Maintenance frequency: This regulator requires occasional maintenance. The reg will be able to function good for a few games, but will eventually need some cleaning to keep it in top condition (depends on the situation). Suggested interval for maintenance would be every 4,000-8,000 pressurized cycles, or every 1-2 months (approximately).
These are the things you'll need to disassemble and clean your regulator: assorted allen wrenches (3/32", 3/16"), large 3/8" allen wrench, Shocker lube, Q-tips, napkins/paper towel/cloth.
You will first need to remove the regulator from the vertical adapter. If you are using macroline this is easy to do, however if you're using a braided hose or something then it might be easiest to remove the bottomline ASA to which the reg is connected. If you don't remove the reg from the adapter you will not be able to service it.
Regulator Disassembly:
Using a 3/32" allen wrench, remove the set screw located on the side of the regulator housing, as per the following diagram. If you're using an older Shocker (generally those made in 2003 or 2004), you will also have another set screw located toward the bottom of the reg housing. If this applies, then remove the second set screw as well.
The regulator is divided up into two sections: the adjustment section on bottom, and the poppet section on top. Both sections will have to be removed in order to service the reg.
The reg is specifically designed for the adjustment section to be removed first. Insert your 3/16" allen wrench into the bottom of the adjustment endcap in the bottom of the reg (this is the yellowish brass piece). Unscrew it until it can be removed. When it comes out, some oft te components will also fall out (a spring and metal tophat guide). Set all three pieces aside.
Now, insert a large 3/8" allen wrench to unscrew the ASA threaded section at the top of the reg. This piece is also known as the poppet guide. Unscrew it until the threads disengage, and it can be removed.
Please note that you will be able to see a hex hole for a 1/8" allen wrench down in the top of the poppet guide. If you attempt to unscrew this, nothing will happen. To remove the poppet guide you must use a large 3/8" allen wrench (it's nearly as big as the hole in the top of the poppet guide).
When the poppet guide is removed, two additional pieces will fall out: the poppet spring and the poppet itself. Se
The final step in disassembling the regulator is to push the piston out the bottom of the reg, by inserting an allen wrench or straight dental pick down through the top. The piston is visible still inside the reg housing on either end, push it out form the top.
Maintenance/Reassembly:
Start by cleaning the poppet section of the regulator. Wipe all the old grease from the o-rings around the poppet guide then use a cloth to clean the poppet itself. The base seal o-ring for the regulator is located imbedded within the flared section of the poppet; use a q-tip to make sure it's clean and dry. This o-ring can be the cause for just about all regulator problems so it must be in good order. If it's damaged, the whole poppet will most likely need to be replaced ($25).
Next, use a q-tip to clean the exposed silver base seat, visible down inside the top of the regulator housing. It is removeable by pushing out from the bottom, but this isn't necessary. Just use a q-tip to go over it, but make sure not to leave any tiny q-tip hairs in the reg. The base seat seals against the poppet and is required for the regulator to function.
Lastly, again using a q-tip, clean the inside of the poppet guide where he poppet is inserted. Inside there is a hidden o-ring that should be lightly cleaned. It is shown here in this transparent view of the poppet guide.
Once this is finished, you can reassemble the poppet section of the reg (you still have to clean the adjustment section, but we'll do that in a sectond). First, apply an amout of grease to the o-rings around the poppet guide. The two top o-rings don't need grease, only the bottom two.
Now, place an amount of grease to the top of the poppet (the large end). This is used to lubricate the hidden o-ring in the poppet guide. Once it's greased, slide the poppet spring over the top of the poppet and drop it inside the bottom of the popet guide. Use this diagram for reference:
Use your large 3/8" allen wrench to screw everything together, then use your 3/32" allen wrench to reinstall the set screw to hold the poppet guide in place.
Now it's time to service the adjustment section. This is much easier; all you have to do is clean the old grease and/or moisture from the piston, then apply a new grease to the main piston o-ring located around it. Be generous with the grease, if you undergrease the piston it will seize up and most likely shread itself.
Once it's regreased, reinsert it into the bottom of the reg body. The top of the piston has a small o-ring housed in it; this side goes in the reg first. Then, reassemble the adjustment spring into the endcap and place the spring guide on top (as per the following diagram). Screw the endcap back into the reg body.
The regulator is now ready to use again. You will have to adjust its output pressure next time you pressurize the marker.
O-Ring Diagrams:
If you need to replace any of the rings used in the regulator, here are two diagrams of the sizes and durometers:
Demonstrational Videos:
This video shows a quick disassembly, cleaning and regreasing, and reassembly of the reg. As mentioned I didn't have a lot of time to make the video so it's not perfect.
SFT Max-Flo reg maintenance, high-res (14-MB)
SFT Max-Flo reg maintenance, low-res (6-MB)