REMEMBER: Before each dive, follow all of the procedures written in your manual in the chapter named "Operating Instructions". After your dive, follow the instructions in the "Post Dive" section of this same chapter.
Kirby Morgan® recommends the following service interval minimums for helmets and masks being used under good conditions. Helmets and masks used in contaminated water, burning or welding operations, or heavy jetting must be serviced more frequently.
WARNING: The use of lubricants of any type (i.e., silicone grease, or similar) on molded silicone rubber parts such as exhaust valves or diaphragms, must be avoided. Use of such compounds can deteriorate the physical properties of the components. In addition, lubricants can attract and hold debris that may cause a valve to leak. Also, the same practice applies for the diaphragm.
Daily Maintenance
The following steps must be performed daily at the completion of diving operations.
1) Disconnect the helmet from the diving hose and bail-out bottle. Make sure the air is off and the breathing system of the helmet is unpressurized. To vent the system, open the free flow valve knob and auxiliary valve knob until all gas flow stops.
WARNING: Never disconnect any hose from the helmet unless all gas has been vented from the hose first. If the hose is disconnected with pressure in the line the fittings may be damaged. In addition, the hose can whip about causing injury to anyone standing nearby.
2) Place a protective cap over both the air inlet and the auxiliary valve inlet to prevent foreign matter from entering the valves.
3) If the helmet head cushion is wet, remove it from the helmet and rinse it with fresh water. The head cushion is fastened into the helmet with snap tabs and pulls out easily. To ensure that the head cushion is dry for future use you may want to remove the head cushion foam. However, do not remove the foam unless it is absolutely necessary. It will dry properly without removing the foam.
For BandMasks®. remove the hood from the mask by unscrewing the band screws and removing the top and bottom bands. Slide the earphones out of their pockets in the hood. Remove the earphone covers from the earphones so they can dry completely. Avoid getting water on the oral nasal microphone and earphones whenever possible.
4) Rinse the helmet/mask thoroughly with fresh water. Turn the free flow valve knob, auxiliary valve knob, and regulator adjustment knob while rinsing to prevent salt from accumulating under these valves. Run water under the regulator cover, and in the regulator body through the air delivery tube located in the oral/nasal. Do not depress the purge button while rinsing the regulator as this action will permit foreign matter back into the inlet valve and seat.
5) For helmets, remove the earphones from the retainer clips so they can dry completely. Avoid getting water on the oral/nasal microphone and earphones. Remove the earphone covers from the earphones so they can dry completely.
6) Wipe the inside of the helmet/mask out with a clean, damp rag.
7) Rinse the yoke/neck clamp or neck ring assembly separately from the helmet. Operate the neck clamp and actuate the latch catch mechanism as you run fresh water over them.
8) Screw the demand regulator adjustment knob all the way out, away from the regulator body. This will prolong the life of the inlet valve seat on the valve stem and keep the internal adjustment correct.
9) Lubricate the shaft of the nose block device with silicone grease.
10) Remove the o-ring from the base of the helmet or the neck ring, clean and lubricate withsilicone grease.
11) If the neck dam is damaged it must be replaced.
Monthly Maintenance
Refer to your product manual for details of monthly maintenance for your specific helmet or mask.
Every Six Months or 200 Operating Hours
Refer to the individual product manuals for specific instructions for each step.
1) Replace regulator inlet valve and nut.
2) Replace communications set.
Yearly or 400 Operating Hours
1 ) Rebuild side block assembly
(order Side Block Rebuild Kit, Part # 525-311, for all SuperLite® helmets and KMB BandMasks®).
2) Rebuild demand regulator assembly
(order Regulator Repair Kit, Part #525-309, for all SuperLite® helmets and KMB BandMasks®.)
3) Rebuild one way valve
(order One Way Valve Repair Kit, Part #525-330. This kit is included in the Side Block kit Part # 525-311.)
4) Replace communications set (refer to manual).
5) Replace whisker rubber (refer to manual).
6) Replace main exhaust valve.
7) Replace waterproof connector.
8) Replace O-rings
510-446 (SL-17) 510-450 (SL-17K, 17C &27) 510-481 (wp conn) 510-260 (port retainer) 510-490 or 510-211 (reg mount nut) 510-010 and 510-008 (port retainer nose block)
9) Replace oral nasal mask.
10) Replace oral nasal valve.
11) Replace neck dam (helmets) or hood (BandMasks®).
12) Test Port Retainer Inserts
(this is a dealer provided service)
