Voit Titan II

[artc]

I just picked up a Voit Titan II regulator. I don’t know much about them other than I’m told they’re good regulators. Does anyone know if there is a repair manual online? I can’t seem to find one. Any rebuilding tips are appreciated, especially removing and installing the exhaust tee without tearing it. 

[nikeajax]

Hi Art, dunk that sucker in hot water and gently pull and it should come right O-F-F-T...

You might also have a spider vein in there for a secondary mushroom-valve, and just like with your Scubair--get rid of it!

Replace the HP-seat and push-rod with that from a US Divers. The OEM seat was made from Crayola Crayons: they can become insanely brittle might blow apart if they begin to leak, and cannot be resurfaced. This has happened to me, and I recall Phil saying it happened to him as well.

Be sure to replace the o-ring in the retainer: I like to use spit when replacing it, grease just makes it like trying to pinch a watermelon seed, and makes it way too slippery, grease it after you get it in:



You can use a needle nose pliers to back it out.

Just pretend your working on your Dacor Olympic, you don't need a manual:









JB

[artc]

Thanks Jay Bird, this really helps me to understand the regulator functionality. Yours is exactly like mine. Did you need a special tool to remove and install the poppet assembly? It looks like it needs some type of pin socket to get at it. I have a Mares diaphragm ordered for the second stage.

[herman]

I used one of those second stages while DMing, with a new Mares diaphragm they are nice breathers. When you take the second stage apart, pay close attention, the LP hard seat (hose fitting) is reversible, the only one I am aware of. Check  your PM's

[nikeajax]

I sold mine to Stephan, once I got done playing with it, I sorta lost interest, just like I sold my VCR-5 to Ty:



The second stage soft-seat is, if I remember correctly, 1/8" thick, so you can't use regular-Joe-pucks!

They do breathe as good as a modern regulator

JB

[artc]

Thanks so much Herman. Yes, I noticed the lp seat. It threw me off for awhile until I figured out what I was looking at. I think this Titan II is from around 1970-71. It has the black plastic cover.

[artc]

May 12, 2022 14:17:23 GMT -8 nikeajax said:

I sold mine to Stephan, once I got done playing with it, I sorta lost interest, just like I sold my VCR-5 to Ty:



The second stage soft-seat is, if I remember correctly, 1/8" thick, so you can't use regular-Joe-pucks!

They do breathe as good as a modern regulator

JB

That’s one sweet Voit,  Jaybird. Yeah, I found out about the puck. Fortunately, I had one in my storage box that fit just right.

[artc]

Oh, I forgot to mention, this Titan is the J valve version. So, what are my chances that the reserve will work? From what I’ve read, not good.

[nikeajax]

Herman might be able to help you, but probably not: again it's that Crayola Crayon wax that was used to make the seats My personal opinion is plug it off and forget it...

JB

[artc]

That’s what I thought too. Rob at the SM has the plugs. I’ll be putting in an order to him soon.

[vance]

There are plugs available from thescubamuseum and VDH (I think). The plastic seat in the reserve will be broken or will soon be broken.

I drilled out the J valve plug and tapped it for a 3/8" HP port. As I recall, I left material at the bottom of the plug and drilled a tiny hole there. It is much more convenient on that side rather than the OEM HP port.

[vance]

Now that you have the safe second stage that matches, when will you do the conversion to double hose on this here Titan II?

[SeaRat]

May 12, 2022 14:24:46 GMT -8 artc said:

Oh, I forgot to mention, this Titan is the J valve version. So, what are my chances that the reserve will work? From what I’ve read, not good.

Your chances are not good that the J-valve will work. This is exactly the same J-valve in the Titan regulator as is in the AMF Voit valves. Take a look:

IMG_1043 by John Ratliff, on Flickr
I have two of these valves, and the silver one is the one normally found. The black one seems to have been made for the military, as it is made of aluminum. But the black on's J-valve works, whereas the silver one deteriorated. Most of these J-valves were made for the silver valve or the Titan regulator.

IMG_1044 by John Ratliff, on Flickr
If you take it apart, and the J-valve mechanism looks like the one on the right, you have a defective J-valve mechanism which won't hold back the 300 psig in the tank. You may also have some little bits of plastic inside the regulator. If however, the valve mechanism looks like the one on the left, with the sealing surface intact, then you have a good J-valve.

John

[artc]

May 12, 2022 15:07:44 GMT -8 vance said:

Now that you have the safe second stage that matches, when will you do the conversion to double hose on this here Titan II?

Vance, you’re tempting me. As soon as I get more familiar with these Voit regulators, I’ll be looking your way for guidance on a DH project. I’m really liking these Swimmaster regulators. 

[artc]

Hi John, thanks for the great information and photos. I took the j valve apart and surprisingly, it’s intact and looks like the mechanism on the left. The only difference is that the seat is an amber color. I’m almost convinced that this Titan II is NOS. Cosmetically, it’s perfect and the rubber parts are hard, but clean. The lp hose looks new, but is coiled stiff from what maybe is from sitting in a box for 50 years. I can’t find any evidence of prior servicing. The high pressure diaphragm the old style material. It’s really stiff, but was no match for compressed air to get it out. This Titan even came with a pristine condition neck strap.