How To Diagnose A Leaking Scuba Regulator Second Stage

Scuba Diving Professional Jill Heinerth with tips on how to diagnose a leaking second stage of your regulator.
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[@seaturtle7777]

Thank you. On my last trip to West Palm Beach, I had some trouble with air exiting my second stage.

[@lucsvandam974]

Thank you Jill! Ordered a gage and will take it with me! I appreciate all the tips you make videos of!

[@andyprodive24]

O what are you going to do when the interstage pressure goes up...... Dive. Play around with the reg. Or pray.. A little bit of knowledge is dangerous. Good intentions. But can go wrong. 30 years in the trade and still learning.

[@S.u.n.n.y.D]

Thanks Jill! My Octo has been trailing bubbles for a while and I’ll try this out to see if it’s actually more of a 1st stage issue. I LOVED Into The Planet and appreciate continuing education videos from someone that’s experienced so much🥰

[@andyprodive24]

Don't practice. Have it checked by a pro. 😊

[@chrisphilhower6029]

On Aug 5 and 6 I had my OW Class at Willow Springs Park, Richland PA. My Dive Buddy had a small stream of Bubbles coming from his Yoke connection. Instructor Saw it. But we continued the Dives. We Turned the Dive when one hit 2k. It wasn't me every time. I manage to Sip the Air. This is the only time I have Dived. I am going to see about getting Advanced OW. I am Trying to Impress a Lady in my life!!!

[@jillfrank2275]

What if just my octo is free flowing but not my main? Any ideas?

[@JillHeinerth]

Generally, that would indicate that the octo itself needs service. A repair mechanic will first check the intermediate pressure to rule out an HP seat issue in the first stage. Then if that is okay, they will disassemble the second stage and likely replace the LP seat and readjust the cracking pressure to bring it within specification. It is a quick fix.

[@Boopadoop]

Hi Jill; I’m currently learning to service regulators and today I came across a diaphragm first stage where the line pressure was over 200 psi; the regulator was assembled as per manufacturer specs and I couldn’t notice any damage to the first stage… I have no idea what the issue is, have you seen this happen before?

[@JillHeinerth]

It will either be the HP seat or sometimes the actual volcanic orifice can be damaged. A small nick in the orifice can allow air to bypass and head downstream to cause bubbles in the second stage. Remember when the pressure is that high, you can stress the max spec for the LP hose. Be careful!

[@andyprodive24]

Ask the instructor who is teaching you. Depends on what system is used to set the interstage pressure....... You need to ask who is delivering the course. 250 psi working burst 1200 psi

[@Boopadoop]

@@JillHeinerth appreciate the advice Jill, thank you!

[@Boopadoop]

Update: the two springs making contact with the pressure chamber were incorrectly tensioned

[@jamesbach2021]

You have only told half the story.

[@andyprodive24]

She is totally wrong in what she is doing. Sounds like a sophist.

[@andyprodive24]

Why would you do this. A little bit of knowledge is dangerous, let the service technician sort. All you are doing is diagnosis of a low pressure leak or high pressure.... You will have divers Trying to do own servicing without the qualifications. You cannot breathe water. That would impress me. You are wrong in what you are doing. Half of the story....

[@JillHeinerth]

It is not my intention to suggest that people service their own regs, but I see lots of people jumping in the water with leaks that they deem as unserious. As I suggested, get a service tec to fix your reg and don't jump in the water with something that is not functioning properly.