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Refer to section 7.2 of this manual for the Octo-Z and also look at the 1st
Stage Regulator’s Service Manual for the set up of the 1st Stage.
The spring (23) can be conditioned to a higher thrust. This is done by
stretching it slightly with your fingers.
Note: This will raise the cracking effort in air, but will have little or no effect on
the underwater performance. Remember that it is preferable for an Octopus
regulator to have a higher cracking effort than a primary regulator. This is
because the Octo-Z is not in the diver’s mouth during high currents and
entries and airflow can be initiated accidentally. A high cracking effort will
shut this unwanted airflow off again. If the hissing does not stop, the seat (14)
needs adjusting, or the seal (13) needs replacing.
1st or Octo-Z
Stage adjusted
improperly
2nd stage
spring force at
or below low
end of range
B. LOW INHALATION EFFORT or AIR HISSING FROM LEVER SUPPORT ASSEMBLY:
POSSIBLE CAUSE
RECOMMENDED ACTION
C. CREEPING INTERMEDIATE PRESSURE (a 1st Stage Problem):
POSSIBLE CAUSE
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Damaged or worn 1st stage seat. Replace seat
Damaged or worn seat O-ring
Replace O-ring
Worn O-ring on HP valve stem. Replace O-ring
Scratch in groove where O-ring seals Replace HP balance plug
Nick in sealing surface of HP valve Replace HP valve
D. HISSING FROM Octo-Z (but 1st Stage intermediate pressure is OK):
POSSIBLE CAUSE
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Damaged or worn 2nd stage seating seal (13)
Replace seating seal
Nicked seat (14) sealing surfaces
Replace seat
Seat (14) out of adjustment
Adjust Seat
Worn O-ring (15) on Seat (14)
Replace O-ring
Damaged O-ring groove on Seat (14)
Replace Seat
Spring (23) thrust too weak
Stretch Spring
Air is escaping past Sealing Nut (29) (filling BC)
Replace Sealing Nut (29)
