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Safety Issue: For those using Scubapro MK20 regs
- Thread starterisland_sands
- Start date
Thread Status: Hello
, There was no answer in this thread for more than 60 days.
It can take a long time to get an up-to-date response or contact with relevant users.
It can take a long time to get an up-to-date response or contact with relevant users.
John A said:
i still have my MK20 since 4 years.. works great still. i just wondered if anyone else had experienced problems, and Scubapro dont seem to be announcing anything.
I saw this quote on another forum, poster claims it was letter from ScubaPro regarding the MK 20 "problem". After reading this I would contact SP directly to confirm. If the letter is correct, then every MK20 that has been overhauled is suspect, you would need to ask SP if there is anyway to detect cracks in the body that may not be visible? This issue is starting to sound a lot like the Luxfer Alum tank problem. What Luxfer (and now SP?) seem to be missing is how little use the majority of there gear really gets, the one week a year diver, or the seasonal diver. With the NOAA, they use them a lot, and are the ones having the problem. Hope this helps.
John
SCUBAPRO MK20 First Stage Communication
Thank you for contacting us regarding the SCUBAPRO MK20 First Stage
Regulator. We
certainly appreciate the opportunity to provide additional information
and clarification on
this matter.
Since 1996, tens of thousands of MK20 first stage regulators have been
used by divers
under rigorous conditions in both warm and cold water. When we first
learned that a diver
had reported a crack in and around the yoke thread area of a MK20, we
immediately
conducted an internal review utilizing our SCUBAPRO® Engineering Team.
Simultaneously
we asked the independent experts at Exponent Failure Analysis Associates
to determine the
root cause. Exponent is a leading failure analysis consultancy with
technical expertise
spanning a wide range of scientific and engineering disciplines.
Exponent has completed an extensive and comprehensive independent review
and analysis
of the MK20 design and materials, as well as detailed inspection and
analysis of both the
failed unit and properly working MK20s. They determined the crack
occurred due to a
combination over torque and exposure to an underwater environment. The
crack may be
initiated if exposed to over torquing and over time, a larger crack may
develop when
exposed to harsh environmental conditions and, in a small number of
cases cause a failure.
As a result of these findings, SCUBAPRO recommends that all MK20s be
updated with
Universal Yoke Retainer (part number 10.103.115). This retainer
transfers the mechanical
load to the yoke retainer and not the body. This Universal Yoke Retainer
and proper torque
settings have been found to eliminate the stress placed on the body of
the regulator at the
location of observed cracking. This retainer will soon be available,
free of charge, at an
Authorized SCUBAPRO Dealer. A Dealer can be located via our website
www.scubapro.com
or by calling 619-402-1023.
In closing, we work hard to earn the trust of our customers every day,
and know that our
reputation is based on what we do, not what we say we will do. That is
why when we first
learned of a problem, even though it involved a product no longer
produced or sold, we took
responsibility and immediate action. At SCUBAPRO diver safety comes first.
Please feel free to contact your local Authorized SCUBAPRO UWATEC Dealer or
SCUBAPRO UWATEC if you have any further questions.
SCUBAPRO UWATEC
North America
John
SCUBAPRO MK20 First Stage Communication
Thank you for contacting us regarding the SCUBAPRO MK20 First Stage
Regulator. We
certainly appreciate the opportunity to provide additional information
and clarification on
this matter.
Since 1996, tens of thousands of MK20 first stage regulators have been
used by divers
under rigorous conditions in both warm and cold water. When we first
learned that a diver
had reported a crack in and around the yoke thread area of a MK20, we
immediately
conducted an internal review utilizing our SCUBAPRO® Engineering Team.
Simultaneously
we asked the independent experts at Exponent Failure Analysis Associates
to determine the
root cause. Exponent is a leading failure analysis consultancy with
technical expertise
spanning a wide range of scientific and engineering disciplines.
Exponent has completed an extensive and comprehensive independent review
and analysis
of the MK20 design and materials, as well as detailed inspection and
analysis of both the
failed unit and properly working MK20s. They determined the crack
occurred due to a
combination over torque and exposure to an underwater environment. The
crack may be
initiated if exposed to over torquing and over time, a larger crack may
develop when
exposed to harsh environmental conditions and, in a small number of
cases cause a failure.
As a result of these findings, SCUBAPRO recommends that all MK20s be
updated with
Universal Yoke Retainer (part number 10.103.115). This retainer
transfers the mechanical
load to the yoke retainer and not the body. This Universal Yoke Retainer
and proper torque
settings have been found to eliminate the stress placed on the body of
the regulator at the
location of observed cracking. This retainer will soon be available,
free of charge, at an
Authorized SCUBAPRO Dealer. A Dealer can be located via our website
www.scubapro.com
or by calling 619-402-1023.
In closing, we work hard to earn the trust of our customers every day,
and know that our
reputation is based on what we do, not what we say we will do. That is
why when we first
learned of a problem, even though it involved a product no longer
produced or sold, we took
responsibility and immediate action. At SCUBAPRO diver safety comes first.
Please feel free to contact your local Authorized SCUBAPRO UWATEC Dealer or
SCUBAPRO UWATEC if you have any further questions.
SCUBAPRO UWATEC
North America