First post, and a CO23 adapter question/issue
Greetings all,
Brand new here, but I’ve done my best to scan all the threads and get caught up. This board is an excellent source of info!
Unfortunately, my first post deals with a problem I’m having with my CO2 adapter. It was working fine, but now when you screw it on the tank, it’s got a slow leak through the top hat. You can hear a low hiss.
I took it apart to clean it, changed the o-ring, tried some other fixes I found here, and it still is hissing.
What could be the problem, besides the fact that the valve might be fubar?
Also, can someone confirm the assembly of the spring/bushing? Which way is the delrin bushing supposed to sit? Does it fit over the end of the top hat stem, or does the pointed end serve to seal the valve cap?
Thanks for your help!
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Valve seal is tough stuff, but I’d start to suspect a scar/groove/scratch in the valve seal. CO2 can be filthy, and even at CO2 pressure, a bit of grit/metal shaving being blown through the valve under pressure can cut it.
OK, valve seat goes on end of stem, pointed end of valve seat goes in spring, spring goes into the adapter body first, brass cap gets screwed down tightly.
Went through it all again, used the silicone oil etc., and it still leaks. Frustrating, because it’s clean as a whistle, everything looks to be in good order, and the design is so simple. But obviously, something’s wrong.
Maybe the spring has lost a bit of it’s ability to push the seal tight?
By the way, I got this adapter used, so I don’t know how often it was used previously.
Worst case scenario, what are my options with Airforce? Can I send it in for a rebuild? Or maybe just buy a new valve assembly and replace it myself? If so, what am I looking at, cost-wise?
the derlin “bushing” which you refer to (hole in one end and point on the other) is the valve seal. The pointed end goes toward the valve spring to keep the spring centered. The valve stem seats into the hole in the other end. Sometimes a small burr or piece of manufacturing trash will get between the derlin bushing and the main valve body where it seals against. If you have already cleaned thoroughly, put a few drops of silicone oil in the back of the adapter then screw the adapter onto your co2 bottle. If the small leak is present, mount the tank to your gun and shoot 5-10 shots and recheck for the leak. The bit of oil will blow through the valve and in most cases clean/lubricate the valve seat and let things go back to working right.
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Does sound like a buggered valve seat. If you are ambitious, and have a drill press, you can chuck the valve stem w/ the derlin valve seat attached, and use a fine file or 300grit sandpaper wrapped on a small block of wood to recut the “seat” of the valve (care must be taken to keep the same angle as is on the seal now). If you are uncomfortable with this or don’t have the tools, I will fix it for you if you pay postage both ways. I had to do one of mine this way (brand new out of the box) as didn’t want to wait for customer service and shipping time.
PM me if you need help to arrange details.