Post by scubalawyer on Oct 9, 2020 22:23:03 GMT -8
Ok, nothing vintage related at all, but I'm looking for pros and cons here.
I haven't used it in over 10 years but I decided to rebuild my 2002 Atomic Aquatics B2. All went well until I realized my ScubaPro in-line 2nd stage adjustment tool didn't fit the Atomic. Had to adjust the orifice manually but got it done. I digress.
The original Atomics B2 had an optional environmental kit consisting of Christo-Lube packed in the ambient chamber of the 1st stage. Otherwise, mine came with the ambient chamber just filled with air and holes for water to enter on the dive. After about 7 years I took it back to the manufacturer for a first overhaul. (Atomic is a 1/2 hour drive for me and I knew a repair tech there so he just charged me parts).
Anyway, I get the reg back and the ambient chamber is packed with Christo-Lube. I dove it a few times and started using other regs. When I just took it apart the Christo-Lube had gotten all caked and chalky so I cleaned it all out.
Now my question. I don't dive in water cold enough to need it environmentally sealed, and I mainly use air with the occasional 32% nitrox. Nothing I use needs to be O2 clean. So if I repack the ambient chamber I'll just use silicone. The question is, do I repack it or not? The inside of the ambient chamber adjacent to the piston spring has most of the chrome gone and it is just bare brass so salt water exposure is not great for it. On the other hand, by leaving the chamber holes uncovered I can readily flush the reg with fresh H2O after each use. On the third hand, the holes leading into the ambient chamber are large enough that a surf entry will likely introduce sand inside and that us never good. If I pack it that is one less concern. Oh yeah, and I refuse to pay the exhorbitant price for Christo-Lube so it's silicone or nothing.
So do I pack or not pack?
I haven't used it in over 10 years but I decided to rebuild my 2002 Atomic Aquatics B2. All went well until I realized my ScubaPro in-line 2nd stage adjustment tool didn't fit the Atomic. Had to adjust the orifice manually but got it done. I digress.
The original Atomics B2 had an optional environmental kit consisting of Christo-Lube packed in the ambient chamber of the 1st stage. Otherwise, mine came with the ambient chamber just filled with air and holes for water to enter on the dive. After about 7 years I took it back to the manufacturer for a first overhaul. (Atomic is a 1/2 hour drive for me and I knew a repair tech there so he just charged me parts).
Anyway, I get the reg back and the ambient chamber is packed with Christo-Lube. I dove it a few times and started using other regs. When I just took it apart the Christo-Lube had gotten all caked and chalky so I cleaned it all out.
Now my question. I don't dive in water cold enough to need it environmentally sealed, and I mainly use air with the occasional 32% nitrox. Nothing I use needs to be O2 clean. So if I repack the ambient chamber I'll just use silicone. The question is, do I repack it or not? The inside of the ambient chamber adjacent to the piston spring has most of the chrome gone and it is just bare brass so salt water exposure is not great for it. On the other hand, by leaving the chamber holes uncovered I can readily flush the reg with fresh H2O after each use. On the third hand, the holes leading into the ambient chamber are large enough that a surf entry will likely introduce sand inside and that us never good. If I pack it that is one less concern. Oh yeah, and I refuse to pay the exhorbitant price for Christo-Lube so it's silicone or nothing.
So do I pack or not pack?
