KMB 18 & 28 MANUAL
page 50
© Copyright 1970-2003 Kirby Morgan Dive Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Document # 010518001
Fig. 5.27 Use the round end of the adjustment wrench for
leverage in bending the lever down.
12) Replace the diaphragm (52) and cover (51).
Continue until the proper tolerances are
reached.
13) If a new inlet valve (59) has been installed,
allow the regulator to sit for 24 hours with the
adjustment knob (47) turned all the way in, before
adjusting. This will allow the rubber in the inlet
valve stem to take a set against the inlet nipple
(61a/b). If the regulator is to be used immediately,
be aware that the rubber seat will take a set,
changing the adjustment and the regulator’s per-
formance. This requires the readjustment of the
regulator after the first diving day following the
proper setting time and procedure.
14) The two opposing blades of the lever (55)
must be in perfect alignment with each other and
be free of nicks or burrs.
15) If the regulator continues to free flow after
the adjustments are made, the regulator should be
completely disassembled, inspected. It usually
will require a careful inspection of the inlet valve
seat surface and the inlet valve. See 6.14.3.
5.7 HOOD AND FACE SEAL (2)
1) Removing the two screws (15) allows the
removal of the bands (16,68).
2) The face seal and hood (2) can then be removed
from the main frame (17). The earphones (10,11)
must be pulled out of the earphone pockets as the
hood/ face seal (2) is withdrawn from the main
frame (17).
NOTE: It is extremely important that a good
glue joint is maintained between the face seal
rubber and the hood. Any leaks in this area will
cause the regulator to stay on slight steady flow
allowing the breathing gas to escape through
the faulty glue joint. The hood should be turned
inside out and a layer of wet suit glue run in the
seam. Press the face seal and hood together to
assure a good bond with the glue. If the rubber
of the face seal or hood has degraded to the point
that gluing the seam does not last, the hood
should be replaced.
3) Inspection of the earphone pockets should be
conducted, any holes or faulty seams will also
cause the regulator to feed steady flow gas out
through these faults. This will interfere with the
divers hearing of communications as well as
ballooning the hood from the escaping gas. This
also causes the regulator to continue steady flow-
ing (no matter how much the adjustment knob
(47) is turned in) causing the diver to believe the
regulator is not operating correctly. Be sure there
are holes in the upper part of the hood to allow any
gas that leaks by the face seal to escape. If these
holes are not present, ballooning will take place
in the hood which causes the spider to become
tighter, pressing the mask against the diver's face
and creating a very uncomfortable situation. Make
sure the spider legs of the head harness do not
cover up the vent holes.
