Etek "Airing Up" Issue.... any techs around?

[Kevy D]

Fortunately this is only my backup marker but whenever I air up the marker, the bolt shoots forwards and stays there!

I've stripped the Etek down to it's bare components and checked all o-rings etc, they seem ok - nice and lubed.

Not got any air to re-test it now I've stripped and re-built it but has anyone got any suggestions anyway based on these symptoms?

Ta!

 

[TendringLOEB]

Were there any leaks?

If not, it could be dirt sticking in the solenoid. It could also be a problem with the forward QEV, or the low pressure hosing from the solenoid to the front QEV could be blocked.

It may also be due to bad o-rings on the rammer, but if there is no leak, then I doubt it.

Remember the solenoid is not a user-serviceable part and if that's the root of the problem I would suggest sending it to Planet so you don't void your warranty.

 

[TheRenton]

Yup, hate to state the obvious, but give Planet a quick buzz mate.

 

[Kevy D]

Cheers fellas, normally I just whizz down to planet and Stoney keeps me occupied whilst the tekky looks at it (my 07) - with this being my backup, I saw it as a good opportunity to learn more about the internals of Planet's markers (and that I did, hehe).

To answer the question, yeah it most certainly was leaking when the bolt shot forward - quite violently. The hoses all looked ok and flowing freely. The noid is pretty dirty and the metal part has a small dent from the grip screws (although I don't have hybrid grips). Didn't remove either of the elbows (instead of QEVs on the Etek right?) so not sure on that one.

Will take it to Planet and see what they can find.

Cheers dudes - keep the suggestions coming anywayz, I can only learn more. Will go for a tech course eventually I reckon.

 

[daftkrunk]

something similar used to happen with my etek except the bolt would cycle fully instead sticking forward. it would cycle violently, maybe 50 times a second i would guess. so before i aired up i just turned on the marker, then turned the eyes off and aired up, as the bolt started to cycle rapidly i would start firing a few shots and hey presto it was fixed!

 

[jahlad]

if you have had it appart, did you get the hoses on the banjo barbs (silver elbow things) in the correct order, pull the trigger does it cycle backwards?
could also be an oring on the rammer, even if they look ok change them anyway...its the one in the middle of the shaft thats important (cant remember the size atm..doh!)

if its doing what daftkrunk described and doing what we call 'rocketing' then degas and remove the inline, undo the training bolt in the frm and pull the lpr out of the gun adn lube the orings on the back part of the lpr and that should sort it.

if you dont get any joy, give planet a call and ask to speak to Robert, he will do a better job of diagnosing than me.

 

[Kevy D]

Thanks again fellas,

I didn't remove the hoses at all and haven't done since the marker was functioning properly (once, LOL) so I know they're on correctly. The rammer o-ring idea sounds feasible, it looked ok but like you said, it could be fooked.

Definitely not "rocketing", just a nice simple jolt forwards and it's not going anywhere till it's de-gassed. Once the bolt has made itself at home in the forward position, there's a loud leaking of air from around the 'noid area, maybe a little further forward. The marker won't cycle when eyes are off an I pull the trigger.

I can't believe how much I'm learning here, much better than school I say (not that I can remember that far back like). I'm planning to head into Planet tomorrow if I get chance seeing as I've got no air to test it now, LOL

Cheers

 

[eLLiot-]

You have trapped air in your solenoid im sure of it, turn the gun on, press the star and turn the gas on through the marker and shoot

But yeh you have trapped air in your solenoid

 

[jahlad]

the leak when the bolt is forward is normal, its because the rammer is opening the valve. if you hold the bolt forward on any ego it will do the same

 

[Kevy D]

Thanks for the help Elliot, I had the marker on, eyes off, aired up and shot - solenoid clicks but no further activity. I managed to "shoot it out" once at training but that was it, not playing anymore

Jahlad, didn't know that - so the leak ain't an issue, it's just WHY the bolt is determined to shoot forwards, hmmmmmm.