FX Wildcat MK2 Compact-Air Cylinder Leak

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Bills

Bills

Member
Oct 16, 2018
13
1
MN
First timer here and wasn't expecting this to be my first post.

November 12th, the FX Wildcat MK2 Compact showed up at my door. I was so excited only to be disappointed a few days later. Anyways long story short, cylinder was at 120bar on night, the next morning ZERO pressure. Upon further inspection I found the leak, but for a brand new $1500 gun? I'd like to try to repair this myself before shipping it off to the dealer (which i'll probably have to pay for shipping?).

I currently have the air cylinder off, any help would be appreciated before I send it back to dealer. 



https://www.flickr.com/gp/162146560@N04/XZTMX0
 
It should be just a 23,0x2,5 NBR 70 o-ring to fix it. Just unscrew the end cap from the tube and replace it. If you already have the cylinder off it's a 2 min job
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Any idea where I can get one? I went to O'rielly and they didn't have much of a selection........ What do you suggest for the 4mm dowel pin that's used to remove the end cap on the side of the regulator?
 
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I used 2 hex keys (Allen Wrench) to take mine off. Just find ones that fit snuggly in the holes. (Or the same size drill bit would work) It doesn't take a lot of pressure to get them off. Just hold them in and put a screw driver or punch between them and turn

I would check any hydraulic stores local to you. Or maybe someone here has one they could mail you. I just checked my box and I have 24x2.5 and 25x2.5. Can't find any 23x2.5. I will check my other place in a bit. If I have one I will send it.
 
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First of all sorry that it did happen but I'd call FX USA, talk to them and let them know your going to do it yourself after getting their blessing. Get it on the record. If you own a PCP your going to have a leak and it don't matter what brand. It could happen to any of them. Like BTB said it's a quick repair. You'll being going through the same procedure if you ever want to adjust the regulator. Be sure and get some silicone grease for the Orings. Home Depot has it in the plumbing department. PS, there is also a chance that it'll unscrew at the air tube and you won't need the dowel pins, this time anyway.

jk
 
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First of all sorry that it did happen but I'd call FX USA, talk to them and let them know your going to do it yourself after getting their blessing. Get it on the record. If you own a PCP your going to have a leak and it don't matter what brand. It could happen to any of them. Like BTB said it's a quick repair. You'll being going through the same procedure if you ever want to adjust the regulator. Be sure and get some silicone grease for the Orings. Home Depot has it in the plumbing department. PS, there is also a chance that it'll unscrew at the air tube and you won't need the dowel pins, this time anyway.

jk
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EXACTLY! I'm certain they would rather have you change out the O-ring instead of spending $50 each way for shipping and then the shop time for someone to "repair".

Why anyone would want to be at least 2 weeks without their brand new gun is beyond me, but (IMHO) if you can't change out an o-ring you shouldn't own a PCP.

Bill - if this is your first and last FX due to an o-ring then I would say this should be your first and last PCP. ALL Pcp's will leak, it's not IF but WHEN.
 
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Hey Bills, sorry for the problem with that new AG but I have to agree 100% with what jking said.

I've been into PCP AG's since Moby Dick was a minnow and replacing o-rings just comes with the territory. 

They will all develop leaks sooner or later.

I own or have owned - Air Arms, Daystate, FX, KaliberGun, Taipan, BSA, Vulcan, Crosman, Benjamin and had o-ring leaks in most of them.

Interestingly I bought the EXACT same FX as you did and had the very same leak within 6 weeks time.

BigTinBoat nailed it regarding the exact o-ring you need to replace & since you've already got the air tube off - 5 minute job.

PS.....When you get that Wildcat up and shooting, I expect you're gonna love it so much you'll quickly forget this small detour.

ATB,

~MM~
 
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Thanks guys, first and last FX for me.
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Bills,

Trust me when I tell you that this will happen to all of us sooner or later no matter what gun we own. O'rings fail. It's no biggie. Smile! You own one of the best airguns that money can buy. Just smile and do as jking suggested to you. Call FX USA. They'll likely send you free replacement o'rings with precise instructions on how to fix it yourself. They'll probably even throw in a set of those pins. They'll even promise that doing your own repair won't affect your warranty. And after you do fix it yourself, you will look back on it as a positive experience and not regret it at all. There's nothing more satisfying than competently repairing your own airgun. And FX USA is committed to helping their customers to fix their own guns and not have to rely upon costly hired repairmen and risky and expensive shipping. 

I'm a new FX owner too. And I've never tinkered with any airgun ever. But with the help of FX USA, I now competently repair my own FX Impact and my warranty is still fully in force. Best of all, FX USA has never charged me for parts or shipping in any case. You could not possibly be in a better situation than you are right now, unless of course your gun didn't leak. But leaks are the easiest of all to fix. Simple O'ring replacement. It's a ten minute job!

Smile buddy! There's nothing to get upset about. You've got FX USA on your side and a whole bunch of guys here on AGN cheering you on! When this is all over, you'll look back on your initial reaction as humorous.

BeemanR7
 
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For many calling first to preserve warranty is a very sound idea, and yes "they" would likely rather you fix it yourself - after communicating with you- but certainly can so "no warranty" to anything you do w/out b;lessing.



On the subject of

"all orings leak eventually" would think any old timer will recall/know that with proper o-ring/machining/design & execution , barring abuse, lats 10+ years without ever having any issue.

If it is built right 99% of airgun owners should never need any o-ring/seal replaced as most do not keep them 10+ years. This was before ,youtube rulez days , a given fact and nothing else was acceptable, materials have only gotten better and I have a Bridge for sale ( any price ) for anyone who believes there is any legitimate reason a newish airgun needing o-rings/seals is acceptable and not due to low QC/poor design/execution.

There actually is at least one 100% original ( orings/seals et al.) FX made in 2000 out there still shooting, never an issue. Admitidly it IS over due for a leak but but no one should just accept crap QC.



John
 
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Bills,

Just a suggestion here. If you wish to make your own wrench to remove the end of the cylinder, get a half inch thick piece of scrap wood and drill 2 holes appropriately spaced for two small nails. You can put a little tape on the nails so they don't scratch the anodized finish. Or do as others have mentioned, use a couple old drill bits of the appropriate size and just twist it out with a flat screwdriver. Once you break it loose with your makeshift wrench (or drill bits), you should be able to screw it out by hand. It doesn't take much torque to remove it. Just make sure all the air is out before you start. When you put it back together, just snug it up. No need to put a lot of torque on it. The O'rings do all the sealing, not the cap. Just snug it up so it can't back out. Just make sure the O'ring grooves are clean, and that the new O'rings are lightly lubricated with silicone grease. Be careful not to pinch the new O'ring and you'll be back in business in about ten minutes. Chances are you may never have to do it again. 

BeemanR7
 
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There is a statement above that I would like to comment on in a down to earth way.

A good analogy would be to not own nor even drive a car if you can't fix it yourself.

Not everyone in the world who drive cars are mechanics... nor are mechanically inclined.

You wouldn't believe how many don't know or have never had to change a tire.

But I do believe you are one of the best airgun mechanics on this forum. Really...


CA
 
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If I were a newbie and spent $1500.00 (Which is really a lot of money for some people in this world today whether you can believe it or not) which leaked within SEVEN days of receiving the brand new gun, I would totally agree and understand the logic to be the first and last (WHATEVER BRAND ITEM). Best to do due dilligence and check out the net to see the reviews of the items first before spending your hard earned money so at least you know what to expect if the reviews of the brand has been less than stellar. I currently own 2 FX Wildcats and they may not necessarily be the last FX guns I buy but I understand the quirks they have regarding their o-rings and regulators which some had expressed their frustrations about on several public forums so when that happens to me then it is all on me and know that the HUMA regulator would be the choice for me because I had already mentally factored a pair of HUMAS into the purchase price to justify my decision on the purchases and understood the risks involved in purchasing said brand well before hand. I personally never expect to have to be in any position to have to repair anything myself within SEVEN days of my receiving it and if that happened to me buying my first one then I probably wouldn't have bought a second one. I am keeping my fingers crossed on these 2 I have just so you know. 

When spending a good amount of cash or any amount of cash no matter how cheap for a new toy it is best to do one's own due dilligence and do a lot of research about it prior to paying your hard earned money. It is also helpful to be mechanically inclined and luckily in this day and age there is YouTube and a well known great guy named Earnest who has videos for the self motiviated DIY mechanically inclined.

CA
 
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