** Official Level 10 Problems Thread **

[athomas]

OK first off here is the setup, classic valve, HPA preset at 850 psi. I went to install the level 10 bolt on my mag and started off with the shortest spring in the kit, 1.5 carrier and 2 shims, of course lots of oil. Gun shoots consistently at 285 fps, no leaks, and bolt re-sets with no sticking. Shot a case of paint through it with no problems.

So of course I get greedy and try to use the red spring since i hear it is even softer on paint, install it with the same setup described above, gun won't shoot, turn up pressure (which uses nearly all the threading on the nut) till it does start to shoot but the gun chronos at 385 fps and is leaking out the back only. If I turn the screw down a little to stop the leak out the back the gun will not shoot.

Should I just stick with the short spring setup that worked fine, will I not be able to use the red spring, or will the new reg piston pack on the website solve this and allow me to shoot the red spring consistently at a velocity of 285-295? Thanks in advance for the help.

It sounds like the short spring is the one that works for your setup. What is the lowest velocity that the gun will shoot at while using the short spring? This will give you a good indication of how it is working. For optimum performance, the operating velocity should be set at about 20fps above the lowest value where it starts cycling.

The higher pressure that causes the velocity to be over 300 fps could be a result of the barrel that you are using. A new spring pack doesn't change the pressure that it takes to move the bolt forward, so that won't help you.

[Soonersdds]

Thanks for the quick reply, the gun starts firing reliably at ab 255-260 with the short spring so that sounds ab right.

[athomas]

Thanks for the quick reply, the gun starts firing reliably at ab 255-260 with the short spring so that sounds ab right.

Yes, it definately looks like the short spring is the one for your setup.

[Mime]

Hello Gentilmen (and possible ladies)
So today I would like to question on how to make my level 10 more sensitive. I have been running my Tac one ( Xvalve + Level 10) for 2 years now. and yesterday something happened which has neven happened before.

I chopped paint.
I chopped Fresh tournament grade paint. on a mild weather day.

So right now im using the Gold spring ( 250 FPS and below) BUT I am using it at about 270 FPS ( field limit is 280 but I leave a little more room due to usually I can find a few renters so I dont want to hit them to hard)

So naturaly I first tried switching to the Red spring ( 265 to 280 FPS) but dispite increaseing the velocity I always got a bad case of the bolt stick ( the bolt would move forward but not reset) and the only way I got it to stop sticking was put it at about 290 FPS ( above field limit) and the silver spring is out of question.

Also yesterday something slightly strange happened, I would notice a leak down the power tube ( when trigger was released) would occur If I left the marker without shooting for a few minutes ( like a developing leak) but when I shot it the leak would dis-appear for a few minutes ( which was fine As I was shooting during the game)

Would I need to go up a carrier size to increase sensitivity on the Level ten, but at the same time shim it to death to try and stop the devleoping leak? Or would I need to change Orings?

Also, I forgot how the Carriers sizing goes, is it one dot being smallest and 2 dots being largest, going "1 Dot, 2 dash Dash, 3 Dot dash, 4 Dot, dot."

thank you for your time in advance, any questions I will try to answer.

Edit: Found the Carrier sizing chart, so there is 8 carriers and I only own 4 lol. guess I'll make due.

Also re-read the Valve tuning guides, they state that if it leaks down the barrel and I slighty push on it if the tone changes then I must move down a carrier size, and if it leaks afterwards then remove shims.

Any opinions from you guys?

[Ando]

I would just replace your PT oring and re-tune the lvl 10. The current oring is probably on it's way out the door. That should also fix your bolt sticking with the red spring if done correctly. The lvl 10 kits don't come with the 9 carriers anymore. Reason being is the oring tolerances have gotten way better. The carriers you have should be all you need.

The longer the spring, the easier it is on paint. I have all red springs (a few gray cut to red spring lengths) in my mags.


Just remember when tuning, remove all your lvl 10 shims and use the same carrier oring when switching out to the next size.

And....oil is your friend.

[athomas]

Hello Gentilmen (and possible ladies)
So today I would like to question on how to make my level 10 more sensitive. I have been running my Tac one ( Xvalve + Level 10) for 2 years now. and yesterday something happened which has neven happened before.

I chopped paint.
I chopped Fresh tournament grade paint. on a mild weather day.

So right now im using the Gold spring ( 250 FPS and below) BUT I am using it at about 270 FPS ( field limit is 280 but I leave a little more room due to usually I can find a few renters so I dont want to hit them to hard)

So naturaly I first tried switching to the Red spring ( 265 to 280 FPS) but dispite increaseing the velocity I always got a bad case of the bolt stick ( the bolt would move forward but not reset) and the only way I got it to stop sticking was put it at about 290 FPS ( above field limit) and the silver spring is out of question.

Also yesterday something slightly strange happened, I would notice a leak down the power tube ( when trigger was released) would occur If I left the marker without shooting for a few minutes ( like a developing leak) but when I shot it the leak would dis-appear for a few minutes ( which was fine As I was shooting during the game)

Would I need to go up a carrier size to increase sensitivity on the Level ten, but at the same time shim it to death to try and stop the devleoping leak? Or would I need to change Orings?

Also, I forgot how the Carriers sizing goes, is it one dot being smallest and 2 dots being largest, going "1 Dot, 2 dash Dash, 3 Dot dash, 4 Dot, dot."

thank you for your time in advance, any questions I will try to answer.

Edit: Found the Carrier sizing chart, so there is 8 carriers and I only own 4 lol. guess I'll make due.

Also re-read the Valve tuning guides, they state that if it leaks down the barrel and I slighty push on it if the tone changes then I must move down a carrier size, and if it leaks afterwards then remove shims.

Any opinions from you guys?

It is possible that your bolt spring is worn out. They are a consumable item and need to be replaced from time to time, especially if you have fired lots of paint or dry fires.

Sensitivity is totally controlled by the bolt springs. For proper sensitivity, check the lowest velocity setting that the gun will cycle. You should be operating at about 20fps above that value. For 270 fps, if the mag starts cycling at 230fps with the gold spring, then you should possibly go to the stiffer red spring. If the red spring starts cycling above 255fps, then go with the gold spring.

Bolt stick is almost always caused by a carrier that is too tight, but can also occur if the bolt spring is worn out, as mentioned earlier. The reason it worked at the higher velocity was that it dumped more air on the forward stroke making it easier for the weaker bolt spring to reset it.

The carrier does get worn inside as it gets older. They do usually continue to work. although sometimes you need to drop a 1/2 carrier size from when they are new.

The first thing you want to do when tuning or troubleshooting a level 10 bolt is to remove the shims. They do not affect the operation of the bolt. The biggest thing that can cause leaks are the shims. If the bolt stem vent hole is close to the carrier oring, any wear at all in the oring or on the tip of the sear will cause a leak. They only affect how far it needs to move in order for air to vent out through the vent hole. If the bolt cycles or chuffs in any way, then shims will do nothing to help. Quite often people end up using a carrier size that is too tight in order to compensate for a shim that puts the carrier oring too close to the vent hole.

You should probably only need carrier sizes from 0.5 to 2.0. The other larger ones are only for extreme circumstances if you are experimenting and need to use orings that are not standard sizes or are out of spec.

If you are not using any shims and are using the largest carrier that does not leak and also are using the gold spring, and it gets bolt stick, then change the oring. Other than that, always use the same oring. A smooth, broken in oring, that is free of dirt, provides the best seal.

[Mime]

Athomas: Thank you very much, but I dont think its wear on the bolt spring. I would say I have less then 40,000 Shots going through my automag. (18 - 20 cases seems about where i'm at)

I'll try removing all the shims, then moving up one carrier size. I'll also Inspect the O-ring to make sure it hasn't started to tear or flake.

As for sensitivity i'll have to get to a chrono for that, So let me get this striaght, ( hopefully my engish reading skills are up to par)

For the sensitivity I want to be shooting as close as possible to 20 FPS above what that spring's lowest velocity will record.

But in the event which my target FPS is 270, and the red spring cycles only at 255, ( thus my target will then be 275) I should just continue to use the gold spring?

Or would it be more sensible to use the red spring and shoot 5 FPS under my maximum sensitivity rating.

Edit: Just for curiousity's sake,
If the bolt cycles forward but does not return it usually means: Carrier is to tight/wear on spring

But what about when you pull the trigger and the bolt does not move forward at all?
( I'm assuming you then increase velocity untill it does fire)

Edit Edit:

Right so I added some air, Took apart the entire marker and started the cleaning.
The O-ring in the carrier was a Wee bit dirty so I cleaned that to start, heres what I got

Right now with the O-ring I have the 1.0 Carrier fits the best, the 1.5 carrier doesnt grab on the bolt at all so its to loose. BUT if I choose a different O-ring the 1.5 carrier then becomes the best fit. ( so think of it as the O-ring I have now is .5 smaller then the rest in my pack lol)

Took out the shims totaly, I dont have a leak or anything so thats good.
But do I still put back the two shims That I had in there? There is no leak down the Power tube. And no shims installed . leave it be?

[Ando]

For the sensitivity I want to be shooting as close as possible to 20 FPS above what that spring's lowest velocity will record.

But in the event which my target FPS is 270, and the red spring cycles only at 255, ( thus my target will then be 275) I should just continue to use the gold spring?

Or would it be more sensible to use the red spring and shoot 5 FPS under my maximum sensitivity rating.

Just install the red spring. If it's used, make sure it isn't flushed with the bolt face. That would indicate the spring is worn and needs replacement. That goes for any main spring. Your going to feel a considerable difference between the gold and red spring when you trip the lvl 10 on say your finger (use something else besides your finger on the first pull, it freakin hurts if you don't install something right)

Edit: Just for curiousity's sake,
If the bolt cycles forward but does not return it usually means: Carrier is to tight/wear on spring

Correct

But what about when you pull the trigger and the bolt does not move forward at all?
( I'm assuming you then increase velocity untill it does fire)

Again your assumption is correct. When going up to a stronger spring. It's going to take more pressure to get the valve to cycle. Just remember, if you go down in your spring, your going to be shooting HOT!!!

Edit Edit:

Right so I added some air, Took apart the entire marker and started the cleaning.
The O-ring in the carrier was a Wee bit dirty so I cleaned that to start, heres what I got

Right now with the O-ring I have the 1.0 Carrier fits the best, the 1.5 carrier doesnt grab on the bolt at all so its to loose. BUT if I choose a different O-ring the 1.5 carrier then becomes the best fit. ( so think of it as the O-ring I have now is .5 smaller then the rest in my pack lol)

That just means, unlike the spares you have, the current oring that fits the 1.0 carrier is broken in (which is a good thing). Eventually you'll have to go to a smaller carrier once that happens and it'll let you know when the time comes. It'll start leaking down the barrel.

But if your still experiencing bolt stick with the old one, you might have to just replace it and re-tune the lvl 10 with a new oring.

Took out the shims totaly, I dont have a leak or anything so thats good.
But do I still put back the two shims That I had in there? There is no leak down the Power tube. And no shims installed . leave it be?

Only reason for the shims is to correct any resetting problems with the lvl 10 after it's been tripped. If it's resetting fine, then there's no need for the shims. Put them in your parts box and call it a day. After you've tripped the lvl 10, it should take no more then half a sec, if that to reset.

[Mime]

Thank you very much Athomas and Ando. you two have tag teamed my questions well.
If I ever see another automag user with some problems i'll be sure to let them know who to talk to.

[athomas]

Athomas: Thank you very much, but I dont think its wear on the bolt spring. I would say I have less then 40,000 Shots going through my automag. (18 - 20 cases seems about where i'm at)

If you have this many shots on that spring, then it is probably worn out. The number of shots sounds about right.

But in the event which my target FPS is 270, and the red spring cycles only at 255, ( thus my target will then be 275) I should just continue to use the gold spring?

Or would it be more sensible to use the red spring and shoot 5 FPS under my maximum sensitivity rating.

I would use the red spring at 5fps under (15fps above minimum). The 20fps is a guideline and gives a pretty good area to operate around, but it doesn't need to be a hard and fast number.

It sounds like you have a good understanding on the rest of the questions and answers.

[jewie27]

just make sure the spring is taller than the bolt when it's in place. if the spring is flush or shorter than the bolt, it needs to be replaced. My X-valved mag is running the red spring right now . (medium)

[Stingy Mcdingy]

Missing something??

I just received my level 10 kit for my ReTroValve Micro and I realized my kit doesn't have the carrier with the two groves in it? Is this a AGD mistake or am I missing something? Can I compensate for this with different shim/spring setups??

Thanks in advance

[athomas]

I just received my level 10 kit for my ReTroValve Micro and I realized my kit doesn't have the carrier with the two groves in it? Is this a AGD mistake or am I missing something? Can I compensate for this with different shim/spring setups??

Thanks in advance

I think the kits only have the smaller sizes now, but I would have expected it to include the 2.0 size. You probably won't need that one. I have never needed larger than a 1.5. All my kits had carrier sizes up to 3.5, but they were early beta test kits, so I don't know what sizes the new kits come with. Tunaman would be a good person to ask that question to. He deals with them all the time.

You can't compensate for any carrier with shims or springs. Always use the largest carrier that does not leak. Always test your setup without any shims installed. Always use the same powertube oring when changing carrier sizes. The carrier changes the inner diameter of the oring which changes the amount of force on the bolt stem. You want just enough force to seal the air without causing enough friction to stop the bolt from cycling properly.

[Ando]

The lvl 10 kits don't come with the 9 carriers anymore. Reason being is the oring tolerances have gotten way better. The carriers you have should be all you need.

I posted this about 6-7 posts up. The new kits only come with 4 carriers now (I think been a while since I got one). There's no need for the others due to todays manufacturing of orings.

[Stingy Mcdingy]

I think the kits only have the smaller sizes now, but I would have expected it to include the 2.0 size. You probably won't need that one. I have never needed larger than a 1.5. All my kits had carrier sizes up to 3.5, but they were early beta test kits, so I don't know what sizes the new kits come with. Tunaman would be a good person to ask that question to. He deals with them all the time.

You can't compensate for any carrier with shims or springs. Always use the largest carrier that does not leak. Always test your setup without any shims installed. Always use the same powertube oring when changing carrier sizes. The carrier changes the inner diameter of the oring which changes the amount of force on the bolt stem. You want just enough force to seal the air without causing enough friction to stop the bolt from cycling properly.

Thanks I'll play around with it. At the moment I have no leaks but when pull the trigger i get no shot so i'm assuming there is too much friction so i'll play around with the shims/bolt setups.

Thanks fellas