Mares MR22 worth rebuilding?

[captboob]

Unfortunately Mares doesn't make a TBP kit for the MR22.

I'm just going to list some notes in no particular order.

The part number for the spring base plate changed from 185034 to 46185034 in the mid-2000s. Mares still makes them, but I don't see anyone offering it for sale. You might need to find a friendly shop to help you out. You could also scavenge an unbroken one from a "parts only" 12, 16, 22, 32. It's a non-precision chunk of plastic, so as long as it isn't broken like yours it should be fine.

You need to clean those parts. Here's a good thread. Despite the title, you don't need an ultrasonic cleaner. Recommended ultrasonic solution, time, and temperature?

I've had good luck ordering parts from https://www.maremossoforzasette.it/en/diving/spare-part-scuba-diving/mares-regulators.html . I also bought my MR22 from them.

You've obviously got a bad seal in the first stage. You need a new poppet (the T-shaped piece). You may or may not need a new HP seat (the part with the volcano orifice), but it's only €8.90 from the page linked above. A parts kit from the same source that includes the poppet is €27.50. Given the prices, I'd also be tempted to replace the diaphragm (€3.90), spring (€1.50) and the pin (€2.00, match the length on the one you have).

I personally wouldn't spend too much time on the MR12 III second stage. If the corrosion isn't terminal, you would be OK using it for an octo. But there is a reason Mares went to a larger exhaust valve for all of the second stages after this one. To replace it, you should be able to find an inexpensive Abyss/Voltrex/Orbiter second stage. The other metal option is a metal Proton, which is nice for an octo because it's physically smaller. Finally, the plastic Rover/Prestige (same reg) is also cheap and plentiful and will outperform the MR III if tuned correctly. Avoid the plastic Proton unless it has had the faceplate replaced with one from the metal Proton. The original soft plastic Proton faceplates all eventually disintegrate,

A Dual 15X is a perfectly acceptable regset. But gets you zero style points

I too have a titanium mr22 as well as a mr16 that creeps past my 150 psi preference. They are perfect cosmetically but would like to have them rebuilt. I am comfortable doing my second stages as I have done for 30+ years. Just need these 1st stages done with all rubber and all poppets. please advise.
thanks, Bob
Im in Florida btw

 

[captboob]

Essentially the MR16 and the MR22 are the same first stage with a different exterior form factor. The same is true of the Voltrex and the Abyss 2nd stage...relatively, everything is the same with the exception of the faceplate. I state "relatively" because there were some minor changes to the Abyss 2nd stage over the years such as the addition of the port on the side of the 2nd stage body, a change in the lever shape, and then there are the Navy and Extreme versions of the Abyss that have a special coating on internal parts.

I wouldn't hesitate to dive an MR16 1st stage with a Voltrex 2nd stage, but I would recommend not spending much on them as their date of manufacture is quite behind us, so how much you spend on them should be reflective of that.

For the parts you are having trouble sourcing out in the wild, have you checked with any local/semi-local Mares dealers to find if they will help you out?

-Z

Any sources of a competent shop in USA for doing these mr16's and mr22's? They have always treated me fine and still look great. Im ok doing my own 2nd's
Bob

 

[Zef]

Any sources of a competent shop in USA for doing these mr16's and mr22's? They have always treated me fine and still look great. Im ok doing my own 2nd's
Bob

You should check with shops in your area to see if they service Mares regulators. If you can't find anyone local, I would get in touch with Chris at divezonescuba. His shop is located in Pearland Texas (just south of Houston). Last I knew, they were a Mares dealer and should be able to help.

Dive Zone Scuba Pearland TX

scuba diving certification technical diving PADI TDI SDI backplate back plate wing decompression

www.divezonescuba.com

-Z

 

[lowwall]

Any sources of a competent shop in USA for doing these mr16's and mr22's? They have always treated me fine and still look great. Im ok doing my own 2nd's
Bob

All of their diaphragm regs are very similar internally so any shop that had been selling Mares for a while should be fine. Bonus points if the tech's hair (if any) is grey.

If there's no one nearby that fits that description, maybe try Lake Hickory Scuba - Contact us