So I've gone through 3 A-5 stock plastic power tubes, all cracked.

1st one after 1 game with CO2
2nd one after 1 game with 72/3000 HPA
3rd one after 1 2 day game with 68/4500 HPA

My local shop tells me they rarely hear about or see cracked power tubes...riiiight

I've ordered a Red Hot v3 as a replacement/solution to the cracking, but my question is: am I doing something wrong?

Thanks!

MDMurdock

Do you have any other internal mods? If you do that would help diagnose the problem. Good choice on the red hot, i run one as well and have had no problems.

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Not much for internal mods, I polished the internals and installed a pair of TechT Squishies, oh and an E-Grip and a J&J barrel kit.
I'm really happy with my A-5 since it will do full auto at 15bps with no breaks or chops. Just really curious why so many cracked power tubes.

Thanks!

I honestly don't know why you would be going through so many stock tubes. The JCS should solve the problem. I am sure someone else will chime in as there are ALOT of knowledgeable people on this board. Good luck with the problem and keep us updated on it.

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+1

That's a LOT of power tubes to go through. I mean, maybe if you bought the A5 when it first came out, and you broke three power tubes over all that time....maybe. Any less length of time, and something's a little strange.

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What you describe is unusual, to the point of unheard of. Where does the cracking occur? While the aluminum power tube will prevent further cracking, to me it sounds as though something else is going on.

my guesses:

1) there's WAY too much pressure in your marker
2) the co2 may not be expanding enough & you're getting liquid co2 in the marker casusing the powertube to become brittle.
3) something might be loose inside causing friction to it?

though 2 seems most likely

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The cracking always occurs on the back of the tube down the length, about 1/2" to 1" in length. It's like the valve inside is too big and is pushing the tube outwards...
I would agree that it may have been co2, but that was from only 1 of the 3 crackings. The other 2 times I'm using HPA.
Do you guys think I could call Tippmann and ask for a new valve?

Yea, you should. They have awesome customer service and should not have a problem helping you. Just let them know the issues that you have had.

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Weird. I hope that whatever the problem is, doesn't cause more damage with the replacement tube. The plastic one was taking the brunt of something in there, now that there is a stronger tube.......what is going to take the brunt now? That's what I would keep an eye on!

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