Cleaning First Stages

[John L.]

I aquired an older Scubapro MKV first stage that I plan to use on a stage bottle. I disassembled it, and it's in pretty good shape, but has some greenish residue like oxidation or something in spots inside. What is the best way to clean all the parts? Simple green soaking? Ultrasounic, or both? Thanks.
John

[FW]

I aquired an older Scubapro MKV first stage that I plan to use on a stage bottle. I disassembled it, and it's in pretty good shape, but has some greenish residue like oxidation or something in spots inside. What is the best way to clean all the parts? Simple green soaking? Ultrasounic, or both? Thanks.
John

Oxidation will require a *MILD* acid, and probably ultrasonic. Before going to stronger acid, try a toothbruch (with rubber gloves). Then wash the acid off (simple green will work for that).

[John L.]

Oxidation will require a *MILD* acid, and probably ultrasonic. Before going to stronger acid, try a toothbruch (with rubber gloves). Then wash the acid off (simple green will work for that).

What type of acid should I use? Thanks FW!

[Me]

Diluted white vinegar works well.

[FW]

Oxidation will require a *MILD* acid, and probably ultrasonic. Before going to stronger acid, try a toothbruch (with rubber gloves). Then wash the acid off (simple green will work for that).

What type of acid should I use? Thanks FW!

Vineger is the most common. I use whatever I have handy, but dilute it so it won't eat up the brass. If you never took chemistry, "Don't try this at home" :-)

[FW]

Diluted white vinegar works well.

You must have faster fingers than I do :)

Look at the post times, they are the same :-)

[Genesis]

The green is almost certainly from use and improper rinsing after use in salt water. As mentioned dilute white vinegar will take care of it in the ultrasonic. Make sure you neutralize it (simple green will do so, or you can use baking soda in water)

Be aware that most regs are chrome-plated brass, and once the chrome plating is eaten off (which is what's corroding) you can have a major problem. Depending on where the green is you can have trouble with sealing, particularly on piston regs like the MK5.

Take it slow and easy, you'll get it cleaned up....

[rchrds]

Oxidation will require a *MILD* acid, and probably ultrasonic. Before going to stronger acid, try a toothbruch (with rubber gloves). Then wash the acid off (simple green will work for that).

What type of acid should I use? Thanks FW!

After a long search for a chemical that I had used long ago, I have found it again- and am quite pleased with its rapid cleaning qualities in my ultrasonic. This is the "Hydrosonic Cleaner" from Global. (the scuba bits supplier)

Invariably white vinegar will clean off the greenish corrosion, but leaves behind any greasy (silicone or worse) type residues on the metals. You can wipe it clean with a dry paper towel all you want, but you will never get all that nasty goo out of the really small areas, oring grooves, threads, without using some sort of solvent.

I highly suggest this product, and I have made the rounds of cleaners. The only caveat- it is not cheap. I'm not sure, but I think it only comes in the half gallon containers. (I bought a case of four.) It must be diluted, which stretches is a while. I do about 2 regs a week of my own almost continuously (it seems) and change the solution about once every other month. I don't, however dive salt water, which does increase the rate at which you must change your solution.

Jason

[Genesis]

Blue Gold.

Excellent degreaser in an ultrasonic, it cleans out EVERYTHING, and its O2 rated (and not just informally either)

A 5 gallon pail lasts forever, since the dilutions are typically anywhere from 5-20:1, and its reasonably-priced.

[jammer]

I use alconox in my ultrasonic and never had a problem but I have an awesome ultrasonic and it is heated.

[Jay M]

If I were to buy an ultrasonic cleaner, what size would work well for single regulator cleaning? Any particular brands or models that I should stick to or avoid?

[Genesis]

I have a Crest Ultrasonics 275HTA

Has heat and timer; smaller will probably work for regs, but I want to be able to do my manifolds too, and the crossbar has to fit....

[jammer]

If I were to buy an ultrasonic cleaner, what size would work well for single regulator cleaning? Any particular brands or models that I should stick to or avoid?


If you are looking to buy one let me know and I might be able to save you some ca$h on it I can usually get them cheaper through my tattoo supplier.

[DeWayne]

What sort of models and prices can you get Jammer? I would like one just large enough to fit a manifold cross bar into.

[Nate Davey]

I use diluted white vinegar in an Ultrsonic cleaner as well. To handle the problem with removing lubricants, the old gent that taught me regulator repair used a small amount of Palmolive hand soap to break the surface tension of the grease. Then a copious flushing with clean water.