new second stage recommendations

[Nemrod]

That is a good point. You should be able to hear the lever tapping the diaphragm with the second stage pressurized. I am beginning to think the second stage just needs a little adjustment now that the seat has broken in.

James

 

[Nemrod]

Note: the "orifice" referred to in that post is what I called the poppet. Mares has some unusual and inconsistent names for the internal reg parts.

That I call the volcano orifice . We know what we are talking about even if the OP has not a clue what we are jabbering on about .

 

[rsingler]

Nothing to add here. You guys have it all dialed in.
But I'll fix it if you can't find a suitable tech. MR-22 is bulletproof, as are the seconds.

 

[baggins_69]

Did this tech have your complete regulator (the 1st stage + 2nd stage) when he rebuilt your 2nd stage?

rx7diver

yes, my full rig.

 

[rx7diver]

yes, my full rig.

Okay. Then, a competent tech will have checked your IP and IP creep. I'm wondering whether your HP LP seat (IP seat?) in your 2nd stage took a "set" somewhat after your 2nd stage was rebuilt. This is perfectly natural. Should require only a slight adjustment to compensate. (I've never serviced a Mares reg, though, so I don't know how straightforward doing this, is.)

ETA: @Nemrod, too, mentioned this possibility in post #11 above.

EDIT: Corrected my typo from "HP" to "LP".

rx7diver

 

[Nemrod]

Okay. Then, a competent tech will have checked your IP and IP creep. I'm wondering whether your HP seat (IP seat?) in your 2nd stage took a "set" somewhat after your 2nd stage was rebuilt. This is perfectly natural. Should require only a slight adjustment to compensate. (I've never serviced a Mares reg, though, so I don't know how straightforward doing this, is.)

ETA: @Nemrod, too, mentioned this possibility in post #11 above.

rx7diver

It is more likely that the LP seat has broken in and now needs a minor tweak. As the seat forms to the volcano orifice (some referring to as the poppet) the lever will rise slightly and now it is possible the purge/diaphragm cover is actuating the valve. This is why we were asking for the OP to either listen for a rattle or to remove the cover and see if the leakage stops.

The OP does need to check the IP that it is in specification and does not creep up. I do not know what Mares calls out for IP for this first stage.

James

 

[lowwall]

The OP does need to check the IP that it is in specification and does not creep up. I do not know what Mares calls out for IP for this first stage.

142-148 PSI aka 9.8-10.2 bar

 

[baggins_69]

ok, IP gauge arrived, put the reg on a tank with 2135 lbs of nitrox (per my comp) attached the IP gauge to the BC inflator hose and hit the purge on the primary second stage and released it.

pressure went to ~135 psi then crept up to ~138 over about 30 seconds and held steady at 138 for several hours now. 138 is low, but I do not know how well this gauge is calibrated (and it really only has 10 lb tics so I am interpolating my readings)

the second stage is not hissing, no sounds of air leaking, tank pressure remaining steady. going to leave it on until morning and check again, but it seems that it isn't misbehaving today.

seems like I don't _need_ a new reg after all.. now comes the hard part - I want one anyway

 

[Nemrod]

seems like I don't _need_ a new reg after all.. now comes the hard part - I want one anyway

Let me help you part with your money then.



N

 

[keyshunter]

Let me help you part with your money then.



N

I thought you were an Aqualung fan James.