Background:
Dived the reg all summer, maybe 100 dives so there is about 350 dives on the reg total.
I have been lax about checking IP but not about can inspection and cleaning over the course of 350 dives.
No excuse for not checking IP on a regular schedule.
I was in South Carolina working from late September to December and obviously no dives on the reg since September.
While checking my gear yesterday for an upcoming trip to Cozumel, I installed the safe second, spg and LP inflator to the reg and connected to my tank for leak inspection.
After 10 or 12 seconds, the safe second starts to hiss. I connected my IP gauge to the LP inflator and the IP ran up to 240 psi.
Checked it again, - same -
I disassembled the cans and looked around a little bit - then I backed off spring tension about a quarter turn, reconnected to the tank and the IP was at 110 psi and holding, rebounding, holding - OK-
Turned the allen head adjuster clockwise a little, turned on air, checked, purged, shut off air, turned a little etc, etc, Got the IP at 130 psi and rebounds good, left air on for 20 minutes to check for creep = no creep - sealed everything back up and am guardingly satisfied that all is OK -
Question,: is it somewhat common for things inside the first stage to get a little sticky after nearly 3 months of sitting static?
I had no issues diving almost every day all summer - but my main concern is that there might be a more comprehensive inspection and service absolutely required before heading off to Devils Throat and Santa Rosa Wall in 4 weeks - no time to send the reg in and get it back in time -
I am taking my Conshelf 14 first stage though - just in case.