Moderator: Greg Barlow
Greg Barlow wrote:Herman has given you some great advice regarding the rebuilding process. I would strongly encourage you to replace the HP valve assembly with either an Aqualung version or Mares Tri-Material. I suggest the AL version, as VDH sells them as well. The Mares works too, but requires a custom cut pin to work properly.
If you use the AL version, and your HP balance chamber has an internal, white, Teflon back-up ring then you can use the existing pin. As Herman indicated, replacing the internal -006 size O-ring can be tough. If you like, I can do it for you, as I have the technique down pat. I have literally done it more times than I wish to count.
The second stage does use a Mares Abyss diaphragm. That addition will dramatically improve the reg's performance as well.
The MR12 kit has all of the correct O-rings. You also need to buy a two stage diaphragm that is used on the regs like a Royal, DAAM, and Voit Navy. Yours will be very stiff. Do NOT use a pick to remove the diaphragm, as you will almost certainly damage the sealing surface. instead use compressed air (75-125psi) to expel the part. Careful as the pin can fall out when the diaphragm is ejected. Cover it with a rag during the process for safety.
Just ask for any additional info.
Greg
Can I make a spanner tool by filing a socket so it has two points like pins? Hate to be a cheep skate, well maybe not, but if its something I already have and can modify?Herman wrote:I thought the HP diaphragm was the same at the MR-12 as well...nice to see you around Greg.
The other thing you are going to need is a pin spanner to remove the HP assembly. The spanner needs small (3/32 if I remember correctly) pins spaced 0.800 inches apart. The HP assembly is recessed into the body so your spannner has to be able to reach into a cavity, flat ones will not work.
You could but it would be a real pain. The tolerance you have to work with is pretty small- in the .010-.015 range, a sheet of notebook paper is .004 thick to give you some scale. Filing down a socket will take a long time and be difficult, even the cheap ones are hardened so you must grind it...I cut some down for special uses so I have some experince with machining sockets.tripplec wrote: Can I make a spanner tool by filing a socket so it has two points like pins? Hate to be a cheep skate, well maybe not, but if its something I already have and can modify?
More than 10 years ago, I had a tool similar to Herman's custom made by a machinist. I wish that I could have bought it for $15! At that price, it is an outstanding bargain. I have various tools and parts that Herman has made for me, and his workmanship is top notch.Herman wrote:You could but it would be a real pain. The tolerance you have to work with is pretty small- in the .010-.015 range, a sheet of notebook paper is .004 thick to give you some scale. Filing down a socket will take a long time and be difficult, even the cheap ones are hardened so you must grind it...I cut some down for special uses so I have some experince with machining sockets.tripplec wrote: Can I make a spanner tool by filing a socket so it has two points like pins? Hate to be a cheep skate, well maybe not, but if its something I already have and can modify?
If you want to DIY, a much better approch wold be to find some 1 inch round stock, drill holes the approperiate spacing and insert roll pins into the holes. Again, correct spacing is the difficult part. The pin spacing is .685 inches.
Here is the tool I make- $15 plus shipping.
If you look at the reg in the photo, you can see the recess that the HP assembly screws into. It sets an 1/8 or so below the first ledge you see...that is where the main diaphragm seals and the surface Greg warned you about damaging.
Glad to hear that the reg performed well. When I worked for Scuba Diving Magazine, we had a number of rebuilt vintage single hose models run on the ANSTI machine at Scubapro's facility. The MR12 performed quite admirably with an overall work-of-breathing of around 2.0 j/l at the EN250 testing protocol. While some modern regs can boast a number slightly under 1.0 j/l, the Swimaster example can supply more than ample gas for dives in the recreational realm.tripplec wrote:
My reg worked spot on. And like Herman said the swimaster breathed very nice with easy air flow. I may actually spend the money for a longer more flexible hose for it. and my doubles were much more comfortable with the straps run the same way as for my double hose instead of the traditional plastic tank pack configuration.
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