(Push Pin) P/N 505-015.
SUBJECT:
An unauthorized hole drilled in the shaft of a Plunger (P/N 550-016) on Latch Catch Assembly (Push Pin) P/N 505-015. BACKGROUND: There are two types of factory installed locking devices for the Cam Bail on the Neck Clamp/Yoke Assembly of the SuperLite 17.
The two types are:
#1. Latch Catch Assembly (Push Pin) P/N 505-015 where the Plunger is pushed to release,
#2. Latch Catch Assembly (Pull Pin) P/N 505-010 where the Plunger is pulled to release
A diving services company reported to us that a failure has occurred to a Latch Catch Assembly Plunger (P/N 550-016) on one of their SuperLite- 17 helmets due to a hole being drilled through the shaft of the Plunger. The Plunger shaft parted at the drilled hole due to the fatigue to the thin areas in the shaft at the outside edges of the hole. There was no accidental opening of the clamp. There was no diver injury.
CONCLUSIONS: Unauthorized modifications to ANY PARTS of the Kirby Morgan Helmets and/or Masks should NOT be done.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
On the Latch Catch Assembly (Push Pin) P/N 505-015 use a Plunger Pin P/N 540-080 to lock the Plunger (P/N 550-016) if desired. The Plunger Pin P/N 540-080 requires no hole to be drilled in the plunger for use. The most recent design is the Latch Catch Assembly (Pull Pin) P/N 505-010. A proper sized hole through the Plunger (P/N 550-257) is standard on the Latch Catch Assembly (Pull Pin) P/N 505010 for mounting the P/N 535-900 Pull Pin.
