Regulator Geeks: Scubapro Mk19EVO - teardown & discussion

[davehicks]

I just serviced three Mk17's for the very first time a couple of weeks ago. I'd been using two of them nonstop since 2021, and the other was loaned out to buddies who actively used it. All three were still in great shape and holding IP rock solid. The loaned out Mk17 was starting to squeal a bit, prompting the service.

Anyway, I referred back to the Mk19 video before doing the service, which was helpful. The Mk17's were an absolute breeze to service! I've had Mk25's for 20 years and serviced them multiple times. The Mk17s were so much simpler. The piston/bushing/oring/spacer/seat is always a hassle, especially if you don't have the bushing tool. (I 3d printed my own version after damaging a piston years ago)

After this positive experience, both the ease of service and how clean the Mk17s were, I am strongly tempted to replace my Mk25s with Mk19s. My oldest Mk25 is from about 2002 or so. I think the next time I see some nice Mk19s for sale, I'll pick them up.

 

[Mobulai]

The piston/bushing/oring/spacer/seat is always a hassle, especially if you don't have the bushing tool

I’d take that over fishing for the mk10 piston stem oring
But getting out the spacers that are stuck in crudded mk20s is a nightmare for sure

 

[lexvil]

I’d take that over fishing for the mk10 piston stem oring
But getting out the spacers that are stuck in crudded mk20s is a nightmare for sure

MK 5/10 machined oring groove is a much better design reguardless of the PITA of removing it, it took more precision in machining and plating so the packed in simpler/cheaper boring replaced it.

 

[Mobulai]

MK 5/10 machined oring groove is a much better design reguardless of the PITA of removing it, it took more precision in machining and plating so the packed in simpler/cheaper boring replaced it.

So.. SP put the onus on the tech to get that oring aligned
Way to turn a bug into a feature
That’s some 5d chess they are playing

 

[lexvil]

So.. SP put the onus on the tech to get that oring aligned
Way to turn a bug into a feature
That’s some 5d chess they are playing

Just manufacturing short cut, less precision in production but some balance in reducing risk of damage to the body.

 

[rsingler]

I’d take that over fishing for the mk10 piston stem oring
But getting out the spacers that are stuck in crudded mk20s is a nightmare for sure

I finally ran into a Mk25 where the deepest bushing was stuck too tight for a "magic dowel".
Bought a cheap set of "imported" punches from Amazon.
Amazon SE 8-Piece Drive Pin Punch Set -

Amazon.com

$17

Polished the punch end smooth and square before starting, with 1000 grit Micromesh. Then two light taps  almost parallel to the bore with the end of the punch catching in the tiny gap between bushing and reg, and bingo! Bushing out when all I was doing before was rounding the wooden ends of my dowels.
Upon inspection, one or more techs before me had given up and left the lowest bushing in the bore. Its ID was ALL scuffed up, while the outer bushing was pristine.

 

[Pressurehead]

Then two light taps  almost parallel to the bore with the end of the punch catching in the tiny gap between bushing and reg, and bingo! Bushing out

You are more like a vascular surgeon than a SCUBA regulator Tech.
Some of us don't have the finesse [or the eye sight] .
Very smart Rob.

 

[rsingler]

Lol! You can buy finesse at Site For Sore Eyes.
$400 for new lenses with an extra 1.5 diopters on my near vision half, so I can focus really close.

 

[BoltSnap]

You are more like a vascular surgeon than a SCUBA regulator Tech.
Some of us don't have the finesse [or the eye sight] .
Very smart Rob.

He is an anesthesiologist and knows how to keep people and regulators alive very well.

 

[Pressurehead]

The new Mk19 EVO I bought came with a S600 2nd, the price for both was just too good [I was after the 1st stage only], the S600 is such a 'sweet regulator'.
Anyway, my beef is ' why is every Scubapro 2nd stage from the factory de-tuned so much'?
As much as I love them, and I have plenty, every one of them is as above, I expect most people just dive it the way it comes from Scubapro.
Forgive me if I am off topic.
OK, it's set right [for me], but why?
Rant over.