Replacing Regulator Hoses - Scuba Tech Tips: S10E14

[@angelofraietta3156]

All your videos are fantastic. I can see the years of knowledge and experience shows itself in the wisdom that you provide. Thank you so much!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

You are very welcome Angelo and thank for watching. A.

[@ronbeatty516]

You, sir, are a real scuba treasure. You are worth your weight in gold doubloons. Thanks as always for sharing your knowledge and wisdom. 😁

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Gee thanks Ron. I would gladly take 1/2 my weight in gold if you're offering! Alec

[@mikkosport2300]

Hi Alec. Thank you for good tech tip. One thing I would like to warn: if you mean to use your reg with nitrox, NEVER use silicon grease especially with hp parts, like spg. Use proper oxygen grease, like Crystolube. Otherwise the greased part may explode.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

That idea is largely overblown. There are many factors at play in an Enriched Air system. However, generally you are quite right. If using a regulator in EAN, use O2-compatible grease. Alec

[@rickkinney2544]

Entertaining and educational. Good video Alec.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Its like teaching a new driver to change a flat tire them-self. If you know your gear well you generally take better care of it. Alec

[@HWill-ol9lg]

Thank you and I looking forward to your continuing videos in 2020

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks, lots more to come this year. Alec

[@ernestlcolemanjr]

That warm water trick worked well. Thanks!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

You're welcome!

[@jackheart4948]

Hello Alec. I enjoy your videos. I’ve not replaced hoses on my regulator, but something occurred to me as I was watching your video. When you remove a hose from the first stage of a regulator with a second stage also attached to the hose, one might want to remove the second stage first, so your second stage is not flopping around while you are unscrewing the hose from the first stage. Additionally, if you replace a new hose, you might want to attach the first stage, first. Your second stage won’t be flopping around as you screw in the hose. Finally, after you attach the new hose to the first stage, one could blow some air through the hose, from the attached tank, removing any dust or manufacturing debris before attaching the second stage. Removing the most distal device first would apply to all low and high pressure hoses on the first stage.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Good points Jack. As a long time service technician it does not bother me having the 2nd stage connected, I follow a consistent process for all regulators. Not shown but part of hose replacements is the full air test to clear dust and test for free flow and leaks. You sound like a guy familiar with a wrench where most young divers never had shop classes. Thanks for watching. Alec

[@craigblanch2767]

Alec you are a champion

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks for watching Craig. Alec

[@Bierstadt54]

Thanks Alec.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks for watching. Alec

[@carlosfuentes5025]

Great video👌🏼

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks Carlos. Alec

[@perolovson1715]

Thanks for Your informative videos. Q: How do I get the right length of my hoses? With whom do I speak to get custom length hoses?

[@alaind831]

most online places (like leisurepro) will sell HP/LP flex hoses in many lengths - the "Blue Reef High Pressure Flex Hose" for example comes in 6",9",22"-40" with 2" increments so you can find exactly what you need. Easiest to use your existing hoses and see if you need longer or shorter from that... else use a measuring tape and try to set your BCD/rig and measure the approximate length (better to be longer than shorter IMO). TIP: don't get leisurepro "silver" hoses - they are stainless steel which will have strand breaking over time and cause VERY sharp strand to cut you like butter - I ended up tossing mine and re-ordering the black nylon ones instead.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Right Alain. In fact, you can order hoses in any length you want - not just the cut lengths. Check the catalog at www.tridentdive.com . It can get expensive so try to work with the stock sizes. Alec

[@chiranagheorghitaeugeniuth98]

Alec, every diver should know where each hose goes with eyes shut :))))

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

It's taught in Open Water classes but some divers ignore regular scuba maintenance but never forget an expensive oil change. Thanks. Alec

[@chiranagheorghitaeugeniuth98]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter Yeah I know. Recently I had a instructor not knowing what a oxy-clean means and he jumped off the boat without regulator in his mouth. So we can expect all sort of hillbilly's.... even in this sport

[@LacayoDe]

Hey Alex I tried yesterday a crazy full mask from ocean reef that has a comunicator so scuba divers can talk to each other.. Please I want to know your opinion on this new technology.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Full face masks have been around a looooong time, Google the Visionaire by Scubapro or watch my video on it Vintage Scuba S04E02. I'll add your request to my idea's list as it is a growing more popular each year. As a married man, do you want to hear your wife/buddy talk underwater also?? Thanks for watching. Alec

[@malcolmtaylor111]

I changed out my hoses to flex hoses a while back, I had to get a special tool for the Scubapro hoses. I’m happier now that it’s just a standard wrench to change hoses. If you can ditch proprietary things for standard, that’s worth doing.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Same as before. Alec

[@malcolmtaylor111]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter Hey, that wasn't supposed to post twice!

[@Calmeisterable]

Hi Alec, I have been enjoying your videos. I have noticed that sometimes the insert in tank valves for the Din/yoke converter can be dented near where the Allen key should go. Should they be like this or are they just easily damaged? Is it a problem if they are dented? I've noticed it before on rental tanks but I've just noticed my new steel tank valve has been dented there too.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Tank valves get damaged a lot due to the constant fill, move to the boat, dive, back to the store, fill, repeat. Denting around the hex nut is not a problem and these can be replaced quickly and cheaply. There should be no dents or damage where the yoke O-ring attaches as it is the O-ring holding 3,000 psi back, not the screw pressure. When in doubt, take it to your local dive store for the service pro to examine. Save diving. Alec

[@Cyjodev]

Thanks again Alec !! Always so good to watch you ... quick question for you, I got an OTS spectrum FFM and I wonder if I add a quick connect and a swivel before my mask (as my mk25 s600 50th edition is used with my mask) could it be bad ? Any danger or tips ?

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Adding a swivel should not be a problem as it is secured with wrenches. Quick disconnects of your primary air supply should be careful considered along with your backup in case of a failure or accidental disconnect. Best discuss it with your local dive store service professional before making changes. Alec

[@michaelclarke8972]

Some swivels are straight, as in the video and some have an extra band halfway along. Are they interchangeable and, if not, why not?

[@matthewhignite]

I think some are built in to the reg i think check with your local dive store on that you can buy like omni swivel or like xs scuba has dual swivel hoses

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Many are brand specific and cannot be exchanged. Usually the after-market models are interchangeable. Alec

[@matthewhignite]

Alec should someone carry spare hose in there save a dive kit or not

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

If your reg is regularly inspected and/or serviced, I'd say there is no need. The unthinkable can happen but it's tough to prepare for all of the the unthinkables! Alec

[@JimmyJo-ol9lp]

People should buy there regular from a local dive shop and not online. Because the online people may not be licensed to sell that regular but they bought a lot of them from a dealer who went under. Now that person who bought that regulator online really can’t get the parts for free when you have to get it serviced as per the manufacture states for there product. I always buy our regulators, bcds, and computers from a local dive shop. It’s nice to get to know the people who either own or work at a dive shop so u can see how they take care of stuff even when you dive with them. Dive safe y’all

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Agree Will. Look for my past video about Online vs Local, has good tips for those who think one or the other is the only way to go.

[@angadrr]

I love these tech tips! I have a question, the myflex hp hose has a bigger bore compared to the scubapro rubber hose that connects to my dive computer (scubapro aladin h). Do you foresee any issues if i switch to the myflex hp hose?

[@alaind831]

weird, most of the HP flex hoses I've used are much smaller diameter than the old rubber hoses (much less material) so exactly the opposite, which makes then harder to clip. You way want to try a thinner one like "Blue Reef High Pressure Flex Hose" I mentioned above. Quite cheaper than myflex too at

[@owenmougenot712]

Hi Angadmy understanding of the very small diameter hole is to restrict the loss of air from the tank if the hose or gauge breaks, gives you a bit more time to head up or find your buddy before all the air runs out. The gauge or dive computer requires virtually no air so the small hole is fine. Your new hose may not provide that same safety factor. I think Alec says the same thing in his past tech tip on hoses S06-E16. Hope this helps Owen m

[@matthewhignite]

Xs scuba has a flex hose for hp

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Right guys. Thanks for stepping in with good advice. I have been more than bit tied up lately. Generally an HP hose has a smaller diameter and much smaller holes at both ends - 1st stage and SPG/Computer. It doesn't matter. Even a tiny hose will suffice. There is no air flow. Only pressure so the hole can be tiny. Alec

[@HypnoticAbyss]

pull back rubber to reveal nuts! got it.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

I didn't think of that but, your right.

[@jacquespoirier9071]

Fine overview, my question is about the O ring lubrication, everytime I splitted an O ring, the cause was because it was dry so when you say to not lubricate the O rings fitted on the ORB fittings at the regulator end of every hose, this leave me a bit perplex, Everytime i install or reinstall a regulator hose or any O ring based fitting, I use a bit of lubricant on the O ring ( just wetting it )to make sure that the O ring is not distorted or sheared and slips at it's right place

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

O-Rings today are extremely durable and should last for several years without any deterioration. All O-Rings are replaced at annual or bi-annual service. All factory service kits come with a complete set of regulator O-rings for that very reason. If you have had an O-Ring split because it was dried out, it was LONG overdue for replacement. So, not meaning to insult you, it's not an O-Ring issue. It's a service issue. Alec

[@jacquespoirier9071]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter my comment covers much more than diving regulators, for sure, the movement of rotary joints is very limited on a diving regulator so lubricating is not mandatory but it is a good insurance. I saw split o-rings on hydraulic O ring boss fittings and on screwed cylinder caps. I know well that the majority of mechanics and assemblers do dry assemblies but if you have to disassemble later it is often an headhache, for that reason , when I have to specify an assembly procedure, thread protection and general lubrication is clearly specified and it a part of the quality control procedure.

[@ivoryjohnson4662]

You mind covering cleaning DIN regulators

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

I'll add that to my idea's list. Alec

[@LK-vv4cn]

To show you the power of flex hoses. I tie a knot in them.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

I wouldn't recommend you do it while diving but, it can be done. Alec

[@malcolmtaylor111]

I changed out my hoses to flex hoses a while back, I had to get a special tool for the Scubapro hoses. I’m happier now that it’s just a standard wrench to change hoses. If you can ditch proprietary things for standard, that’s worth doing.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Does simplify your toolbox Malcolm. Glad you like them. Alec