Impact m3 leak

Well, now that I have had my first cup of coffee I have verified that my remaining M3 also has the hidden grub screws in the base of those holes - although a 1.5mm hex key seemed to be a really sloppy fit into them.

Boy, it sure would be nice if FX-USA chose to respond to this thread to provide some insight from the manufacturer's perspective.

Once again, from my non-engineering background and education, it almost appears to me that the 2 threaded holes on the top of the block (in the area marked with the 57 bubble) line up with the holes in the bottom of the block, one of which was leaking in bconlon 's gun. I wonder whether, for production efficiencies, these holes are drilled completely through the block, with the intent of using the hidden grub screws with a pressure sealing thread adhesive to maintain pressure integrity. Or whether they are truly being used to deal with an F' up in the design or on the manufacturing line?

Oh, and I am very happy to hear that FX-USA seems to be stepping up to the plate to assist Brandon in getting his gun fixed in an expedited manner!

I wonder whether his new block will have the hidden grub screws...

I know one of the first things I'll be checking when I get one...and it's not cleaning the barrel. If I find some screws below the front trigger guard screws, I shall not be a happy camper. 

I get there may be errors with production but don't fix it the cheap way...fix it the right way.

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What we really don't know here (input from FX-USA would be really helpful...) is whether this is a FiX, or is actually a part of the design.

If they used thread-sealed grub screws as part of the design it might not be something which all of us see as the 'right way', but we don't live in a perfect world. The tolerances available in the extremely tight design (having to fit Reg #1 into the block, while maintaining the form factor of the gun) may not have allowed successful routine production, even with the precision available in today's automated equipment.

I have no issue with using a thread-sealed grub screw in the manner FX has done - Thread sealing compounds today are technically amazing as to what they can accomplish. So the design may not initially seem to be the 'right way' to this non-engineer on its face. But if it utilizes the proper materials, can be performed consistently well on the production floor, will last over time and/or will be user serviceable ("just another Impact seal which needs addressed every few years"), then I am O.K. with it as a design solution.

Only time, and more M3's in the wild, will tell.

Tmh--yeah, I just find it odd they're not listed on the parts diagram breakout. 

I'm fine with a good sealant solution if it was intentional, but not being on the parts diagram is what throws me off (and gives me the perception it is being hidden intentionally). Solutions like this are rarely permanent as even sealers are prone to failing after time. If this was supposed to be user serviceable in its intent, it should be on the parts diag imo.

I agree with you completely.

FX-USA - Can you enlighten us any further?

I suspect the grub screws are part of the design. The shorter front screws are part of the design. The grubs are not in the diagram because it's not meant to be a user-serviceable part. The fact that one of the grub screws is leaking, sucks. Since it's leaking, perhaps whatever sealing/locking compound that was (supposed to be) used either failed or does not exist, and would allow you to easily remove the grub screw without stripping it? If one were so inclined to attempt to fix this, I'd probably stick the correct-sized allen key in the grub screw and, without toughing the aluminum block, heat up the allen key with a soldering iron to ensure thread compound cooks. Then, with a successfully removed grub screw, there are a couple of options: 1) thread sealant compound, 2) teflon tape. Because the grub screw has to travel deep to its final resting place, I would probably opt for tape, because the compound will be left behind on all the threads towards its final resting place.

With that, however, there are some unknowns:
is the grub screw supposed to bottom out?
if you take the front reg out, are you able to see the holes the grubs block?
- if you can see the holes from inside the front reg cavity, maybe you thread the bare (no compound/tape) grub screw all the way down, and then apply a drop of thread locker/sealant via the front reg cavity, then partially unscrew the grub back to its final resting place?

Anyway, sorry to hear about the problems, but I don't think FX would risk their reputation by micky mousing their build. The service rep's suggestion of super glue may not be too far fetched, but I would definitely not apply any compound/glue and then have the grub screw leave that stuff on all the thread on its way to its home. At least without a way to chase/clean the threads.

Warning, I don't know what I'm talking about. This is all theory.

The M3 is new model, IMHO this is a first run flaw that was found while upon assembly and a grub screw plug was chosen as a fix. Pretty evident that it doesn't show up on the diagram. Superglue is poor fix, it's marginal as a sealant. An actual pneumatic sealant like loctite 545 should be recommended. Got to love forums where stuff like this turns up, to be aware of a possible issue is always good. I've had my Ken Hicks tuned M3 for a month without issue, it shoots crazy consistent. Ken really found the sweet spot, he had the 30 cal Sniper tuned for 44gr JSBs at 880 fps. I could dump entire mags on a 4 inch plate at 170 yards and not miss. Never have done that with my other Impacts!

I really like the impact..this was going to be my first. I don't have the skills for to much modifications..i was only expecting to purchase one in .22 n enjoy .. is hard to understand why this been almost the 4 gen..still have mayor problems ..The way I see it .. it could happen to any manufacturer.. but when you spend the amount of money in publicity..with all those made Youtubers n wannabes..pushing that product every were..like if you don't have this, the gun touched by the saints..you are just throwing rocks...is simply ridiculous..I really dont .follow YouTube anymore, but a day ago saw a vid About new slugs..and you really need to be dumb..now south Africa know more about slugs n ballistics..that all the old guys in the GTA forum combine..n Nielsen n varmint knockers..what a joke.. is not that you are trying to sell me something..but trying to sell it to me like that is insulting..if the product is good.. awesome..but we all know barrel are different from batch to batch..even for the all mighty barrel king ..another joke..for me if I need to send a gun for repairs to us ..3 times..only in shipping I would be $600 on the hole.. that is a good scope..spend on shipping .. I never in 7 years had to send a gun for repairs .. hatsans, .old cricket or taipans..n the taipan were the most expensive at the time $1200..is inconceivable to spend $2300 + n find problems so serious..

Well sucks to see this, but I’m not surprised. If you setup work piece wrong the Haas I’ve used says hey this ain’t right. Especially being they’ve in production. But stuff happens. 


im sure many would appreciate as many photos and measurements as possible if you’re capable 

"I called fx usa for support today and apparently that is a major issue they have been seeing where that hole is drilled too far in the machining process and intersect in the block with where the first regulator screws into"

With a response like this from FX USA I highly doubt it was designed like this. On parts diagrams they show all parts not just ones that are serviceable also. I do think this was a mistake caught by them and trying to fix it this way.

"I called fx usa for support today and apparently that is a major issue they have been seeing where that hole is drilled too far in the machining process and intersect in the block with where the first regulator screws into"

With a response like this from FX USA I highly doubt it was designed like this. On parts diagrams they show all parts not just ones that are serviceable also. I do think this was a mistake caught by them and trying to fix it this way.

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They actually said this is major issue? Mine has no leak, shoots more consistent over the chrono, than my other Mk11s and I don't feel like taking it apart to see I got the grub screw. Major issue to me means recall or free factory parts replacement..

Major in the sense that they have been seeing the issue on multiple guns coming in. I did not inquire into how many multiple was, but he told me that he had just finished up with another one with the same problem so either it was coincidence or somewhat common. Since they said they were putting some black Loctite on the grub screw and then still selling them and that I could use super glue it does not seem like they think it is a major safety hazard. The only way to know if you were one of the unlucky ones is to see if you have the grub screws first off and then further check to see if they seem to be glued in place.

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Never saw this as a safety issue, unless someone would be foolish to dismount the grub screw under pressure. 

But I get it, the machine flaw created an unintended air passage, while using a grub screw as a solution, yours some how did not seal. They are using black loctite and they recommended superglue to you. Personally, I don't care for either choice, blk loctite is a rubber adhesive that takes 900° of heat to release and superglue is for mending your coffee cup. An actual pneumatic sealant like loctite 545 should be used.

So, why is the fix for any issue with an FX is always "just put LocTite on it".....yet they can't ever just do that at the factory? 

Do they not have the stuff in Sweden? 

I hope you get the gun fixed, but I can't believe yall put up with this stuff for what FX charges. 

I've seen this kinda crap on guns they made in the mid 2000s. It's not new. 

This is unfortunate for FX, the M3 launch and especially the customers, but things happen and is a reminder that all are human. This unfortunate issue is one of the reason I don't do the preorder bit. I am certain the M3 II will be much more refined. It is still a great platform and FX is still tops. I cannot help to wonder though how many of the salesmen that received these M3s reported this issue to FX but did not mention this issue during their sales videos to the public. There had to be many if this was a production machine issue. That's the troubling part for me. Not the issue that can be warranty fixed. Oh yeah, who has the link to the FX quick response to the customers regarding this issue to reassure them that all will be fixed under warranty with their apology? I may have missed the post.

Thing is at the asking price these problems should not be occurring or expected... And though I know many swear by the brand and it does perform. It's the main reason I currently take a pass on FX guns. Not the first time an unfortunate buyers writes... "Help! My brand new FX is leaking?...

Never saw this as a safety issue, unless someone would be foolish to dismount the grub screw under pressure.

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What about someone not aware of the issue, looking at the parts diagram that shows no grub screw ? At the minimum FX needs to quickly update the diagram and add a warning about what part not to remove if the gun is pressurized. Screws #16 are accessible from the outside of the gun, why the grub screws just under would be particular, especially when they don't show up on the diagram ? Even if the gun isn't pressurized, someone removing the grub screws need to know what product to use before putting them back in place.They can't do as if there is no problem at all. I wonder what people would think of a car manufacturer selling brand new cars with already punctured tires, quickly fixed at the dealership before delivery to the customer.

I pulled my trigger guard off and I can see grub screws in each of the front holes in my M3. No leaks though!