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SurfLung
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Replacing a Dip Tube

Tue May 31, 2016 2:10 pm

Replacing a Dip Tube.
- I have a couple of USD Twin Tank Manifolds that have the dip tube's broken off. One of them arrived here that way and the vendor must have had access to replacement parts. He sent me two brand new dip tubes with threaded ends. I just have to remove the portion of the old dip tube that is still in the valve.
- Is there an accepted (easy) way to get the old dip tube remnant out without drilling or buggering up the threads?
SurfLung
The Freedom and Simplicity of Vintage Equipment and
Vintage Diving Technique are Why I Got Back Into Diving.

uwstlth
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Re: Replacing a Dip Tube

Tue May 31, 2016 2:44 pm

I've done this a few times, with both slotted and non slotted tubes. If yours doesn't have slots at the bottom to use a screw driver , you can cut a slot in them with a hacksaw or dremel so that you can use a screw driver. I've also used a rubber slip some people have in their kitchens to open jars, it just depends on how old and tight yours may be. Herman may have a tool... or at least good solid ad"vice".

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Herman
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Re: Replacing a Dip Tube

Tue May 31, 2016 6:15 pm

If they are broken off at the manifold, I would think an easyout would do nicely. If they have a stub sticking up....channel locks, you are going to replace them anyway. Drilling and tapping can be done but be VERY careful, got to get things dead center or you mess up the manifold
Herman

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captain
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Re: Replacing a Dip Tube

Wed Jun 01, 2016 10:13 am

Tubes are usually brass. these work in soft thin wall material.

http://www.mcmaster.com/#easy-out-extractors/=12nxdhv
Captain

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SurfLung
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Re: Replacing a Dip Tube

Fri Jun 03, 2016 1:59 pm

- I hadn't thought of using an Easy Out. Thanks for the good idea. These are broken off flush.
- Another concern I have is that they look soldered. Is that possible?
SurfLung
The Freedom and Simplicity of Vintage Equipment and
Vintage Diving Technique are Why I Got Back Into Diving.

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antique diver
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Re: Replacing a Dip Tube

Fri Jun 03, 2016 4:37 pm

SurfLung wrote:- I hadn't thought of using an Easy Out. Thanks for the good idea. These are broken off flush.
- Another concern I have is that they look soldered. Is that possible?
Yes! Are they the older satin finished valves?
The older I get the better I was.

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SurfLung
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Re: Replacing a Dip Tube

Fri Jun 03, 2016 4:58 pm

They're satin finished twin tank yokes. One has plastic knobs if that gives an idea of age.
SurfLung
The Freedom and Simplicity of Vintage Equipment and
Vintage Diving Technique are Why I Got Back Into Diving.

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antique diver
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Re: Replacing a Dip Tube

Fri Jun 03, 2016 5:44 pm

Eben, how about a picture of one. I suspect it is soldered if you think it looks like it.

Why don't you just bring them with you when you drive down to pick up the old cylinders? :D There's a good meal in the deal for you two/ too!
The older I get the better I was.

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SurfLung
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Re: Replacing a Dip Tube

Mon Jun 06, 2016 2:36 pm

- I looked a little closer and they're not soldered... Looks like a sealer like Loctite. Clear bluish green. Sorry, I should have snapped a picture.
- Thanks for your generous invite to TX. :)
SurfLung
The Freedom and Simplicity of Vintage Equipment and
Vintage Diving Technique are Why I Got Back Into Diving.

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