Replacing Hose O-Rings - Scuba Tech Tips: S07E10

[@johnkranenburg]

Very nice channel Alec! Thank you for sharing all your experience with us. I have started scuba diving 6 months ago, got my open water now. Since I have found your channel, I am watching 1 video per day. Which really really helps me to learn a lot more about scuba diving. Keep up the good work!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Welcome to the wonderful and weird world of scuba diving. That's wonderful underwater and weird people!! You'll love it. Thanks for watching. Alec

[@raymondburelle3425]

Alec love the videos thank you for all the tips itbmakes my day when I see a new posting take care Kevin great work as always buddy keep it up

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks again Raymond. Alec

[@martinbachmann6283]

It was great to review this instructional-video once again Alec; I had forgotten the: "This is NOT a wheel-bearing, folks!" funny crack you made.... I CHOKED on a sip of my beer when I heard that again!?

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Glad it was helpful and funny Martin. Sorry about the beer. A

[@kidwithbrownhair]

Thanks Alec, you seem to nail the small details of scuba that were not touched on in my training. Now I dont have to guess.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

I'm trying Kid. There is so much to learn, so much to know. I have been an active scuba diver for almost 60 years and am still amazed at what I don't know! I'm glad you picked up some ideas. Thanks for watching. Alec

[@elrockero30]

I am so thnks full of all the series of tech tips. I have learned a lot with you. Thkns for all you are doing, thnks Kevin too. I am from Puerto Rico, Caribbean. Big hug!!!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks for watching. I'm glad you're enjoying them. Alec

[@coordinatorsts.freereg2777]

Alec You stated about the pressure gauge end of the HP hose but some of these use swivel pins with o-rings at each end.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Quite right. There is a swivel on the free end of a HP hose so the gauge will turn. But those O-Rings,(there's 2 of them) are on the swivel pin, not the hose. I think I talked about swivel pins already. If not I'll do so. Thanks. Alec

[@clarkeysam]

Alec Peirce Scuba you already have done a video on the swivel pin.

[@LarsSveen]

I love the flex hoses for the most part. The only down side is that I can't visually inspect the hose for cracking. With traditional hoses, I'll toss them when I start to see cracks forming. With flex hoses I'm not sure when I should toss them.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

It is harder to see any faults. The nylon doesn't show cracks or wear. Manufacturers suggest changing all hoses every 3-5 years which is pretty frequently in my experience. I know hoses that are still good after 15-20 years if kept clean, dry and protected from sun and air. Try running your finger over the length of the hose every once in a while. Any loose or broken strands of nylon will catch on your skin. And of course look carefully at the ends and into the core too. If it looks clean and smooth, it's probably OK. Alec

[@chrisphilhower6029]

Thank You Alec. I'm New to Diving. And in the process of buying my own gear. Already purchased a Genesis Prana Reg and Octo. I'm getting a Sherwood 3 Gauge Console next. I was wondering if I should Grease the O-Ring before installing on the HP Port?? I have a tub of Seasoft Lube. Just make sure the O-Ring has a Sheen and a drop on the Threads. Hand tighten.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Welcome to a long future of diving. O-rings on 1st and 2nd stage don't need lube. Usually hand tightening with a little wrench extra will lock any hose in place. See my video on what happens when too much force is used. A

[@christopherwalewangko6731]

Thx @@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter for addressing the lube matter on hoses. I was just wondering about this matter myself as i just got a new LP inflator hose to install on my Aqualung 1st stage. New subscriber here and loving your contents.

[@kadrik0]

Just what I needed. I don’t do a lot of do it yourself in regards to scuba. About all I do is the rinsing of gear, prepping a mask, and servicing my scuba computer’s o-ring and battery. I had videos of servicing my own OCi and transmitter but what they didn’t cover was the hp port o-ring on the transmitter. I just picked up a plastic o-ring pick and one of those bullet tools for the hp o-ring. Everything else I leave to the lds.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Sounds like you're on top of things. Have fun. Alec

[@jeffgreenfield4174]

A small section of heat shrink tubing shrunk down over the threads of the end of the hose that screws into the first stage makes a decent substitute for an o-ring bullet to protect the o-ring from the sharp threads.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Neat idea. Never thought of that. Thanks. Alec

[@owenmougenot712]

hi Alec. Interesting the little pics and jigs that you use for the different tasks. As a maintenance guy for 30+ years one thing I have learned is" always change the rubber" be it O rings, drive belts or hoses, whenever you do a rebuild it is always a good idea to change these relatively cheap parts (and order spares). You mentioned the standard type was neoprene ,Buna types can also be used just keep them out of the sun until installed, I have found that there is a harder rubber version of O ring (Viton) that works well on high pressure fittings and hoses that might be leaking slightly with the softer type. We always used these mostly for high pressure hydraulic applications that also run very hot, sometimes 200 deg F continuously. Keep the Info coming we are never too old to learn something new. Thanks Owen M

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Right Owen. In any service, scuba or otherwise, it's bad policy to try to 'save' replaceable parts. You just have to service again soon. O-Rings come in dozens of different material and characteristics. I always use the manufacturers original replacement parts. It might cost a few cents more but they work and last longer. In the end, it's cheaper - and safer. Take care. Alec

[@bertsimpsan]

love your channel

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Me too. I mean I love your comment Bert. Alec

[@alaind831]

must be the 3rd episode on flexy tubes.. guess you really like them :) amazing how you can even learn something about replacing a simple o-ring... made the mistake to use silicon grease on a light switch mechanism thinking it would help, but wonder if it make it leak on my first dive. will see now that I cleaned it dry... not a high pressure slip issue, so maybe it's ok...

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

It's natural. We've been taught that lots of grease is good. Nope! Take care Alain. alec

[@blaire8288]

Hi Alec. First of all thanks for the awesome Channel. Kevin and yourself have produced some amazing content! Do you have any suggestions for choosing a BCD for a Heavy set Person? I have seen online lots of references to a Back plate and wing but don't know much about them. Are jacket styles off the table? Looking at about 265 pounds 5 ft 9 inches. Thanks again and cheers from B.C

[@raymondburelle3425]

Blair E they make jacket styles for all shapes and sizes tbh I love my backplate and wing the benefit of the wing and harness is I don't get a squeeze on my belly and my harness makes my tanks a part of me rather then on me it's a more expensive setup but in my opinion it is well worth it I would suggest talking to your local dive shop about different options as well as trying on different styles

[@Official_Blair]

thanks for the Reply :) Will check it out!

[@hendroheng7782]

Love your channel. Could you show how to replace ORing in LPI hose the QDC Side ?? thank you very much. Regards from Indonesia

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

I will add it to my ideas list. Thanks. A

[@TomKnudsen]

Hi Alec.. Very useful video, missed these.. Question, how much torque are you applying to both ends. Is there a fixed value? Lets say you use a torque tool!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

There is a suggested torque. 2 problems Tom: 1. The torque is often different for each manufacturer so it's hard to give a value 2. It's pretty much impossible to measure torque on a hex nut which is on a hose end. A normal torque wrench simply won't work. Most service people develop a feel for sufficient tightness - enough to secure the hose in the body; not so much as to destroy the threads or break off the threaded end. I've seen that happen and it's not pretty!! Thanks. Alec

[@dean_murray]

Alec Peirce Scuba Hi Alec! I agree that doing by feel is the way to go but you may be interested that you can use a torque wrench in that situation. What you need is called a "crows foot" adapter that essentially puts an open ended 'wrench' (or spanner as we call it here in Australia) onto the square socket fitting on the end of your torque wrench

[@TomKnudsen]

Thats why I hand mine over to my 35 year experienced and Padi awarded mast instructor and technician, however I am curious so thank you for answering Alec... Safety first have served me good in life, but I think changing hoses, o-rings and other simple maintence things, are what any scuba diver should know. It could perhaps prevent a dive from being cancelled, that is if you have spares in your car/truck.. I am used to hydraulic and pneumatic hoses, and in most cases the torque pressure is often listed on the nut or hose, helpful.. But as you said, brass isn't strong and I understand why things can break...

[@greatwhitesharky3261]

when you replaced the 2nd o ring is that usually the cause of a leaking/hissing 2nd stage? Thanks

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Often. That O-Ring takes a lot of abuse - sun, salt, water, pressure, swiveling. It should be changed annually. Alec

[@wealthychef]

No issues with nitrox and ordinary orings? Does higher O2 content do anything bad?

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Regular O-Rings are fine for oxygen levels under 40%. It is generally recommended that you use oxygen-compatible O-Rings, usually Viton, if you are diving with EANx. But it's not really an issue with low levels. Alec

[@76BUICKS]

Can you use silicone lube on the threads? If so does it have to be scuba specific? I have silicone lube I use on the o-rings on my pool setup. Will that work on scuba gear?

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

It only has to be medical grade. It should be marked so. I often have used greases or lubricants that are NOT medical grade but only on parts that are not in the air delivery system and can not contaminate that system - zippers, power inflators, even yoke knobs. However any good, medical or health grade silicone grease is fine. Alec

[@76BUICKS]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter Thanks Alec. I've been binge watching you videos and am quickly gaining SCUBA knowledge. Keep up the good work.

[@rimotivri]

deep topics kick ass. Cool.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Deep! Alec

[@WMCLComputers]

Does it matter the type of o rings if you use Nitrox 40%?

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Certainly that's what's recommended. There is some debate about it but I think that's more about divers not wanting to spend money. Viton O-Rings or others that are resistant to oxygen deterioration, are a bit more expensive than rubber rings but not so much that you should consider the cost over your safety. Since rubber deteriorates even in ordinary air, it makes perfect sense that oxygen enriched air would affect them faster. There are now several different brands available depending on what % you are using and on the application in the regulator/valve. Alec

[@jeffworst9939]

Anyone know where I can buy the O-ring installers online?

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Any dive store can order them for you from Trident Dive. See them in the catalog page 14. Take care. Alec

[@jeffworst9939]

Thanks Alec. I see them online for $12.39 each at Amazon which seems kind of expensive but maybe I'm wrong. My LDS said they would end up being too expensive if they were the only thing they ordered (i.e., too small of an order).

[@76BUICKS]

Just found this www.divegearexpress.com/dgx-o-ring-guide-tool-set-lp-3-8-lp-7-16

[@williamgauthier9294]

My comment has nothing to do with the video but I wanted to share with you that Sea Hunt Mike Nelson is on the cover of a dive magazine I subscribe to, Dive Training Magazine May/June 2018. Google it. I thought you'd get a kick out of it!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks very much William. As you may know from my Sea Hunt playlist, that's my passion and I love to hear about anything related to Sea Hunt. Alec

[@albertbell7120]

🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿👌

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Glad you like it Albert. A