Mare Abyss free flowing

[robjoubert]

Hi all,

need some advice on how do I stop my new (6 dives old) Mares MR12 Abyss from free flowing. When I surface after a dive and remove my Mares Abyss, it starts to free flow but stops as soon as I put the mouth piece into the water (add back pressure)?

It hasn't gone into free flow during a dive.

[keyshunter]

That happens with many finely tuned regs. As you take the reg out of your mouth, turn it so the mouthpiece is pointed in a downward direction. If it is still a problem for you, have your LDS detune it slightly.

[robjoubert]

Thanks KH - I will put the cause down to "operator error" and trust that ST knew what they were doing when they serviced it before sending it to me!!

[ScubaToys Larry]

Yes, that is doing exactly what it should... as suggested... mouth piece down anytime it's out of your mouth.

[divecop 234]

I had The MR12 used it for 20-30 dives then free flow began had it serviced twice but no help. Larry was able to fix it SOLD me a new zeagle.

[Splitlip]

The situation you described is normal for a properly tuned primary 2nd stage. Put the reg mouth piece down in the water when not in use or plug it with your hand or tongue if it free flows before you get it in your mouth.
The Mares 2nd stages have no manual adjustment, but rather what they call vortex assisted design (VAD).

[Penguino]

Be glad you have a good reg! As long as it isn't affecting your dive, its perfectly normal. Turning it upside down increases the reverse pressure to stop the reg from breathing. Put your Mares next to a reg that isn't prone to free flow and you will probably find the the other is harder to breathe from underwater

[Marcus]

It certainly brings the point up about Regs with predive knobs on them. It is a nice feature. My Poseidon does the same freeflow thing, but I got used to it by putting it mouthpiece down as many suggested. I now have a reg with pre-dive control on it.

[MicahEW]

I had a reg that freeflowed on my check dive and then used a reg that didnt and could really tell a diff on the freeflow being easier to breath.

[dludwig]

I have always heard that the Abyss was prone to freeflow. Regardless I love mine