Clean Your Second Stage - Scuba Tech Tips: S08E16

Many divers believe only a dive shop professional can open up their second stage. Alec shows the steps and tools needed to safely inspect and clean your second stage regulator.
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- Thin Wrench, $31 USD, SKU 20-100-500
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[@cobia40]

Great video. I also check the mouthpiece to make sure there are no tears. Sometimes there might be a tear by the zip tie or underneath it as well.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Yep. A torn mouthpiece is very common, especially if it's rubber. Thanks Jerry. Alec

[@karlmarx7450]

Thanks, Alec, Kevin, Norbert.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks Karl for your support. I hope you have a good New Year's Day dive. Take care. See you next year. Alec

[@williamallen809]

You are a real jewel to the scuba community Mr Pierce. Thank you.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

I appreciate that William. Just wanting to educate and entertain divers without BS ads or money requests.

[@anthonyguzman5685]

Damm I love this guy. He’s so freakin cool.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks Anthony.

[@ahurasong]

wow. really useful channel, thank you.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Glad you think so! A

[@Fret-knot]

You are the guru when it comes to scuba. Thanks for all the great tips and advice. Merry Christmas!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks for your support Simon. Have a good Christmas too. Alec

[@alaind831]

to clean the diaphragm and exhaust valve you really don't need to take the hose off, especially if you have one of those thin bolt and no special tool, but it's more convenient. Love the DIY.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Of course. I did that to make it easier and clearer. Probably better though so you can check the hose O-Rings and swivel. If it's time to clean the 2nd, best to check all over. Take care Alain. Alec

[@pierrekitts7089]

Wow, so informative to the point, and with humor..what a combination. Thank you Alec.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Glad you enjoyed it! A

[@dr.emrahdayioglu]

Dear Alec, thanks for your wonderful and helpful tips. Also many thanks to the contributors of this series, especially to Kevin. Could you please make some comments or a tech tip on filters, filters between 1st stage and primary second. Particularly considering the fact that; not every fill station obey stricktly the regulations and procedures about the breathable air quality contained in the cylinders (if I am not mistaking the requirements mentioned in EN 12021). Also some of these filters have the moisturing feature that humidifies the breathable air for the diver during a dive up to 30%-70%, that is the average atmospheric humidity level, and reduces dry throat symptoms of diving. In particular the freezing risk of the regulator system must be a serious consideration in using these kind of moisturing filters below temperatures 50 Fahrenheit degrees. As far as I know there are two brand names providing such kind of solutions, Aquatec (Series Guardian Air Filter Moisture System) and Apollo (Bio-Filter). Do you recommend to use such kind of filters and humidifires? Or will your recommendation be only using them just for filtering purposes to increase the air quality, not humidification? Or not to use them at all? Thanks in advance, and have a nice, happy new year. Greetings, Emrah

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks for your support Emrah. Generally, I'm not a big fan of aftermarket filters or moisturizers. If your factory 1st stage regulator filter is new or kept in good shape, adding an additional filter between the 1st and 2nd is of no value. Theoretically, it will have nothing to filter! There is the additional danger, perhaps remote, that an extra filter would get clogged or fail and reduce the air flow, particularly one that is in the low pressure system (2nd stage). It would not have high pressure to force air through a clogged filter. I'm sure that if you replace the factory filter regularly you'll have no problem. Likewise, moisturizers are an as-needed item. That is, unless you suffer from chronic dry mouth while diving, stay away from them. Not only do they require regular maintenance to avoid corrosion and scaling, but it's also another device in the air stream that can fail. As you have pointed out, that extra moisture can be a real problem, a disastrous problem potentially, in colder water. And adding water to the air stream can only increase the likelihood of faster breakdown of the reg internal parts. I'd say to stay away unless you need it. Take care. Alec

[@dr.emrahdayioglu]

Many thanks for your recommend Alec. I wish you and your loved ones a happy new year... :)

[@nobarakugisaki356]

many tanks sir alex for your tech tips

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Tanks to you for watching. Alec

[@nobarakugisaki356]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter lol , it was an unintended typo, i need a new keyboard for sure

[@HighCountryBK]

As always thank you for the tech tips Alec!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Hope they help Bryan. Thanks for your support. Alec

[@amcaesar]

Fantastic, Alec!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks for the support Bill. Alec

[@bristol8920]

Thanks for the Tech Tips Alec they are always appreciated, your videos are the best I have seen on YT...... keep posting em......

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Wow! That's quite a statement and I sure appreciate it. Realize that I'm NOT a professional and I'm just having fun. Alec

[@Der_lachende_Sachefish]

I´ve just found your channel and I have to say that your way of giving us tips and tricks is absolutely fun and friendly! Thanks for share your knowledge as you do, Alec.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

You welcome and thanks for watching. Alec

[@brucedelaty5037]

superb videos, thank you Mr Alec for your beneficial information

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks for watching Bruce. I hope something is useful to you. Alec

[@CUCABURRAAustralia]

Great video, thank you, Alec!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks for watching Roman. Hope it gave you some ideas. Alec

[@rgorji]

Another wonderful video; well explained and easy to follow,. Thanks.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thank you Reza. And thanks for your support this year. Alec

[@Cyjodev]

Always love so much your vids Alex ! Too bad I'm not living closer as I would have loved to get tech certified for maintenance of equipment by you ! Wishing you in advance a Merry Christmas and Happy new year !! all the best

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Speak to your LDS Joel. If they want to, they can sponsor you for a Factory Technical Course. Take care and have a great holiday. Alec

[@Cyjodev]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter Thanks !! And I will for sure ... just that it would have been so good to have you as a teacher ;) take good care Alec !

[@flaviamihai6884]

Very nice explanation! Thank you!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

You are welcome!

[@aerondt1]

Mares also uses a little pin to lock the screw on cap. Thanks for all the tips!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Several makes have an odd way to lock the 2nd stage. I'm not sure why. It's not like any intelligent person can't figure it out and the dumb ones will just bust it. Keep it simple. Take care. Alec

[@huuhaa9038]

Hi Alex, Thank you for yet another informative video. I have to add that many 2nd stages allows you to remove th exhaust wings quite easily. Then you can check and clean the exhaust valve wothout even removing the diaphram cover.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Yep. A lot of them just twist off which is really handy. Thanks. Alec

[@angelofraietta3156]

FANTASTIC.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Many thanks!

[@johnvanostrand5426]

A cut mouthpiece is another common reason for a wet breathing reg. I see lots of new divers setting down their scuba unit on top of their second stage by accident. If they get it just right (or wrong in this case) the tank cleaves the mouthpiece causing a tear.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

That was very common with rubber mouthpieces. The newer silicon ones are softer and more flexible but oddly, tougher and don't tear as easily. The cut usually occurs right where the mouthpiece bends at the edge of the regulator spigot - the part that sticks out that the mouthpiece fits onto. And you're quite right, dropping your regulator or sitting something on it will bend and crush the mouthpiece right there and weaken or tear it. Good point. Thanks. Alec

[@andreasraza4047]

Love this Videos 👍👍👍

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Glad you like them!

[@chelseylate649]

Alec love your videos. Thank you. Alot of your info helped me get through my scuba certification with more confidence and eas this past weekend. Your awesome. Just my 2 cents but tell keven its a pain in the butt going through your videos trying to find specific videos on your channel on tabs or phones. An idea maybe put the topic in words on your video cover picture. Save time when I'm showing a friend a certain video or info I learned. Hard to tell what video is what w so many great ones after watching a bunch they blind. Now I have to click on it then go back, click op not it go back. 10mins later o here it is. See turning the gauge away just points the blow out hole at me. I need to point the gauge this direction or blah blah blah... 😀. Just a little harder navigating through your videos. I find myself searching back and forth instead of injoying my Alec and Kevin. Reminds me of you talking about scuba before computers hehe. Thanks again great sir.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks for watching Chelsey. I'll be sure Kevin sees this and I'm certain he'll do what he can to improve the accessibility. I appreciate your input. Continued good luck with your diving. Alec

[@KevinSmith-hc4pc]

Hi Chelsey. Glad you like our videos. I'll look into possibly putting the title into the thumbnail. It has not been done in the past as the titles are sometimes long and would run into the important picture (of Alec!). I will do some mockups and let Alec decide if we include the title in Tech Tips starting with series #9. Keep sending your ideas Kevin

[@weerobot]

Awesome...

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks for watching. Glad you liked it. Alec

[@benheckendorn2696]

Hi Alec Have you ever thought about to write a little book about you tec tipps? There is so much we can learn from you. 👍

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

I did think about it but I'm so busy at the ranch and enjoying my retirement with KZbin, no time right now. Maybe some day when I actually get old!. A.

[@benheckendorn2696]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter well you would need to write it all at once, it doesn't need to be like 1200 pages. I would prefer to get two books: tec tips and one for vintage scuba, instead of one with 2000 pages. Secondly some tips don't need to be many pages long. Less is more, and if someone thinks they need more information, you could leave a note to all tipps and tricks which episode would give more information. I guess this would be perfect.

[@dmitriybogdanis1234]

Thanks for the tips! I wonder if you could share some knowledge on cleaning the threads (without ultrasound): what to use, how to do, how to dry.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Sure can. Look back on my videos on scuba tank valves (think its 2 back), I know we did several touching on threads for 1st, 2nd stage, tanks, HP/LP hoses to answer most questions. Thanks for watching.

[@scubasteveandunderwaterroc3547]

Hey alec love the video! But I heard back in the old days divers used to think that if you had a thicker wetsuit your chances of getting the bends is lower because apparently the pressure wouldn't go to you or something like that. Is this true? Because it definitely sounds like something they would think back in the day. Edit: also happy holidays!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

That's a neat idea but I never heard of that one. You're right though. It is something us old guys would think up. Take care. Alec

[@jamesinengland1961]

Hi Alec, Just a suggestion, do you think you could do one of your really helpful videos on servicing/maintenance of your bcd/wing. Including servicing the k-valve power inflator/deflator type valve and dump valves. What to do if you have a sticky inflator button etc. What to look for and how you can service it. Offer some insight on bcd servicing. Thanks James.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

I think I did that already but if not, we will. Alec

[@tylerdowling]

Alec, just wondering if you’d be willing to share how many dives you’ve completed in your career. Thanks!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

I've answered this same question a few times and can only say that, while considering me for the SSI Platinum Pro 5000 award, it was determined I have made about 6500 dives. I started diving in 1958 and have been diving every year since (61 years). Some years I made 500 dives; others maybe 100. It's not so much the numbers but the variety. I made many dives under the ice, thousands in deep, cold water and thousands more in tropical water - from Alaska to Fiji and everywhere in between. It's been a lot of fun. Thanks for watching. Alec

[@jedla01]

Hi Alec, I have to say for the special nuts having these ribs instead of flat nuts (like mine old Scubapro S600), these keys or 'spanners', I can't find it cheap as you said. The original Scubapro cost around 130-150 bucks :(

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Wow! Try eBay or maybe get a cheap one from your LDS. They do make them in hard plastic too. They seem ok. Good luck. Alec

[@geoffwaterman6560]

Thanks . Can you do a review of klymit emergency raft and how you get in it in the open sea? Interested in whether we can buy a rainwater collector/ sun shield for it? And if you think its a practical solution in rougher seas if separated from your boat?

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Hi Geoff. I know nothing about that raft. It looks neat though. I did see a dozen article and U-Tube videos reviews about it. Good luck. Alec

[@geoffwaterman6560]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter yes. But not reviewed by any diver i could see , for open sea use. Do you think becon and raft impractical?

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

It's only impractical until your dive boat sinks. Then, suddenly, it's practical. I really can't offer more than that. You'll have to decide. Let me know. Alec

[@davidevallieri7865]

Unfortunately I saw this video to late. I broke the body and throw the regulator 😂 Do we have to use some kind of detergent to clean the inside of the regulator?

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

If really dirty, and ultrasonic cleaner otherwise a good metal cleaner and small hands. A

[@omidn2876]

Thank for explain for it. Is that simlair first stage and second stage are same way clean up ?

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

The first stage is very different Armin and generally does not need cleaning, just the service kit.

[@omidn2876]

Ohhh I see. I didn’t know that for service kit? Where can I buy service kit?

[@Str8Flossin]

Alec, For general upkeep and prevention, is it OK to spray a food grade silicone spray on your second stage and into the mouthpiece after saltwater dives to prevent corrosion? I’m not talking about disassembling it and spraying it. You see conflicting opinions on the use of silicone spray. Thank you!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

The key word being "Food Grade" silicone, meaning its ok to ingest. No problem spraying into the 2nd stage, your LPI connector and oral inflator which don't get cleaned properly. Give it a shot Judson. A.

[@Str8Flossin]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter will do, much appreciated.

[@adamarsenault928]

Does that flat multi-wrench have a specific name? Looking for one online

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Here is where to find the "thin wrench" tool: www.scubatools.com/p-459-thin-wrench.aspx It can be ordered from Ebay: www.ebay.com/itm/Regulator-Scuba-Diving-Repair-Tool-Thin-Wrench-RT0243/293015707228

[@Teampegleg]

Scubapro's spline nut annoys me, the new design really doens't provide any room to get your wrench in there if you are using a larger fitting like an XS Swivel. I often have to resort to using a wrench and some cowhide, even though I have a special wrench for it.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Sometimes attempts to make a regulator better simply make it a nuisance. I don't really know where or why Scubapro started with that. It didn't use to be that way. Some non-diving designers idea I suspect. Take care. Alec

[@akant74]

Can someone link to the nut tool?

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Look at ScubaTools.com, www.scubatools.com/p-459-thin-wrench.aspx. This is what I used in the video but there are many similar styles. A