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© ⅯⅯⅩⅢ Kirby Morgan Dive Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Document # 130318002
Chapter 6 - Required tools, Sealing, Cleaning Agents, Lubrication
Kirby Morgan
®
37SS
Parts that have corrosion should be washed and
scrubbed with a nylon bristle brush and then soaked
in a solution of 50% white vinegar and water for 30-
60 minutes followed by a light brushing and a good
fresh water rinse. Helmet liners and rubber compo-
nents should be cleaned using a mild soapy solution
followed by a good rinsing and air-dried.
DO NOT
use hair dryers or high heat to dry the
rubber or fabric components, high temperatures will
severely reduce their serviceability. To clean parts
heavily encrusted with salt we recommend a dilute
solution of white vinegar and a toothbrush.
6.2.2 Component and Parts Lubrication
All helmets are lubricated at KMDSI with Christo-
Lube
®
. Helmets used for air diving or diving or with
oxygen mixtures containing less than 50 % oxygen
can be lubricated with food grade silicone such as
Dow Corning
®
111 or equivalent.
Do not use aerosol spray or lubricants.
Many aero-
sol propellants will damage plastic. Avoid lubricant
contact with plastic parts.
B
WARNING
Silicone
Spr
ay
Never use any
aerosol propelled
sprays near the face
port of Kirby Mor-
gan helmets. The
propellent used in
these aerosols can
invisibly damage the
polycarbonate face
port and cause it to
shatter upon impact
from any strong
blow. If the face port
fails underwater the
helmet will flood
and drowning may
result.
NOTE: All parts on the helmet that require lubrica-
tion must be lubricated sparingly with the appropri-
ate lubricant.
Silicone grease is not recommended for helmets
used with oxygen. (Avoid mixing lubricants to pre-
clude incompatibility).
6.2.3 Teflon
®
Tape
All pipe thread fittings used on our helmets, masks
and components require sealing with Teflon
®
tape.
DO NOT USE LIQUID SEALANT.
When in-
stalling Teflon
®
tape on pipe threads, apply the tape
starting two threads back from the end of the fitting.
Apply the tape in a clockwise direction under tension.
1 ½ wraps is all that is needed. Applying more than
1 ½ wraps of tape is not recommended. The use of
more than 1 ½ wraps could cause excess Teflon
®
tape
to travel into the breathing system.
B
WARNING
Do not allow any excess Teflon
®
tape
to cover the end of the pipe thread
fittings. Loose pieces of Teflon
®
tape
can interfere with the performance of
helmet components and may block
the diver's air supply. This could lead
to death through suffocation.
B
WARNING
Use only thin Teflon
®
tape to avoid
damage to threads.
6.2.4 RTV Sealant
Certain components used in KMDSI helmets and
masks use RTV adhesive / sealant to provide bond-
ing and sealing. KMDSI recommends Dow Corning
®
RTV 732 multi purpose sealant. When sealant is
applied the user must use care to insure excess seal-
ant is wiped clean so as not to interfere with other
components. Sealant should be allowed to cure for
24 hours before equipment is used.
6.2.5 Thread Locker
KMDSI recommends Loctite
®
222
or equivalent as the type of thread
locking compound that should be
used on most components that call
for a thread locker. Threads should
be clean and dry prior to applying
thread locker.
Ensure that all excess thread locker
has been removed. Also, be sure not
to use excessive threadlocker in the
port retainer screws as it is possible
to damage the face port if contact is
made between threadlocker and the
