Preventative Maintenance
The STT Lift systems are built out of the same high quality materials and type of components as much of your dive gear, and should be cared for in essentially the same way. It should be inspected, tested and lubricated properly before diving, and it should be properly rinsed, de-salinated and dried thoroughly before returning to storage. This section gives a breakdown of the individual points of performance for the proper pre and post-dive maintenance required for consistent, reliable operation.
ATAC Pre-Dive Checklist
Step 1: Remove Shuttle
Remove the shuttle, if locked in place. You do this by simultaneously pulling “Down” on the lifting dogs while pushing “Up” on the actuating dogs. The shuttle can easily fall out the bottom like this, or you can give it a little nudge with a pinky. See video…
Step 2: Check dog function
Check that actuation and lifting dogs have smooth, unrestricted operation.
Lift Dogs: “Flick” the lifting dogs and make sure they immediately and firmly return to position against the body. These dogs tend to collect sand and debris when dragged over the beach, so grit can accumulate between the dogs and the body. Make sure they are clean and responsive.
Actuation Dogs: These are spring-loaded by the actuators bolted to the side of the ATAC body. Actuate them against the pins, and ensure that the pin moves freely all the way to lock. This is a very common area for missed PMS to cause problems.
If both the Lift and Actuation dogs move freely, move on to lubrication.
Step 3: Lubrication
There are two o-rings, one inside each actuator bore that should be inspected and lubricated with silicone grease. Using an o-ring tool or probe, carefully remove and inspect the o-rings and swab both the ring and the bore with diving-safe silicone grease.
Re-install the o-rings by pushing them into place with a pinky or probe, making sure they seat all the way into the ring land and are well lubed.
Step 4: Clean and Install CO2 Cartridges
The CO2 cartridges are made of cadmium coated steel, and prone to corrosion and rusting if stored improperly. It is imperative to rinse, clean and lubricate the ATAC actuator after every use, and NEVER leave the CO2 cartridges in the system. Especially spent ones.
The inside of the cartridges isn’t coated in any way, and once water gets into them from the puncture hole, they will just bleed rust into the actuator bores and cause problems during storage.
Inspect the new cartridges prior to use, and clean the o-ring surfaces and threads using an abrasive pad and wire brush if necessary.
Once clean, lubricate the threads with silicone grease and install them into the actuators prior to diving. The CO2 cartridges are installed until they bottom out. If it is difficult to spin them in place by hand, remove them and ensure the threads are clean and debris free before trying again.
The challenge with greasing surfaces is that it also attracts grit and debris, so make sure you properly clean and dry the system after use before storage.