is a nonissue, and buy HOG, Deep6, Poseidon, Dive Rite, or vintage regs that are actually easy to get parts for. The first three have official sanctioned courses where they train you to rebuild their regulators, the fourth allows it and will freely sell parts kits, but do not train, and the vintage regs are a weird beast, but Vintage Double Hose has everything you'd need.

 

[bada3003]

1. the parts from NESS will fit, but are not from Apeks. The parts on ebay from Europe are not supposed to be sold outside of those countries because it violates the dealer agreements they have with Aqualung. You picked probably the second hardest brand to self service if you want real parts kits for them *worst is Hollis/Oceanic in my experience*. The official parts are only available to authorized trained service technicians, who also work for an authorized service center. No exceptions despite what some of the people on this forum will tell you. I have read the agreements, it is very explicit. You can do it, I have rebuilt Apeks regs before, but most people I know that still dive them have an unofficial connection through a dealer. I'm sure someone from Germany is going to pop in and say it's easy and he did it last week, but he lives in one of like 3 countries you'll see parts kits from and are the exception to the rule ...

Nonsense. DGX has been selling Hollis DCx service kits (and now parts) for a number of years now. I've been servicing my DC1 and DC4 regs without problems.

As to Apeks DST/DS4 regs, you can get 1st stage kits on ebay for $35+. Occasionally, you will get them cheaper. As you get more practice, you'll find more efficient means to procure the needed parts. The HP seat you can get from DGX (DR-RG1234). It used to cost $2.50 until recently (they increased the price to $5). The HOG D1 HP seat will work as well but couldn't find a good source. o-rings, get them from the o-ring store (you'll need to figure out their specs which isn't difficult to do). The third item that needs replacing, as needed, is the diaphragm which can leak if too worn. IME, not as frequently as HP seats (which cause IP creep) and o-rings but happens now and then. They're included in service kits (you can get by with the Hollis DC1 diaphragm). And I second on the usefulness of a second spanner (get the right size as eelpout noted). If you don't over-torque it, you won't need it. But just in case.

One final note. Servicing regs is not difficult. I started less than 3 years ago, the input by awap and others helped a lot. IME, regs will almost never kill you. But your diving skills may. Regs will leak, free flow, etc. at inopportune times. These events are manageable but you need the skills and awareness to do so. Apeks DST/DS4 are my favorite regs, super reliable workhorse. Enjoy!

 

[tbone1004]

@bada3003 call up a hollis dealer and ask them to sell them to you, it's against their company policy. How do I know? I have it in writing from Nick...

availability of parts kits on the gray market does not mean they are authorized

 

[tech3324]

Thoughts and comments will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

For a basic list of tools you can look at the tools recommended for the HOG Regulator Service Clinic: http://www.diverightinscuba.com/courses/technical-diving/service/Edge HOG Tools.pdf
Taking the HOG clinic would be good basic instruction for servicing other brands you own.

 

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