Calling all SP MKV owners

[Wayward Son]

Dunno about the 2nd pic, I haven't seen that 1st stage before.

The Mk5 is easily serviced, as are th 109 2nd stages, parts kits are readily available. Take great care with the exhaust T's on those 2nd stages, those are no longer available. There is a universal T available but it isn't the same & I found that it is too thick to be practial in use.

Mine tends to breath wet when upside down (heads down vertical position, like when I go over & look under a ledge for lobster) or when on my back. Mine also sometimes squeaks on inhale, but overall it breaths quite well.

 

[scubamickey]

The second picture looks like a MK 1 to me. But I'm far from being an expert.

 

[Berdman]

"What 2nd stage do you have with it?"

Here is the set up minus the SPG, I put that with my new regulators.
http://www.geocities.com/berdyck3/PICT0024.JPG


They also told me the 2nd stage is a really hard breathing regulator.

 

[Wayward Son]

It may only be hard breathing because it's not tuned properly. Be a good idea to talk to a skilled service tech for an opinion.

 

[Wayward Son]

If you decide to dive these regs, take care of them as you can't easily replace the chromed parts. I make a point to either keep it wet in salt water or at least give it a quick fresh water rinse right after the dives in order to prevent salt crystals from forming. I also try to keep the 2nd stage from beating & scraping on decks & things. Getting the brass parts rechromed would be pretty expensive.

 

[OceanObsessed]

One of my buddies just emailed me this post and said: "you looks like you're not the only Dinosaur out there"
He is just jeolous that he does not have the same reg

I also dive with the Mark V, and also purchased mine new in 1978 I still use it today. Obviously they are quality regs to have such a following

 

[Luis H]

Thanks Wayward Son for the info! Neither of the regs are marked with the 3k PSI, so I suppose I'll use them for the LP tanks I got them with.

Here's a link to a pic of the other reg. Notice the "T" at the cap(?).
http://dwigtek.com/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=166&g2_serialNumber=1

I look forward to getting at least one of these guys serviced...do you have any opinion as to which is the better first stage? (I'm guessing these seconds are the same)

That is definitely a MK1. It is the predecessor to the MK5. It is essentially the same regulator without the extra LP ports.

http://www.scubacollector.de/html/mk_11.html


I own about 1/2 dozen MK5. My original one I bought in 1972 while I was working at the SP dealer in Puerto Rico. Since then I have bought several on eBay. Some in great shape, but several in very sad shape.

I mostly dive a Royal Aqua Master double hose, but in the rare occasion where I may dive a single hose my MK5 is one of my favorite (Poseidon Cyklon 2nd stage is my other).

IMHO the MK5 is one of the all times best regulators ever made. To this day I think it is hard to find a better performing regulator.
It is also great that the adjustable second stage can be upgraded to a balanced second the same as some of their newest regulators.

 

[Luis H]

"What 2nd stage do you have with it?"

Here is the set up minus the SPG, I put that with my new regulators.
http://www.geocities.com/berdyck3/PICT0024.JPG


They also told me the 2nd stage is a really hard breathing regulator.

That looks like a MK5 first stage with a non-adjustable second stage. The non-adjustable adjustable can be tuned to perform very well, but in general will never be as good as the adjustable (or the upgraded balanced adjustable) second stage. It is still a good second stage.

 

[rpfaber]

Does anyone know where I could get the original schematics and manual for a SP MK10 / D300.

Also, does anyone know of a dive shop that will sell the necessary parts to rebuild these reg's.

Thanks in advance

Rick - Northern California