As recently as yesterday I was on a trip that many of you will take. I had a particular PCP that was not working when I bought it, and decided I was smart enough to make it work. Bet I can make a silk purse out this sow’s ear I thought. Why spend money sending it off for repair.
Things went from bad to worse. The shot string was bouncing around from great to lousy and different each time I tested. Then major leaks developed. “Take apart” became the mantra.
The discovery of a hammer only moving ¼ inch because of heavy grease packed into the channel, then finding the valve constantly leaking, then scratches on the valve seat, then then valve pin not sealing, and the valve return spring was not correct. Each of these was a separate discovery requiring days of searching and thought.
Bet you think you know where this is going don’t you!
Wrong.
I needed several new parts and nobody had them. Two months passed until they finally became available in England. $50.00 later and one week the post office delivered my parts.
Still never able to get the shot string solved. The regulator was next and what a dilemma. No marking on it to show a beginning point. Rebuilt it and found in the process that one of the tinniest O rings on the adjuster pin was sloppy loose. I was in luck finding only two that fit.
After several “take aparts” I hit on the beginning of regulation. Yesterday it all came together shot string after shot string from 3000 psi down to 1600 psi 891 to 877 with 16 gr Hades. Before it would have been four shots at in high 800’s then drop to 600 and under.
So, what’s my point?
Well during this period of self-flagellation I had the great good luck of being able to discuss the quest with these fine people. “ Centercut” who was always front and center with info. “Therealld” whose depth of knowledge and tips and help were invaluable. “Crank” with a history so deep and willingness to help. “Motorhead” shared time and direction without judgment. Each person played a part, and left bits of knowledge they had spent years developing. I also had help from a fellow in France but cannot find his name.
Little things like “Nick, put a spacer in your air tank so each time you “take apart” your only lose a tiny bit of air but make sure it has a little X cut in the bottom so air can circulate”. Whoa, a great idea! A bunch of these little tidbits!
What was the gun? Doesn’t matter. What matter is the gratitude a respect I gained for these selfless AGN members.
