servicing USD Dive Master gauges

[cdharris]

[I know this isn't quite vintage, but please bear with me]

Does anyone know how to service the gauges (cleaning, spool or hose replacement, etc.) in a USD mid 70s gauge console? I gather it is cycolac plastic so I doubt hot water (to make the case more pliable) is going to make much, if any, difference. Plus their face plates are plastic as well. It almost seems as though they weren't designed to be serviced. No screws.

I have three and two still work well (all have 1975 serial numbers). But I really want to clean the one I just got. There is verdigris around the edge of the SPG, so I'm sure the whole case needs work. Both gauges. I know I could put them in my ultrasonic with dilute vinegar, but I don't know how wise that is what with all the plastic. Not to mention the fact that the spools surely need some TLC.

I could really see myself using these in freshwater until they (or I) die. Since they are tough as nails (except the plastic faces), I figure heck, why not?

[antique diver]

Seems like I remember softening up those console boots with hot water to slip the pressure gauge out for o-ring service. It should soften up at a much lower temp than would hurt the hard plastic. Maybe someone else has done this too, and can confirm.

If you want to wait a few days, I think I have one of these in storage that I would be glad to test this technique on. Depth gauge on mine is shot anyway.

If you have a photo of it or can refer me to one like yours in one of the catalogs I can see if it's the same type I am thinking of.

[cdharris]

That test would be really helpful.

The inline photo is from the '75 catalog, and is my model.

gauges.jpg

[Nemrod]

I am pretty sure the console is cheap rubber which has hardened with age. Once the gage is removed, possibly ruining the console, there should be a chrome ring on the spg. With a strap wrench or a strong grip you can unscrew it. Then clean and polish the lens and lubricate the O-ring.

Nem

[antique diver]

That test would be really helpful.

The inline photo is from the '75 catalog, and is my model.

gauges.jpg

That's the one I was thinking of. I'll try to pick up mine from storage tomorrow or Monday and test the hot water trick on it for you. I could get delayed if called away on a work emergency, so if you don't hear from me by Wednesday please give me a reminder to my email: 6000psi(at)gmail(dot)com (of course the NSA will probably be snooping the gmail accounts looking for people using hot water for sinister activities... so use vintage encryption code B. )


Nem: I am pretty sure that those boots were a very stiff composition when new... of course that was nearly 40 years ago, and my memory could be playing tricks on me. We were selling USD at that time and soon had to figure out a way to replace leaking swivel orings, and in desperation tried the warm/hot water trick. I'll find out soon and let y'all know.

[antique diver]

Looks like we have the same console. I heated mine up in a pan of water and kept it at 180 F for several minutes on a gas burner. It softened up enough to get the depth gauge out, and the pressure gauge almost out. The hose opening was just starting to split a little, so I had to trim the opening some to make a little extra room, then reheated for a while, keeping watch on the temp with a cooking thermometer. The gauges were not damaged, and probably could have used a little more heat to better soften the boot. Use gloves to handle the hot components.




The hose opening was first cut with a knife, then smoothed up a little with a dremel sanding drum after getting everything out:


If your swivel is not leaking now, it might be best just to use your console as is until this procedure becomes absolutely necessary. Good luck.

[cdharris]

Thanks for this. That is some HOT water! Makes me wonder ... was this really necessary "back in the day"? Seems a bit extreme. Then again, I wonder if they put the same amount of thought and effort into servicability back then.

Anyway, this is very helpful. I think I'll take a two pronged approach. Like you say, my two consoles that work will only see freshwater from now on, and who knows how long they will hold up? My luck, another week!

And if I can find my other one -- which I haven't seen in a LOOOOONNNNNNNGGGGGG time --I may try just exactly what you did. It has a leaky HP hose fitting, so it is time for a service whether the gauge console survives or not. Sure hope it does, but nothing is forever huh? I'd miss it though, it's a nice blue color. Very fashionable.

Happy diving.