PCP Long Term Storage?

[Bo3b]

Over the past few years an infrequently used PCP rifle/tank has been stored fully pressured (3000 psi) to be ready as needed, sometimes several months between uses. On two occasions, the tank leaked down to an unusable level and required factory repair. In each case, service found faulty valve seal(s). After 1st repair, factory advised fully pressurized storage was OK but clearly another failure might suggest otherwise.

What is the generally recommended way to store a PCP rifle/tank in terms of pressure?

Thanks,
Bo3b

 

[nervoustrig]

Any time a seal fails from being pressurized for extended periods, it is almost always an extrusion failure. The solution is to either use a higher durometer or do something to reduce the size of the gap between the parts. The latter isn’t so easy to accomplish so the first step is to try a harder O-ring.

FWIW, I keep my dozen or so PCPs pressurized at all times. If a seal fails, I just take it as an indication it wasn’t the right seal for the job. Many OEM seals do fit this description in my experience. 

 

[Bander124]

The lady from zbroia in her vid said store pcps at reg pressure so I’ll git it a try 

 

[eeler1]

Agree with nervoustrig, seal quality and hardness are hugely important. When pcp’s were first becoming widely available, the common wisdom was to store longer-term at about 1/2 pressure. Of course, seals weren’t as good then as they are now. But might be an option for you.

 

[MJS]

I store mine at 1/2 pressure whether it's overnight or for weeks (or months) on end. That way, there's enough air if I need to get some shots off in a hurry, but less stress on seals. No problems in 3+ years of doing that.

 

[Bo3b]

Unfortunately, without proper tools to replace/service seals, slow filling via hand pump and to have rifle ready as needed, continuing to risk full pressure storage is only real option...

Thanks all for the feedback.

 

[mitch]

I had a condor SS do the same thing. Slow leak developed after a while. Sent it to airforce for repair under warranty.

 

[Jlacouturec]

if your gun DOESN´T have a regulator, leave it at 140-150bar.... if your gun have a regulator, leave it 10-15 bar above the reg pressure!