Regulator help - Rebuild or New?

[Eric Sedletzky]

Don't listen to these people on SB, keep the MK2/380 it's damn good reg!!
Just because it's unbalanced doesn't mean squat, you should be done with your dive and back on the boat way before the thing gets hard to breathe. it's the single most reliable bullet proof reg ever made with minimum parts. A GUE DIR tech diver I know had one to 300' and it worked flawlessly. There's literally one moving part and two working O-rings and a seat, that can be flipped BTW for a fresh surface. Your dive shop will not tell you that. Your 380 also has a seat that can be flipped for a new surface and double your service extension time which your dive shop also will not tell you about.
If you want true balancing buy a really nice balanced second stage like a G260 and put it on the MK2. Only one side needs to be balanced. You can do ANY recreational dive with that reg set no problem. Scubapro is the best stuff available and don't let anybody tell you different. My MK2 is 24 years old, yeah so? It works like brand new.
I could just be like all the other schmucks around here and tell you your reg is too old and junk just buy another, then offer you $100 for it, but I wouldn't do that. I have a MK 2 and work on this stuff and I know how good it is.

 

[Nemrod]

Rebuilding a Mark 2 is dirt simple, it has only two O-rings and one moving part. It is also the simplest of designs and as reliable as the sun. The Mark 2, and in particular the newest version, the Mark 2 Evo provide sufficient performance when matched with a balanced second stage for any recreational diving.

The service price seems out of line to me. It probably does not need any service anyways. Originally service was on an as needed basis. There really is not much here to rebuild.

 

[chrisch]

Rebuilding a Mark 2 is dirt simple, it has only two O-rings and one moving part. It is also the simplest of designs and as reliable as the sun. The Mark 2, and in particular the newest version, the Mark 2 Evo provide sufficient performance when matched with a balanced second stage for any recreational diving.

The old Mk2 is a great reg to have for that reason. It is almost bulletproof and reliable enough that as a backup it is unbeatable.

I wouldn't part with mine.

 

[halocline]

This would be a complete overhaul since it has been out of the water and not services for 13 years. Not sure what parts will be needed. This is just an estimate, I am talking to the shop owner today. It will be to check the pressure gauge, 1st, 2nd, and air2 inflate. I know I need one new hose.

Mine was out of the water for at least that long before I decided to start using it as a O2 deco reg. When I tested it before dismantling to oxygen clean, it worked perfectly. Charging extra because the reg hasn’t been used doesn’t make any sense unless parts have clearly degraded, maybe through bad storage conditions. Anyhow, the mk 2 is an excellent reg for recreational diving, it’s crazy how reliable those things are.

 

[ScubaGreen02]

Thanks for all the replies, there a couple of hoses that are going to be replaced and two new mouth pieces. Should have done the hoses and the mouthpieces myself. But oh well. What 1st stage would y'all recommend for a new second stage so I can remove the air2. I don't want to go over $200 right now for 2nd stage.

 

[BoltSnap]

I see nothing wrong with the Air2, just use a 120cm hose for the primary second stage.

If you are going to buy a second stage, get the C370 without a doubt. Relegate the R380 to be the alternate (octopus ).

When you buy a regulator for your son, buy the mk11 Evo with the c370 or the mk17 evo2 with the c370.

 

[USdiver1]

Rebuilding a Mark 2 is dirt simple. It probably does not need any service anyways. Originally service was on an as needed basis. There really is not much here to rebuild.

^^^^^
This.

A Mk2 is utterly simple and bulletproof reliable. It is capable of going for decades [yes plural] without the need of a rebuild. Hook it up to a full cylinder and see if it provides air, if so, you are good to go.