Balmar ARS-5 Regulator

[lancelot9898]

I just received a new ARS-5 regulator in the mail and looking at the front of the box where the clear plastic potting material is, there are slight distortions in the clarity of the clear plastic. One spot there is a small scratch that is barely visible, but can be felt with your finger. I'll call Balmar later this morning to see if there is anything to be worried about. I know that Defender will stand behind their products, but being a 6 hour drive away from the boat and leaving this Friday for the boat leaves very little time to correct this problem. Not even sure if there is a problem with this regulator??

[CharlieJ]

I have installed many Balmar regulators and have seen the condition that you describe. The potting process is not always perfect so as long as the integrity of the potting has not been breached, your unit is ok.

[Hud3]

Inspect the potting very, very carefully. Use a magnifying glass if possible. I installed a MC-614 that turned out to have a small crack in the potting which caused it to malfunction.

Balmar was exceptionally supportive during my trouble-shooting and gave me a new regulator once we figured out what was wrong.

[sailcruiser]

Definitely inspect it closely. A new one a PO installed ended up shorting on me bringing the boat home. It left a big black spot in the potting. If I can find the photo I'll post it.

The new one I installed has been fine for several years now.


SC