DIY O2 Cleaning and Unit Servicing

**PhilSiswick** · 30th October 2007, 16:14

As a breakaway from Tino's post on the Rebreather Accidents thread and with the onset of the dark winter months, I've been musing on how easy it would be to do my own servicing.

As far as I can see, there are four key elements to the unit (from a servicing point of view):

- The head, handset, HUD and tempstik. I'm not touching those - they can go back to APD. Whether it is worth having them serviced in the absence of problems is another question
- The loop. As far as I can see, that's a matter of general cleaning and cleaning/replacement of o-rings as necessary. I'm comfortable with that
- The regulators (two first stages, ADV, AutoAir and BOV). I assume that, with the right tools, the service manuals from APD (and the internet for the Paragon), and an element of care and attention, I could do this. Is it worth it though? I only got my OC regs serviced every 5 years or so - do I need to get these serviced any more often?
- O2 cleaning the cylinders. Is it still possible to get qualified to do this and get VIP stickers in the UK? I'm sure it used to be, but can't find any reference to anyone doing it now

I hope some of you can help, particularly with the O2 cleaning question. My favoured dive shop has closed and I now have a very long drive to get them done by someone I trust.

Many thanks in advance,

**Fun Under Pressure** · 30th October 2007, 18:31

[quote=PhilSiswick;147084]As a breakaway from Tino's post on the Rebreather Accidents thread and with the onset of the dark winter months, I've been musing on how easy it would be to do my own servicing.

As far as I can see, there are four key elements to the unit (from a servicing point of view):

- The head, handset, HUD and tempstik. I'm not touching those - they can go back to APD. Whether it is worth having them serviced in the absence of problems is another question
- The loop. As far as I can see, that's a matter of general cleaning and cleaning/replacement of o-rings as necessary.

I think your are right here above.

I serviced my OC regs every 250 Dive´s. I do it my self so i safe money for the technican.
I dive now DS4 1st stage´s at my classic, the service all 2 years should be enough, i think, when i must servicing the valve´s i do a o2 cleaning with the valve´s but not with the tank´s.
When you fill by your self or you trust your dive/fill center so one cleaning should be enough. I done a nitrox course befor 2 years (15 students) i does not have enough o2 clean tanks and so i use 10 "normal/not o2 cleaned tanks". No problems. My nitrox instructor said:...the secret is to fill the o2 very slowly in the tank....!!!

I hope you understand what i mean. My english

Cheers Markku

PeteS · 30th October 2007, 21:11

Quote: (Originally Posted by PhilSiswick)

- The head, handset, HUD and tempstik. I'm not touching those - they can go back to APD. Whether it is worth having them serviced in the absence of problems is another question

Agreed. There is very little you can do with them.

Quote: (Originally Posted by PhilSiswick)

- The loop. As far as I can see, that's a matter of general cleaning and cleaning/replacement of o-rings as necessary. I'm comfortable with that

Agreed. Common sense rules.

Quote: (Originally Posted by PhilSiswick)

- The regulators (two first stages, ADV, AutoAir and BOV). I assume that, with the right tools, the service manuals from APD (and the internet for the Paragon), and an element of care and attention, I could do this. Is it worth it though? I only got my OC regs serviced every 5 years or so - do I need to get these serviced any more often?

Service the first stages if your IP drifts. I made the tools to do the servicing on the Apex 1st stages. Take your time doing the work, it's not hard, after all, dive shops manage it! O2 cleaning? Dishwasher. The ADV and AutoAir could be treated to some new O rings every now and then.

Quote: (Originally Posted by PhilSiswick)

- O2 cleaning the cylinders. Is it still possible to get qualified to do this and get VIP stickers in the UK? I'm sure it used to be, but can't find any reference to anyone doing it now

As to qualified? hmmmmm. But there was someone with some stickers..... And if you fill your own and you know the history of each cylinder why bother. After all, BOC only clean every ten years. It's only the scuba "industry" that seem to do otherwise. Money perhaps? Or do they fill our tanks with dirty gas? I'll climb off my soap box now.....

But with servicing generally I tend to work on an "If it aint broke don't fix it" system

Dive!Dive! · 30th October 2007, 21:52

Hmmm
Like many people on here I had some very bad experiences of getting regs serviced in my early OC days - stuff coming back worse than when it went in etc.
I now do all my own regs. Check the IP regularly, and do a complete rebuild every 2 years unless I have a problem earlier. I have all Apeks and you can easily find the service instructions on the web. I would strongly reccomend a decent ultrasonic bath and some tools (Peter Built in the US do a whole range at resonable prices). It's not difficult if you take your time. For me, it was never about cost, more about knowing it was done right, and moreover, being able to service one at my convenience. Having done a few now, I'd be confident of doing one in the field as well if necessary. I dont see why any of the mechanical bits of a Rebreather should be any different - its all fairly basic stuff. The electronics / handsets are different of course (except cells) and i wouldnt touch those.
O2 cleaning. Get a copy of the Oxyhacker book - loads of really good common sense advice. I do all my own tanks - easy really - pay attention to the valves. I put my own stickers on - not claiming they have been done elsewhere, just that they have been done in accordance with industry standards (which they have), even if those standards are bizzare, being time based rather than taking any account of how many fills, of what quality etc. I do them once a year.

Steve

**DeepBlueInnovation** · 30th October 2007, 23:02

Whilst I can't comment on the inspiration, I think your comments as a general rule hold true. I service my own gear so that I know it has been done correctly - I have encountered a number of situations over the years where a diver's gear has worked fine until they sent it in for servicing....

Points I would make:

Get trained. I don't care whether that involves a certification or not, but understand why things need to be done.
Buy the right gear - the suggestion was made about Peter Built above - they make fantastic products.
Don't pay attention to people who suggest that running parts through a dishwasher constitutes 02 cleaning - they scare me.

Personally I 02 clean and service my regs at least every 12 months.

Cheers,

Ben.

PeteS · 31st October 2007, 07:32

Quote: (Originally Posted by DeepBlueInnovation)

Don't pay attention to people who suggest that running parts through a dishwasher constitutes 02 cleaning - they scare me.

Personally I 02 clean and service my regs at least every 12 months.

Why?

**PhilSiswick** · 31st October 2007, 08:39

Thanks everyone. The good news (for me) is that I'm pretty much on the right lines. I'll do a condition check of the loop after my last dive of the year and, if it looks necessary, get new O-rings. The head can stay unserviced until I have any problems.

I'll keep checking the IP and general condition of the regs and only get them serviced if they need it. I'm going to look into doing it myself - does anyone know whether APD do a service manual for them (I have the APD first stages, rather than Apeks DSxs).

O2 cleaning remains a challenge. I don't fill myself and I use a range of dive shops/boats, so need to be 'legal' to ensure getting a fill. Looks like I'll need to pucker up and take the hit of the cost of cleaning those. I'm going to look into getting a booster and shop compressor, but that'll take a little while.

Many thanks again - a wonderful help.

Cheers,

bazlowes · 31st October 2007, 18:59

Hi
If you're looking at doing a course, I did an O2 technicians course at Bristol Channel diving. Really good practical course that qualifies you to O2 clear regulators and cylinders.

Baz

**DeepBlueInnovation** · 31st October 2007, 22:45

Quote: (Originally Posted by PeteS)

Why?

Because a dishwasher will not sufficiently remove hydrocarbons as to effectively constitute oxygen clean.

While there are a number of worthy alternatives product wise to ardrox biox et al, their primary purpose is to remove hydrocarbons through acidic breakdown of corrosion, and detergent based removal of grease/dirt. Ideally an ultrasonic bath will remove these from hard to reach areas, however this is not essential and oxygen cleaning can be done without.

So even if you can get the correct cleaning solution/s into the dishwasher, a dishwasher is not going to sufficiently clean all the nooks and crannies. They are also not going to rinse products sufficiently.

"But it has worked for me" you say - well it will until it doesn't. If you can guarantee that adiabatic compression will never occur with your gear, or it will never get hot enough, then you can have your gear as dirty as you want. As for me, I have seen the results of an oxygen fire in a compressor, and smelt the toxic fumes emitted, and it is not something I want happening to my gear.

oh, and you won't necessarily know that a small oxygen fire has occurred - you will just be breathing those lovely toxic fumes. Viton is wonderful stuff.

Cheers,

Ben.

<Evangelical mode off

>

**PhilSiswick** · 1st November 2007, 08:18

Quote: (Originally Posted by bazlowes)

Hi
If you're looking at doing a course, I did an O2 technicians course at Bristol Channel diving. Really good practical course that qualifies you to O2 clear regulators and cylinders.

Baz

Many thanks - I'll follow up with them. That sounds like what I need.

Cheers,

30th October 2007, 16:14	#1 (permalink)
PhilSiswick WSKD 0001 Current Rebreather/s: Evolution Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Vision Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Oxford, UK Posts: 884	DIY O2 Cleaning and Unit Servicing As a breakaway from Tino's post on the Rebreather Accidents thread and with the onset of the dark winter months, I've been musing on how easy it would be to do my own servicing. As far as I can see, there are four key elements to the unit (from a servicing point of view): - The head, handset, HUD and tempstik. I'm not touching those - they can go back to APD. Whether it is worth having them serviced in the absence of problems is another question - The loop. As far as I can see, that's a matter of general cleaning and cleaning/replacement of o-rings as necessary. I'm comfortable with that - The regulators (two first stages, ADV, AutoAir and BOV). I assume that, with the right tools, the service manuals from APD (and the internet for the Paragon), and an element of care and attention, I could do this. Is it worth it though? I only got my OC regs serviced every 5 years or so - do I need to get these serviced any more often? - O2 cleaning the cylinders. Is it still possible to get qualified to do this and get VIP stickers in the UK? I'm sure it used to be, but can't find any reference to anyone doing it now I hope some of you can help, particularly with the O2 cleaning question. My favoured dive shop has closed and I now have a very long drive to get them done by someone I trust. Many thanks in advance, __________________ Phil No comment on open circuit... it's an evolutionary dead end not really worth discussing here. Dave Sutton, 2007 I have always felt that the dive I am on is not nearly important as the dives I plan to be on the rest of my life. Tom Rose, 2007 www.hugsac.org.uk
(Offline)

30th October 2007, 18:31	#2 (permalink)
Fun Under Pressure Supporting Member Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Germany Posts: 594	Re: DIY O2 Cleaning and Unit Servicing [quote=PhilSiswick;147084]As a breakaway from Tino's post on the Rebreather Accidents thread and with the onset of the dark winter months, I've been musing on how easy it would be to do my own servicing. As far as I can see, there are four key elements to the unit (from a servicing point of view): - The head, handset, HUD and tempstik. I'm not touching those - they can go back to APD. Whether it is worth having them serviced in the absence of problems is another question - The loop. As far as I can see, that's a matter of general cleaning and cleaning/replacement of o-rings as necessary. I think your are right here above. I serviced my OC regs every 250 Dive´s. I do it my self so i safe money for the technican. I dive now DS4 1st stage´s at my classic, the service all 2 years should be enough, i think, when i must servicing the valve´s i do a o2 cleaning with the valve´s but not with the tank´s. When you fill by your self or you trust your dive/fill center so one cleaning should be enough. I done a nitrox course befor 2 years (15 students) i does not have enough o2 clean tanks and so i use 10 "normal/not o2 cleaned tanks". No problems. My nitrox instructor said:...the secret is to fill the o2 very slowly in the tank....!!! I hope you understand what i mean. My english Cheers Markku
(Offline)

30th October 2007, 21:11	#3 (permalink)
PeteS Consent Issued! Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Inspiration Vision Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: New Zealand Posts: 511	Re: DIY O2 Cleaning and Unit Servicing Quote: (Originally Posted by PhilSiswick) - The head, handset, HUD and tempstik. I'm not touching those - they can go back to APD. Whether it is worth having them serviced in the absence of problems is another question Agreed. There is very little you can do with them. Quote: (Originally Posted by PhilSiswick) - The loop. As far as I can see, that's a matter of general cleaning and cleaning/replacement of o-rings as necessary. I'm comfortable with that Agreed. Common sense rules. Quote: (Originally Posted by PhilSiswick) - The regulators (two first stages, ADV, AutoAir and BOV). I assume that, with the right tools, the service manuals from APD (and the internet for the Paragon), and an element of care and attention, I could do this. Is it worth it though? I only got my OC regs serviced every 5 years or so - do I need to get these serviced any more often? Service the first stages if your IP drifts. I made the tools to do the servicing on the Apex 1st stages. Take your time doing the work, it's not hard, after all, dive shops manage it! O2 cleaning? Dishwasher. The ADV and AutoAir could be treated to some new O rings every now and then. Quote: (Originally Posted by PhilSiswick) - O2 cleaning the cylinders. Is it still possible to get qualified to do this and get VIP stickers in the UK? I'm sure it used to be, but can't find any reference to anyone doing it now As to qualified? hmmmmm. But there was someone with some stickers..... And if you fill your own and you know the history of each cylinder why bother. After all, BOC only clean every ten years. It's only the scuba "industry" that seem to do otherwise. Money perhaps? Or do they fill our tanks with dirty gas? I'll climb off my soap box now..... But with servicing generally I tend to work on an "If it aint broke don't fix it" system __________________ Pete S. http://www.steggle.co.nz Every silver lining has a cloud
(Online)

30th October 2007, 21:52	#4 (permalink)
Dive!Dive! New Member Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Somerset, UK Posts: 93	Re: DIY O2 Cleaning and Unit Servicing Hmmm Like many people on here I had some very bad experiences of getting regs serviced in my early OC days - stuff coming back worse than when it went in etc. I now do all my own regs. Check the IP regularly, and do a complete rebuild every 2 years unless I have a problem earlier. I have all Apeks and you can easily find the service instructions on the web. I would strongly reccomend a decent ultrasonic bath and some tools (Peter Built in the US do a whole range at resonable prices). It's not difficult if you take your time. For me, it was never about cost, more about knowing it was done right, and moreover, being able to service one at my convenience. Having done a few now, I'd be confident of doing one in the field as well if necessary. I dont see why any of the mechanical bits of a Rebreather should be any different - its all fairly basic stuff. The electronics / handsets are different of course (except cells) and i wouldnt touch those. O2 cleaning. Get a copy of the Oxyhacker book - loads of really good common sense advice. I do all my own tanks - easy really - pay attention to the valves. I put my own stickers on - not claiming they have been done elsewhere, just that they have been done in accordance with industry standards (which they have), even if those standards are bizzare, being time based rather than taking any account of how many fills, of what quality etc. I do them once a year. Steve
(Offline)

30th October 2007, 23:02	#5 (permalink)
DeepBlueInnovation Prism #007 Current Rebreather/s: Prism Topaz Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Perth, Western Australia Posts: 312	Re: DIY O2 Cleaning and Unit Servicing Whilst I can't comment on the inspiration, I think your comments as a general rule hold true. I service my own gear so that I know it has been done correctly - I have encountered a number of situations over the years where a diver's gear has worked fine until they sent it in for servicing.... Points I would make: Get trained. I don't care whether that involves a certification or not, but understand why things need to be done. Buy the right gear - the suggestion was made about Peter Built above - they make fantastic products. Don't pay attention to people who suggest that running parts through a dishwasher constitutes 02 cleaning - they scare me. Personally I 02 clean and service my regs at least every 12 months. Cheers, Ben.
(Offline)

31st October 2007, 07:32	#6 (permalink)
PeteS Consent Issued! Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Inspiration Vision Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: New Zealand Posts: 511	Re: DIY O2 Cleaning and Unit Servicing Quote: (Originally Posted by DeepBlueInnovation) Don't pay attention to people who suggest that running parts through a dishwasher constitutes 02 cleaning - they scare me. Personally I 02 clean and service my regs at least every 12 months. Why? __________________ Pete S. http://www.steggle.co.nz Every silver lining has a cloud
(Online)

31st October 2007, 08:39	#7 (permalink)
PhilSiswick WSKD 0001 Current Rebreather/s: Evolution Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Vision Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Oxford, UK Posts: 884	Re: DIY O2 Cleaning and Unit Servicing Thanks everyone. The good news (for me) is that I'm pretty much on the right lines. I'll do a condition check of the loop after my last dive of the year and, if it looks necessary, get new O-rings. The head can stay unserviced until I have any problems. I'll keep checking the IP and general condition of the regs and only get them serviced if they need it. I'm going to look into doing it myself - does anyone know whether APD do a service manual for them (I have the APD first stages, rather than Apeks DSxs). O2 cleaning remains a challenge. I don't fill myself and I use a range of dive shops/boats, so need to be 'legal' to ensure getting a fill. Looks like I'll need to pucker up and take the hit of the cost of cleaning those. I'm going to look into getting a booster and shop compressor, but that'll take a little while. Many thanks again - a wonderful help. Cheers, __________________ Phil No comment on open circuit... it's an evolutionary dead end not really worth discussing here. Dave Sutton, 2007 I have always felt that the dive I am on is not nearly important as the dives I plan to be on the rest of my life. Tom Rose, 2007 www.hugsac.org.uk
(Offline)

31st October 2007, 18:59	#8 (permalink)
bazlowes New Member Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Alford Posts: 27	Re: DIY O2 Cleaning and Unit Servicing Hi If you're looking at doing a course, I did an O2 technicians course at Bristol Channel diving. Really good practical course that qualifies you to O2 clear regulators and cylinders. Baz
(Online)

31st October 2007, 22:45	#9 (permalink)
DeepBlueInnovation Prism #007 Current Rebreather/s: Prism Topaz Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Perth, Western Australia Posts: 312	Re: DIY O2 Cleaning and Unit Servicing Quote: (Originally Posted by PeteS) Why? Because a dishwasher will not sufficiently remove hydrocarbons as to effectively constitute oxygen clean. While there are a number of worthy alternatives product wise to ardrox biox et al, their primary purpose is to remove hydrocarbons through acidic breakdown of corrosion, and detergent based removal of grease/dirt. Ideally an ultrasonic bath will remove these from hard to reach areas, however this is not essential and oxygen cleaning can be done without. So even if you can get the correct cleaning solution/s into the dishwasher, a dishwasher is not going to sufficiently clean all the nooks and crannies. They are also not going to rinse products sufficiently. "But it has worked for me" you say - well it will until it doesn't. If you can guarantee that adiabatic compression will never occur with your gear, or it will never get hot enough, then you can have your gear as dirty as you want. As for me, I have seen the results of an oxygen fire in a compressor, and smelt the toxic fumes emitted, and it is not something I want happening to my gear. oh, and you won't necessarily know that a small oxygen fire has occurred - you will just be breathing those lovely toxic fumes. Viton is wonderful stuff. Cheers, Ben. <Evangelical mode off >
(Offline)

1st November 2007, 08:18	#10 (permalink)
PhilSiswick WSKD 0001 Current Rebreather/s: Evolution Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Vision Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Oxford, UK Posts: 884	Re: DIY O2 Cleaning and Unit Servicing Quote: (Originally Posted by bazlowes) Hi If you're looking at doing a course, I did an O2 technicians course at Bristol Channel diving. Really good practical course that qualifies you to O2 clear regulators and cylinders. Baz Many thanks - I'll follow up with them. That sounds like what I need. Cheers, __________________ Phil No comment on open circuit... it's an evolutionary dead end not really worth discussing here. Dave Sutton, 2007 I have always felt that the dive I am on is not nearly important as the dives I plan to be on the rest of my life. Tom Rose, 2007 www.hugsac.org.uk
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