Up front, I will admit I have not had a Air Venturi or Brancato valve disassembled. However, I rebuilt Sherwood, Aqualung and Thermo scuba tank valves for ten years while working in a dive shop. Knowing the teflon packing in the valve, I would be hard pressed to believe teflon lube will wick into the stem. That teflon packing bushing has to hold back 4,500 psi of gas pressure. If teflon lube can get into the stem/packing interface I guarantee gas will be coming out.
My bet is their choice of sealing material or if the design allows, the bonnet nut might be over tightened, which is not possible in scuba valves that I serviced.
I’m tempted to empty my AV SCBA to disassemble the valve but then I would need a repacking kit and I have only seen complete valves listed on web.
I just know at this point, that my Brancato valve operates easier than my AV valve. I don’t think that’s a problem though. The only time I open my valve all the way is to refill the tank. When ever I’m filling my gun from the SCBA it’s only open maybe a quarter or half turn.
YMMV
My bet is their choice of sealing material or if the design allows, the bonnet nut might be over tightened, which is not possible in scuba valves that I serviced.
I’m tempted to empty my AV SCBA to disassemble the valve but then I would need a repacking kit and I have only seen complete valves listed on web.
I just know at this point, that my Brancato valve operates easier than my AV valve. I don’t think that’s a problem though. The only time I open my valve all the way is to refill the tank. When ever I’m filling my gun from the SCBA it’s only open maybe a quarter or half turn.
YMMV
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