CO2 disconnect problem

[tacoshel]

I've been having this problem for some time now, but it wasn't until recently that I decided it might be very detrimental or potentially dangerous to continue playing with my gun in this.... state.

I own a Classic AutoMag, with an expansion chamber, usually using a 12oz CO2 tank. The gun is at least four years old. I think it is level 7.

My problem is with disconnecting the tank from the gun. I know that guns usually only require a few turns and maybe a couple pulls on the trigger to de-gas. My AutoMag, however, requires many turns. During this time the tank is stuck on rather tight, as gas spews out the adaptor (I lose LOTS of CO2 during disconnect). Upon my last turn, the gun sort of explodes off the tank (which I am usually holding very tightly).

Allow me to define "explode." The gun gives off a very noticeably loud burst of gas upon disconnecting. It's louder than actually firing the gun. EVERYBODY turns their head when I de-gas this gun.

Also, the last time I played, the gun, quite literally, jumped out of my hand at the disconnect. It flew off about a foot from me, and then slid on the ground for another half or so. That may not seem like much, but considering that the gun shouldn't be flying off for ANY DISTANCE, I am disturbed.

The gun also breaks the tank O-ring when I de-gas; however, only after a full day of play. Disconnecting midday spares the O-ring temporarily, but at the end of the day I can always count on having to replace it. Whether this has to do with time or climate, I don't know. Still, regardless of when I take the tank off, it "explodes."

Firing the gun while disconnecting is ineffective. I have tried using different tanks, all with the same consequence.

Understand that this has not always been a problem. It gradually developed, and has since gotten worse and worse. What's wrong?

Thank you.

[warpfeedmod]

perhaps the bottom asa has been damaged or the threads are damaged? This would explain the problems with the tank being tight and not being able to unscrew it easily. I would check about replacing your asa or as well check the threads on the tank. since you said you've tried different tanks there is probably no issue there. My opinion? Check the ASA and possibly try a different one (froma friend, etc) and see if that works. THat'd be the cheapest route. If it's not the ASA then perhaps a screw-in compressed air/N2 tank? Usually hte preset screw-ins are relatively inexpensive, plus you'll get better consistency with it.

Try that and let me know, I'll think of some other issues that could cause it

Also if you need a new ASA I think I might have one laying around I can get ya.

[digitard]

I'm guessing the threads on either the tank or the ASA are warped or damaged somewhere.

Cause regardless of valve operation, that wont change how many physical turns it takes cause the threads on the valve/asa determine that.

I would look into testing a 2nd tank to verify if its the tank or the ASA threads, but one is most likely damaged.

Sincerely,
Dave K

[Trigger_Happy]

This problem is most definately due to your ASA, not your tank, gun, etc. Simply replace your ASA, and your problem is solved. What you are describing has to poteial to turn your tank into a projectile, so please act right now!

[xen_100]

I am guessing that you are unscrewing the tank the whole time it is venting gas right? that is why it pops the tank of the back. there is still pressure behind it. Once the tank clears the threads it is going to blow itself off. having and x-chamber makes it hold more air in the gun, so it is going to vent longer than other peoples guns. what you need to do is just unscrew the tank like 1/2 to 1 turn, then fire the gun until all the co2 in the gun is gone. then unscrew the tank.

you should look at the threads on the tank and ASA, but I bet there is nothing wrong with them. no need to replace anything, just unscrew it correctly.

[tacoshel]

I would like to believe that xen_100 is right, but I've tried that before, to no avail. Maybe I did not fire enough.

Still, this does not explain why the problem has gotten worse and worse as time has passed. Did I just forget how to remove a tank (gradually!)?

By the way, thanks a lot for the responses.

[jonnie60]

Mags dont usually allow u to degas the gun by firing the rest of the co2. Usually you must just unscrew as fast as you can. O it is definately the asa. Maybe the threads are damaged but it sounds as if the pin in the asa is a bit to long to begin with and continues apply pressure on the pin valve causing the gun to jump.

[tacoshel]

THat's what I thought, but I can't imagine the pin actually BECOMING too long. Too short yes; too long, no. Remember, it didn't start this way.

[Jonesie]

Allow me to suggest an On/Off ASA. That will allow you to save CO2 by shutting the bottle valve before unscrewing. This will most likely requie a Drop Forward, as I can't fond any On/Off Bottom line adapters...


Jonesie

[digitard]

Yeah,
Look (in my opinion) into a Drop Forward with an ON/OFF on it ... I know SYSTEM X makes a good one.

Sincerely,
Dave K

[bjjb99]

You might want to put a little plain white lithium grease on your tank's threads and o-ring. Do this while your tank is empty and repeatedly attach and remove it from the ASA. This should help your thread binding problem.

Jonesie's and digitard's recommendation to get an on/off ASA is a very good one. I had o-ring chopping problems when I used a back-bottle ASA on my Mag. I would have to replace the bottle o-ring three out of every four times I removed the bottle from my Mag. Since I started using an on/off ASA, I've not had to replace a single bottle o-ring. I just turn the on/off "off" and fire my Mag several times to vent residual pressure in the lines. When the marker no longer makes "pfft pfft pfft" noises, I unscrew the tank.

Note that this procedure needs some modification if you've got a level 10 bolt installed, as the residual pressure that is still reatined after the marker no longer fires is greater. If you have a level 10 bolt, it is recommended that you put some sort of bleed valve in your air path to allow complete depressurization of the marker.

BJJB