First Stage Regulator Rotating When Pressurized

[Sabado]

Something I started to notice recently, and I'm wondering what is causing it:

I use the Hollis DC-1 first stage for everything (backgas, sidemount, stage, deco). I notice that in between services it becomes progressively easier to "rotate" the first stage regulator radially after its been screwed in to the tank valve/manifold.

I took the regulator apart and didn't see anything obvious. When the regs were new/recently service, once you pressurized them...the first stages "stayed put". Now, they very easily rotate.

Any thoughts?

Useful thoughts, please.

[MichaelBaranowski]

You might check the hex screw on the DIN. I have to watch the ones on my DiveRite cause they have a habit of getting loose.

[rddvet]

You might check the hex screw on the DIN. I have to watch the ones on my DiveRite cause they have a habit of getting loose.

Same issue on one of our regs. My girlfriend had her older titan reg converted from yoke to din. A few months ago while on a dive we would get a large leak when we cracked the tank. After a few minutes we figured out the din adapter was loose. Tightened it up and then took into lds. It was looked at and no cause was found. It happened again just about two weeks ago, so it's going in to see one more time if we can find a cause.

Ours didn't do the rotating thing, but I could see how that could be a potential symptom.

[huxley]

if that screw is loose and you loosen more when 1'st stage has pressure on it it will leak and blow the o ring. once pressurized and you turn the first stage it should either loosen or tighten the screw, depending which direction you choose. this is a quick fix in case it's so loose you have a leak. Otherwise take it off and use allen wrench to tighten the center bolt inside the din wheel. Don't crank to much of you will not be able to get it loose again, check the torque to be on the safe.

[huxley]

Same issue on one of our regs. My girlfriend had her older titan reg converted from yoke to din. A few months ago while on a dive we would get a large leak when we cracked the tank. After a few minutes we figured out the din adapter was loose. Tightened it up and then took into lds. It was looked at and no cause was found. It happened again just about two weeks ago, so it's going in to see one more time if we can find a cause.

Ours didn't do the rotating thing, but I could see how that could be a potential symptom.

this happens when you have it pressurized and change the angle the 1st stage sits on the valve, once you have pressure on it the screw builds a unit with the valve and when you move the 1st stage you unscrew the bolt or tighten it depending on direction. behind the screw sits a o ring which is the cause for the leak if it is too loose then comes the filter. If you tighten and loosen it a few times under pressure your o ring will get damaged and you might need to replace.
After stripping one of those bolts during service, barely got if out of the first stage because it sat so tight, i don't tighten them to much, once you figure out how you can tighten it an the valve don't have to miss out on potential dive because of this issue.
Happens all the time and sucks if you or someone sits on a boat geared up, ready to jump in and opens the valve with a steady hizzz coming from the 1st stage.

[jcook]

You might check the hex screw on the DIN. I have to watch the ones on my DiveRite cause they have a habit of getting loose.

That is more than likely the problem.

[Sabado]

That is more than likely the problem.

I'm making the assumption you mean the air inlet to the regulator, which can accept an allen wrench. I agree, it would be. That is the first thing I checked and it was snug. I didn't want to gronk down on it because of the fear of either pinching an O-ring, galling the threads, or two-blocking it. It doesn't leak.

I wonder if the spindle that is fastened to the regulator body can move. I put a wrench to it and made sure it was tight as well (after I removed the threaded pieces that attach the regulator to the tank.

I can't figure it out...its gotta be simple.

[Diverlee]

I have the same problem on one of my Diverite regs I use for sidemount. I thought it was weird but havent looked into it. Thanks for the post as I will now check the screws.

[diveconjeff]

I have the same problem on one of my Diverite regs I use for sidemount. I thought it was weird but havent looked into it. Thanks for the post as I will now check the screws.

When I notice this, it is usually an indication the o-rings need to be replaced. Then there is no need to over tighten and crush the o-ring further....

[whodunit68]

I'm making the assumption you mean the air inlet to the regulator, which can accept an allen wrench. I agree, it would be. That is the first thing I checked and it was snug. I didn't want to gronk down on it because of the fear of either pinching an O-ring, galling the threads, or two-blocking it. It doesn't leak.

I wonder if the spindle that is fastened to the regulator body can move. I put a wrench to it and made sure it was tight as well (after I removed the threaded pieces that attach the regulator to the tank.

I can't figure it out...its gotta be simple.

I'm having the same problem with my new HOG regs. I did overtighten and just found a flattened o-ring (actually, my buddy found it). Virtually no matter what, the 1st stage can be turned. I do not know what the problem is, sorry. Thanks for posting.