Scubapro Cracking Problem (revisited)

[Couv]

I don't see it as a big deal on some models. I routinely grab my rig by my Mk7 with zero concern. Even my Mk2 is no big deal. But I avoid it with my balanced piston 1sts (Mk5/10/20).

I'm sure the Master and the Usual Suspects know this, but just to clarify for the Unusual Suspects; the MK7 is also a balanced piston first stage, but has no yoke retainer that can be over-torqued.

I had not head of this issue before, thanks for bringing it up. Time to go out and buy a eddy current machine or perhaps a dye penetrant kit or even laser induced thermal vibration equipment.....more tools!

 

[Texfrazer]

I had not head of this issue before, thanks for bringing it up. Time to go out and buy a eddy current machine or perhaps a dye penetrant kit or even laser induced thermal vibration equipment.....more tools!

When you get the new tools, let us all know and we'll have a Mk5/10 conference in Houston!

 

[LeadTurn_SD]

:shocked2: :shocked2: Holy cow!

Note To Self: Stop using my Mk-5 as a hammer for household projects..... use wife's Mares MR-22 instead

Thanks for posting the picture, oceancurrent.

Best wishes.

 

[Zung]

This is Scubapro's official response after the NOAA went public with the MK20 incidents. All retainers, DIN or yoke, warranty or no warranty, are replaced with the new style ones free of charge during a service by an official LDS. My LDS here just reconfirmed this very recently.

In the US, it was a recall, but not over here: the LDS are instructed to quietly swap the retainers during service.

Edit

I've also heard of cases where out of warranty cracked regs were replaced free of charge.
I always torque the retainers to specs; torque wrenches are inexpensive and easy to calibrate.

 

[oceancurrent]

Interesting... it looks like the difference between the "old" and "new" retainers is not the angle of the widening, but an extra ring near the thread. I haven't seen a "new" retainer yet, so I wonder if it fits only MK20/25 models...

 

[redacted]

Interesting... it looks like the difference between the "old" and "new" retainers is not the angle of the widening, but an extra ring near the thread. I haven't seen a "new" retainer yet, so I wonder if it fits only MK20/25 models...

The universal retainer will accept an o-ring on the end or on the side so it will fit all current SP 1st stages. It is about 1mm too short to work on the Mk5.

 

[Zung]

Interesting... it looks like the difference between the "old" and "new" retainers is not the angle of the widening, but an extra ring near the thread. I haven't seen a "new" retainer yet, so I wonder if it fits only MK20/25 models...

This has been debated at some length here.
I think the ring is there to keep the retainer from penetrating too far into the body.
I have 5 MK20 with the new retainers, and half a dozen mix of MK20/10/5 with the old ones. So far, by sticking to the lower limit of the specified torque range (22 ft.-lbs), I never have any problem (knock on wood).