USD "DA" Navy Approved Reg - Open For Suggestions

[Vintagediver]

Just recently my cousin gave (THAT'S RIGHT - GAVE ) me a USD "DA" Navy Approved Reg; which was a reg that he used back in the early sixties. This reg; serial #52471 has the dark blue painted rectangular label with The West Pico Blvd address. It appears to be in very good condition without so much as a scratch in the paint on the label. I assured my cousin that this reg would be one of my winter restoration projects, and that it would definitely be called back into "Active Duty" in time for the 2009 Dive Season. It will also definitely be seeing action at next summers Vintage Dive Events. I enjoy doing my own restoration and maintenance of vintage regs; but have never had any experience with or restored one of these USD models. So; any suggestions or words of wisdom that any of you have to offer in regrds to restoring this reg I would be very interested in hearing. As always; any of your comments or suggestions are very much appreciated. Terry

[1969ivan1]

Nice reg and even nicer that you know who it came from and it was family. Make sure you never give that one up.

[Nemrod]

Take it apart, clean it up, put new parts kit from vdh in it. Put all new silicone rubber parts in and on it from vdh. Set the IP to about 135 at tank pressure of 500 psi, adjust second stage to lock up at the same IP and tank pressure above. Ask Captain for the real secrets.

Nem

[captain]

Adjusting the horseshoe is the main issue. The manual calls for the support screws to be screwed all the way in then backed out 2 turns. This isn't always the best way.

First the hing pin needs to be checked for proper alignment. Draw a straight line on a piece of paper and place the straight end of the hing pin on the line. The hook end should also be parallel to and on the line. If it isn't bend the hing pin until both ends are parallel and even along the line.

Once the IP is set as Nemrod mentioned start with the support screws two turns out. With the hing pin installed put a straight edge across the top of the can and measure the distance between the straight edge and the ends of the horseshoe where it touches the diaphragm.
If the ends are not equal height either loosen or tighten one screw a half turn at a time until they are as close to equal as you can get them. Always measure with the hing pin installed.

Once they are equal turn on the air supply. If it doesn't free flow install the diaphragm and put the top half of the can on and squeeze it together with your hands. If it free flows go back and screw in each screw half a turn at a time and repeat until it doesn't free flow.
If it doesn't free flow the first time screw out each screw half a turn at a time until it does than go back in a half turn so it doesn't free flow.
Bend over the straight end of the hing pin so it is even with the top of the support screw and in line with screwdriver slot.

All this can take a while to do right.

[Robohips77]

Follow the Captains orders. I am also working on a couple of DA Navys and on the first one I did not follow the captains orders!!! I will now. I have also ordered the rebuild kits from Bryan and new silicone parts for one of the regs. I am going south soon and plan on using these regs and make a comparison. Wish I still had my magnehelic Good luck on yours. Send me your results.