Hello all,

Last night I was adding a new Palmer's Stab to my number two A5... in the process I decided to tear it all down and clean 'er up. After removiing the valve from the power tube and then tearing down the valve assembly I took a look at the valve spring (PA-32). At both ends of the valve spring there is significant wear (minor flattening of the spring metal, some pitting). My camera is not of sufficient quality to capture this otherwise I would post a photo. So... is this sort of spring wear normal? Anyone have a source for just replacement springs?

how do you remove the valve from the powertube, btw?

With the power tube out of the marker... I simply tap (tap not pound) it on my wooden work bench until that valve assembly begins to move down out of the tube (the big end of the power tube is "down" when taping... basically just tap the big open end until the valve begins to drop out ). Then I take a flat head screw dirver and when the end of the valve assembly is visible thu the slot that the Tombstone would mormally fit in I just push it down and out the rest of the way. I do not pry against the plastic of the power tube... nor do I use a hammer... or pry from the ends... not a lot of force is needed just some gentle persuasion. Basically you need to work so as not to damge the power tube in any way and to ensure that the valve allum. is not damaged. When doing this almost always the translucient oring falls out and then the washer... so don't do it on a shag carpet or over dirt if you can avoid it (lost parts suck).


D.

Hmmm...I tried that, but it wouldn't come out. Thanks.

Hmmm... try a sort of "drop tap".... with the PT upright (big opening facing down) sort of drop it about three inches down (don't actually let go). Do this about a dozen times. Not hard though as you don't want to ding the plastic of the tube. As not a lot of force is being used you might need to try this about a dozen times. Tap tap tap tap... etc. It (the valve) should move slowly down in the tube. I have used this method with all three of my A5s and it works with them. I guess if it still does not work for you maybe running the outside of the PT under hot hot H20 might work to expand the tube enough so that it will allow the valve to drop out when taping after heating? Never have tried this though.

As an aside after more invsetigation all three of my A5s have valve springs with the same wear patterns... looks like it is normal. I guess that they will eventually need to be replaced though. Source for springs?

Check TippmannParts.com for all your Tippmann parts needs

I use a thin wooden rod to push out my valve. I would recommend finding something non-marring to push out the valve instead of the screwdriver that you use.

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I hear ya re. the use of a non-marring tool to push with when a little bit of elbow grease is needed... However, the amount of force required to remove the valve in the process I use is very lite. Chance of marring in this case is very low as little pressure is needed to pop it out (the outer valve O-ring is almost out of the tube when I give it a gentle push). I appreciate the reminder to use caution though. If more force were needed I'd get out my odds and ends box and find a dowel that would do the job... back off the FVA and give it some taps...

Call tippmann up if you want ta new one and use that. I have one of their "upgraded" ones and it seems to be working fine. havent had any problems with it yet. and i play just about every weekend, soo

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ER IST DA DRÜBEN!
"Cover me, I'll beast 'em"

My friend took out his valve and it got messed up so he just sent in to Tippmann and they sent him a new upgraded valve free I dont know you might want to try that!

Kyle I just posted that about me. lol. You dont have to send it in, they just give you one for free

__________________
ER IST DA DRÜBEN!
"Cover me, I'll beast 'em"