Kirby Morgan KMB-18 A/B

Questions and Answers

C
Chad ReynoldsAug 19, 2025
Why is my Kirby Morgan KMB-18 A/B Diving Instrument regulator continuously free flowing?
- J
  Jacob StewartAug 19, 2025
  If your Kirby Morgan Diving Instrument regulator is continuously free flowing, first ensure the adjustment knob is screwed in. Also, verify that the supply pressure isn't too high; it should be lower than 225 P.S.I. (15 bar) O.B. Check for any holes in the face seal of the hood or if the face seal has separated from the mask, and repair or replace the hood as needed. Finally, the regulator may be out of adjustment, so adjust it accordingly.
F
fgardnerAug 21, 2025
How to troubleshoot no sound at either com box or Band Mask on Kirby Morgan KMB-18 A/B Diving Instrument?
- K
  Kristine HawkinsAug 21, 2025
  If you're experiencing no sound at either the com box or Band Mask of your Kirby Morgan Diving Instrument, first ensure the communication box is switched on and the volume is adjusted. Check if the communications are correctly hooked up by switching terminal wires or plugging them into the terminals. If the communicator is still not functional, it may need to be replaced.
S
santosstephenAug 23, 2025
What to do if Kirby Morgan KMB-18 A/B Diving Instrument regulator does not supply gas?
- T
  Tyler ZhangAug 23, 2025
  If the Kirby Morgan Diving Instrument regulator does not supply gas, first ensure that the gas supply pressure is adequate, with a minimum of 115 PSI (8 bar) over ambient. Also, check that the diver's gas supply is turned on topside and that there are no blockages in the breathing system. Disassemble the regulator to clean and adjust it, if needed. Finally, the regulator may be out of adjustment, so adjust it accordingly.
W
William SantanaAug 26, 2025
Why is my Kirby Morgan KMB-18 A/B regulator hard breathing?
- R
  Rachel MoralesAug 26, 2025
  If your Kirby Morgan Diving Instrument regulator is hard to breathe through, try screwing the adjustment knob out. If that doesn't resolve the issue, the regulator itself may be out of adjustment.
W
William LeeAug 28, 2025
Why are the communications weak or broken up on my Kirby Morgan Diving Instrument?
- C
  Chelsey MorganAug 28, 2025
  If the communications on your Kirby Morgan Diving Instrument are weak or broken up, start by cleaning the terminals in the Band Mask with a wire brush until the metal is bright and shiny to remove any corrosion. Also, check the communicator's battery; it may be low and need to be charged or replaced.
A
Anthony DennisAug 29, 2025
What causes water leakage into Band Mask of Kirby Morgan KMB-18 A/B Diving Instrument?
- P
  Pamela WhiteAug 30, 2025
  If you have water leakage into the Band Mask of your Kirby Morgan Diving Instrument, check if the exhaust valve is damaged or stuck open; if so, seat or replace the valve. Inspect the diaphragm for damage or improper seating, and seat or replace it as necessary. Also, examine the waterproof connector O-ring for extrusion or damage, and replace it if needed. Ensure that the Port Retainer screws are tightened to the proper torque value and that the bands are neither loose nor damaged; tighten the screws to the correct torque values and replace the bands if they are damaged.
R
Ronald HornSep 1, 2025
What to do if communications only work when wire is wiggled back and forth on Kirby Morgan KMB-18 A/B?
- O
  Olivia HoldenSep 1, 2025
  If the communications on your Kirby Morgan Diving Instrument only work when the wire is wiggled back and forth, it's likely due to a break in the diver's communication wire. If the damage is minor, splice the wire; otherwise, replace the wire if the damage is major.
J
Joshua MartinezSep 3, 2025
What to do if communications only work when connector (80) is wiggled back and forth on Kirby Morgan KMB-18 A/B?
- K
  klunaSep 3, 2025
  If the communications on your Kirby Morgan Diving Instrument only work when connector (80) is wiggled back and forth, there might be a break in the waterproof connector (80). If connector (80) is suspect, remove it from the line and test the line for integrity before replacing the connector.
G
George WigginsSep 5, 2025
Why defogger valve will not flow gas on Kirby Morgan KMB-18 A/B?
- D
  Darlene HuffSep 5, 2025
  If the defogger valve on your Kirby Morgan Diving Instrument won't flow gas, check if there's breathing gas in the umbilical and ensure the diver's gas supply is turned on topside. Also, check for foreign matter in the side block or one way valve.
E
Erica CummingsSep 7, 2025
What to do if diver speech weak or not working on Kirby Morgan KMB-18 A/B?
- K
  kennethhillSep 7, 2025
  If the diver speech through your Kirby Morgan Diving Instrument is weak or not working, the microphone (12) in the Band Mask may be dead and needs replacement.

Summary

Definitions of Signal Words Used in this Manual

Signal Word Definitions

Defines CAUTION, WARNING, and DANGER terms used in the manual.

Important Safety Information

General Safety Precautions

Covers warnings on mask usage, parts, contaminated environments, and diving risks.

Warranty Information

Warranty Terms and Conditions

Details warranty period, claims process, and conditions that void the warranty.

Chapter 1 General Information

1.1 Introduction

Provides background on Kirby Morgan Dive Systems and its products.

Model Configurations and Design Purpose

Describes KMB 18A/B and 28 models and their intended application.

1.4 Construction Specifications

Materials and Weight

Lists the construction materials and the weight of the mask.

1.5 General Description

Gas Flow, Auxiliary Gas, and CO2 Reduction

Explains gas systems, auxiliary supply, and CO2 reduction mechanisms.

Exhaust, Communications, Hood, and Harness

Describes exhaust, comms, hood, face seal, and head harness components.

1.6 Importance of Proper Maintenance

Special Tools for Maintenance

Lists specialized tools recommended for regulator adjustment.

Chapter 2 Operating Instructions

2.1 Introduction and First Use

Overview of operating instructions and initial setup for new masks.

2.2 Pre Dress-In Procedure

2.2.1 Pre-Dive Inspection

Details critical steps for inspecting the mask before each dive.

Pre-Dive Checks and Valve Testing

Cleaning Face Port

Instructions for cleaning the face port to prevent scratches and fogging.

Checking Parts and One-Way Valve

Verifies smooth operation of controls and tests the one-way valve.

2.2.5 Connecting the Band Mask to the Diver’s Umbilical

Connecting the Umbilical

Details the correct procedure for attaching the umbilical to the mask.

2.2.6 Gas Flow Systems Check

Verifying Gas Flow Systems

Steps to check gas flow, regulator function, and purge button.

2.2.7 Sealing Integrity Check

Testing Mask Seal Integrity

Describes how to perform a suction test to ensure a proper mask seal.

Verifying Communications System

Instructions for testing the communication system for proper operation.

2.3.1 Fogging Prevention

Advises on applying anti-fogging solutions to the face port.

Umbilical Flushing and Auxiliary Gas System

Flushing the Umbilical

Explains the procedure to flush the umbilical before connection.

Using the Auxiliary Gas System

Emphasizes the importance of a bail-out cylinder for diver safety.

Chapter 4 Inspection;Maintenance Timetable

Daily, Monthly, and Six-Month Maintenance

Outlines recommended daily, monthly, and semi-annual maintenance procedures.

4.4 Yearly or Every 400 Operating Hours

Annual Inspection and Maintenance

Covers the annual inspection and periodic part replacement schedule.

Chapter 5 Preventative Maintenance

5.1 Introduction and Required Tools

Introduces preventative maintenance and lists necessary tools.

5.3 General

General Care and Service Recommendations

Provides general advice on mask care and service frequency.

5.4 Daily Maintenance

Daily Maintenance Steps

Details the specific steps for performing daily maintenance.

5.5 Monthly Maintenance (or Between Jobs)

Communications Inspection and Nose Block Lubrication

Instructions for inspecting comms and lubricating nose block O-rings.

5.5.3 One-Way Valve

Disassembly and Reassembly of One-Way Valve

Provides instructions for disassembling and reassembling the one-way valve.

5.5.4 Demand Regulator (63 A;B)

Demand Regulator Test and Adjustment

Explains how to test and adjust the demand regulator for correct function.

Regulator Body Inspection and Adjustment System Lubrication

Inspecting Regulator Body Interior

Guides on inspecting the internal parts of the regulator body for wear or damage.

Lubricating the Adjustment System

Outlines the lubrication process for the regulator adjustment system.

Reassembly of Adjustment System

Reassembling the Adjustment System

Details the steps for reassembling the regulator adjustment system.

5.6 Demand Regulator Internal Adjustment

Internal Adjustment Procedure

Provides instructions for adjusting the demand regulator internally.

5.7 Hood and Face Seal (2)

Hood and Face Seal Maintenance

Covers removal, inspection, and reinstallation of the hood and face seal.

Chapter 6 Corrective Maintenance

6.1 General and Port Retainer

Introduces corrective maintenance and discusses the port retainer.

6.3 Face Port (27)

General description of the face port material and its characteristics.

6.3.2 Face Port and Nose Block Removal

Step-by-step guide to removing the face port and nose block.

6.3.3 Face Port (27) and Nose Block Device (3) Replacement

Replacing Face Port and Nose Block Device

Instructions for installing a new face port and nose block device.

6.4 Communications System

6.4.1 General and Earphone Inspection

Overview of comms and how to inspect earphones.

6.4.3 Microphone Removal and Replacement

Microphone Removal and Replacement

Procedures for removing and replacing the microphone.

6.4.4 Earphone Removal and Replacement

Earphone Removal and Replacement

Steps for removing and replacing the mask earphones.

6.4.5 Waterproof Connector (80)

Waterproof Connector Removal and Replacement

Instructions for removing and replacing the waterproof connector.

6.4.6 Communications Posts (73)

Communications Post Removal and Replacement

Steps for removing and replacing the communications posts.

6.5 Side Block Assembly (119 A;B)

6.5.1 General and Removal

General info on side blocks and how to remove them.

Sideblock Assembly Removal Details

KMB 18 A Sideblock Removal

Specific instructions for removing the sideblock from the KMB 18A.

KMB 18 B & 28 Sideblock Removal

Specific instructions for removing the sideblock from KMB 18B/28.

Separating Sideblock from Frame

Details on how to detach the sideblock from the main mask frame.

6.5.3 Sideblock Assembly Replacement

Sideblock Assembly Replacement

Provides instructions for installing a new side block assembly.

6.6 Defogger Valve (83-92)

Disassembly, Cleaning, and Reassembly of Defogger Valve

Covers disassembly, cleaning, and reassembly of the defogger valve.

6.7 Auxiliary Gas Supply Valve Assembly (103)

Disassembly, Cleaning, and Reassembly of Auxiliary Valve

Provides instructions for disassembling, cleaning, and reassembling the auxiliary valve.

6.8 Model A Regulator Hose Assembly (119 A)

Hose Removal, Inspection, and Replacement

Steps for removing, inspecting, cleaning, and replacing the regulator hose.

6.9 B Bent Tube Assembly (119 B) (KMB 18 B and 28)

6.9.1 General and Removal

General info on bent tube assembly and how to remove it.

Bent Tube Assembly Inspection and Replacement

Inspecting Bent Tube Assembly

How to inspect the bent tube assembly for wear or damage.

Replacing Bent Tube Assembly

Procedures for replacing the bent tube assembly.

6.10 Nose Block Assembly

Nose Block Assembly Removal and Replacement

Steps for removing and replacing the nose block assembly and device.

6.11 Band Mask Frame KMB 18 A;B

Band Mask Frame Construction

Description of the construction materials and durability of the mask frame.

6.13 Main Exhaust Assembly (64-67, 69)

Exhaust Valve Removal and Main Exhaust Body Replacement

Steps for removing the exhaust valve and replacing the main exhaust body.

6.14 Demand Regulator Assembly (63 A;B)

6.14.1 General

General information about the demand regulator and its importance.

6.14.2 Demand Regulator Assembly Removal

Demand Regulator Assembly Removal

Step-by-step guide for removing the demand regulator assembly.

6.14.3 Disassembly of the Demand Regulator (63 A;B)

Disassembling the Demand Regulator

Provides detailed instructions for taking the demand regulator apart.

6.14.4 Inspection of Demand Regulator Parts

Inspection of Demand Regulator Parts

Guides on inspecting individual demand regulator components for wear.

6.14.5 Reassembly of the Demand Regulator (63 A;B)

Reassembly of the Demand Regulator

Steps to correctly reassemble the demand regulator after inspection.

6.15 Oral Nasal Mask (9)

Oral Nasal Mask Removal and Inspection

Steps to remove and inspect the oral nasal mask and its valve.

Oral Nasal Mask and Valve Replacement

Oral Nasal Mask Replacement

Instructions for reinstalling the oral nasal mask and microphone.

Oral Nasal Valve Replacement

Procedures for replacing the oral nasal valve correctly.

Chapter 7 ACCESSORIES

7.1 Introduction and Hot Water Shroud Installation

Introduces accessories and guides on installing the hot water shroud.

Inflator Hose and Weld Lens Installation

Instructions for installing low pressure inflator hose and weld lenses.

Use of Quick-Disconnect and Mask Carrying Bag

Quick-Disconnect Usage

Explains how to use quick-disconnects for bailout systems.

Mask Carrying Bag Usage

Advises on using the carrying bag for protection and transport.

Appendix 1 Torque Specifications for KMB 18 A;B & 28

Torque Specifications Table

A table listing torque specifications for various mask components.

Appendix 2 Maintenance Log

Maintenance Log Template

A template for recording maintenance performed on the band mask.