How to repair Leslie RS Diaphragms

A DIY video showing how to repair diaphragms for a Leslie RS series train horn.
RS chamber disassembly:
Unbolt the chamber, gently rock back cap back and forth to loosen the diaphragm. In most cases the diaphragm will be stuck in the back cap. To get it out DO NOT pry on the diaphragm with a metal tool, this will cause more tears that you will need to fix. Soak the back cap with stuck diaphragm in hot soapy water. This softens up the silicone ring on the diaphragm. After a good soak, take an air gun and blow into the relief hole in the diaphragm, or you can use a small dental pick inserted into the relief hole to pry it out. After you get the diaphragm and back cap separated, wash the back cap out well and dry it off. Also wash off the diaphragm using the method I described in the video. DRY OFF THE BACK CAP WELL BEFORE REASSEMBLY! It is also a good idea while you have the chamber apart to clean out the chamber base as well, again make sure it is dried out well.

RS chamber reassembly:

Make sure all parts are dry and all RTV is cured. Place diaphragm in back cap. The orientation of the relief hole does not matter. hold back cap upside down and place chamber base on top of the diaphragm that is int eh back cap. "Proper" placement is to have the spike on the bottom of the back cap when the chamber is bolted on a horn, but the placement of the spike doesn't affect the function of the chamber, it just looks weird if it is not on the bottom. Hand tighten all the back cap bolts/screws. Using an tool finish torquing the screws/bolts, doing so in a star pattern. Remember you are threading into soft aluminum, these don't need a huge amount of torque, just enough so that the chamber is good and sealed up. Put a new head doughnut in the chamber and put new gaskets on the horn, and you are good to go.