Cousteau/ SEA First Stage Service & Repair Manual
5
© 2000 Aqua Lung America, Inc.
5.
Apply a 8mm hex key to the adjustment screw(31), and turn
the screw counter-clockwise to loosen and remove from the
spring retainer.
6.
Lift out the washer(30) and spring(29). Examine the spring
with the use of a magnifier, checking closely for any signs of
pitting, rusting, or other corrosion which permeates the
surface of the metal. Set the spring and washer aside if they
are in reusable condition, or replace with new as needed.
CAUTION: If permanent corrosion is found, discard the
spring and DO NOT attempt to reuse. A damaged or badly
corroded spring may seriously impair first stage performance
by failing to provide stable intermediate pressure.
7.
Apply a 30mm open end wrench to the spring retainer(28), or
use a 34mm open end wrench for the “DRY” version spring
retainer(32), and turn the retainer counter-clockwise to loosen
and remove from the first stage body.
8.
Lift the spring pad(27) and thrust washer(26b) out of the first
stage body. Discard the thrust washer and do not reuse.
9.
Using a 4mm hex key, install spare LP port plugs(23) into
three of the four LP ports, leaving one LP port open while the
other ports are sealed.
10. Direct a short burst of low pressure (50 psi) air through the
primary LP port to partially dislodge the diaphragm(26a)
from the first stage body (see Fig. 2). Lift out the diaphragm
and discard. Remove the port plugs that were installed in the
previous step.
CAUTION: DO NOT attempt to pry the diaphragm out of the
first stage with a metal instrument. Doing so will perma-
nently damage the seating shoulder in the first stage, requir-
ing replacement of the body.
11. Loosen the vise to remove the first stage, and turn it over to
allow the pin support(25) and pin(24) to drop onto the bench.
12. Resecure the first stage in the vise with the high pressure side
facing straight up. Apply a 8mm hex key to the end plug(19),
and turn the plug counter-clockwise to loosen and remove
from the body. Remove and discard the O-ring(18), and set
the end plug aside.
13. Loosen the vise to remove the first stage, and carefully turn
the body over to allow the springs(14b & 14a), spring
block(17), and high pressure seat(13) to drop out onto the
bench. Discard the seat, and do not attempt to reuse.
14. Closely inspect both springs to check for any signs of corro-
sion that may have resulted from moisture entering the first
stage. If corrosion is found on either spring, discard and do
not reuse.
Fig. 2
