Reg seal: what is considered wear and damage?

[The Jayster]

I was looking at several PE videos for reg maintenance and they mention to inspect the reg seal and either flip it or replace it if need be. But what is considered wear to the point where you have to replace it? I'm talking about this piece here:




So, often there'll be a circle-shaped mark on the top due to the reg piston, but at what point does it become an issue? Is it when there's very obvious damage?Below are Ego LPR reg seals (same material as the HPR reg seal) and the one on the left is clearly shredded. Is that the level of damage we're talking about?

[ketzer7]

Would also like to know. I think sometimes the only way to tell is if you put the reg on a gauge and watch the output to see if it's creeping, indicating that the seat is no longer fully sealing against the piston allowing the pressure to escape past it and keep building up. But would like to hear from others.

[superman]

That bottom pic is a bit extreme. Normal is to have a light ring where the piston sits. the deeper that ring gets the more you want to consider changing it. If you have any tears, or a non level surface that the piston is seating against, change it.

[Chuck E Ducky]

Also, There is a guy here that makes replacements I have used them and they work good.

https://www.mcarterbrown.com/forum/buy-sell-trade/dealers-forum/132010-ego-regulator-seats-hpr-lpr-ego-5-6-7-8-9-10-sl74-sl8r-sl94-geo-etek

[Chuck E Ducky]

Oh that stinks. Those were a great resource.

[Araphel]

I can make them if need be

[Chuck E Ducky]

Oh good to know if I ever need some more. The material you use has been super durable too. The PGP seals I have replace have been rock solid!

[Sdawg]

Protip: release all the air from your reg before making large adjustments, especially to lower pressure.

[The Jayster]

I was able to find a cheap, local source for these so I replaced mine. Saw a direct improvement. So I do confirm: when you start experiencing velocity fluctuations and the paint is ruled out, inspect the reg seal. Mine looked a tad worn out. That'd be expected as my Emek is now in its 5th season.

Superman was spot on: "Normal is to have a light ring where the piston sits. the deeper that ring gets the more you want to consider changing it. If you have any tears, or a non level surface that the piston is seating against, change it."