WET Breathing, Parts Cleaning Recommendations

WET BREATHING:

1.	Improper clearing, or diver diving	Instruct the diver on proper clearing head-technique.
	in total down position.
2.	Diaphragm improperly installed	Check position of diaphragm visually.

3.Hole in the mouthpiece at tie area . . . . . . . . . . . . .Replace the mouthpiece.

4.Hole in the diaphragm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Replace the diaphragm.

5. Damaged exhaust valve, or edges of the	Replace exhaust valve.
exhaust valve not firmly seated on the case.

6. Crack in case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Replace case.

PARTS CLEANING RECOMMENDATIONS

Regulators which see heavy use, particularly those used in salt water, often require extra effort to remove dirt and corrosion from the parts of the regulator. Some suggested cleaning solutions are listed at the end of this section, and there are probably many others being used successfully. Here are a few general suggestions we can make:

First, don't expect your cleaning solution to do all the work in a matter of seconds. If the solution cleans extremely rapidly, it is probably too strong and may be etching the finish on the parts. Use a wooden or plastic stick or a soft bristle brush to help get rid of the thickest deposits. Take special care not to damage orifice seal- ing areas. Dress the orifice sealing areas with a fine grit polishing stick or pencil eraser after drying the parts.

Immerse only those parts which really need cleaning. With Sherwood's Dry Air Bleed System, the interior of the first stage is always clean and dry, so the piston and spring should never need cleaning. Immersing the clean Sherwood piston in contaminated cleaning solution can plug the flow control element in the face of the piston, which could slow or stop the flow through the positive air purge system.

Many of the solutions used for cleaning metal parts can damage the nitrile compounds found in O-rings. For this reason, remove all O-rings before placing parts in a cleaning bath.

SOME EXAMPLES OF COMMONLY USED CLEANING SOLUTIONS

SOLUTION

COMMENTS

Soapy water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Good for plastic and silicone parts.

Vinegar and water	.Ingredients easily available. Approx. 15 min.
(equal part solution)	.cleaning time.
1000 cc water	.Fast-acting solution that must be made and used
60 gr. sulfuric acid	.with care. Use gloves and safety glasses.
60 gr. potassium dichromate
Cleaning solutions recommended	.The preferred choice. Check with the manufacturer
by ultrasonic cleaner manufacturers	for strengths and recommended uses for their
	cleaners.