is it time for a new bolt

[Dr.Demo]

well i have a level 10 x-valve i bought it used and if im right im using the smallest carrier to keep the leaking down the berral stoped. now if you have to keep moving down carriers after lots of use. then the bolt stem that looks like has rubber on it must get warn out. i play every weekend and im just now getting a little leak with the small carrier. so is it time for a new bolt???? the o-rings on the carrier are new and oiled..

[Spider-TW]

It should just need a new oring inside the carrier.

However, the bolt stem should be stainless, not black rubber unless it's one of the prototype superbolts, which idk what kind of stem they had.

[Dr.Demo]

yup it is ss and the oring worked. but i still dont understand the need for all the small to large cairrers?

[athomas]

Orings have various tolerances and can have an effect on the required force to move the bolt. If the oring is too tight the forward force is not enough to overcome the oring friction. Too loose and the oring leaks air. The carriers help adjust the size of the orings by making a slightly loose oring just the right size.

If the bolt stem is black, you definately have dirt. The oring will always wear out rather than the stainless bolt stem. If you are experiencing constant leaking and have to keep going to a smaller oring, then you could have a faulty oring or you have too many shims installed. Generally, you shouldn't have to change to a smaller carrier once you find the proper fit after a breakin period.