Re: Octopus problem

chilly wrote

OK, it has occurred to me that there is a bit of dive talk going on here,
so
I figured I'd ask.

My octopus (alternate second stage) has been acting up, despite being
serviced and checked for the specific problem.

When at the surface before entering the water, I have a routine. Among
other things, I take a couple of quick breaths off my reg while watching
my
gauge to ensure that my air is on and this also serves to see how much air
I
have. Every few dives, I take a breath or two off my octo as well, but
regardless, I depress the purge button every time before hitting the
water.
Lately, this practice has been causing a slight freeflow from the octo
throughout my dive.

As I said, I've had this checked out a couple of times. They say the
diaphragm is fine and can't see any other problem either. Obviously, I
have
to replace this piece of equipment before it becomes seriously
problematic,
but in the meantime, does anyone have any ideas to offer?

I'd put both the first stage and second stages in for service, specifically
identifying the problem to the tech and, here's the part that may be new,
asking him to pay particular attention to the high pressure seal in the
first stage. Sometimes a problem like what you are experiencing is not
caused by the stage that is leaking, but by a higher than normal
intermediate pressure that feeds it. If the high pressure seal has a slight
leak, intermediate pressure increases until it forces gas past whichever of
your regulators has the lightest release mechanism. I could be completely
wrong, but when you've eliminated the obvious, it's time to look elsewhere.

Good luck. When you find the problem, let us know.

Lee


.