Cleaning First Stages
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
Re: Cleaning First Stages
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).Originally Posted by John L.
Re: Cleaning First Stages
What type of acid should I use? Thanks 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).
Diluted white vinegar works well.
Re: Cleaning First Stages
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"
You must have faster fingers than I do
Look at the post times, they are the same
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....
Re: Cleaning First Stages
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
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.
I use alconox in my ultrasonic and never had a problem but I have an awesome ultrasonic and it is heated.
(All give some, Some give ALL . Semper Fi) Safe Diving (JAMMER)
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