HELP! My Ratty is leaking!

[Flyboy]

I went to use my Ratcatcher the other day and when I pierced the CO2 capsule all the gas immediately discharged, seemingly down into the foregrip.

I tried a second CO2 capsule and the same thing happened!

I did a quick bit of research online and I see that it could be the valve seal or the whole valve might need replacing!

Only a few weeks ago I got a brand new Boss Valve and I have always added silicone oil to the end of every CO2 capsule I've used.

Please, I'm looking for any advice what to do now (hate the thought of having to dismantle the gun YET AGAIN).

Do I need to try some Pellgun Oil somewhere? Do I need a seal replacement? If it's the valve naffed should I get in touch with Jim at Crooked Barn where I bought it from?

Thanks in advance!

[daveb50]

Air escaping the foregrip/trigger area could be a bad C02 Cart seal on the valve.

[Flyboy]

How could this be?

Like I said the valve is only a few weeks old... it was all working perfectly when I last used it, I haven't left a CO2 capsule in the gun even overnight and I've always lubed every CO2 capsule I've used so far!

[CarsonRatSniper]

There's only 3 seals:
Valve stem (poppet) which air will leak down the barrel;
Coupling seal (where the 2 valve halves join);
Cart end seal.

If its new your cart seal might not have 'set' for a good seal.

If your only snugging down the cap against the cart its probably too loose.
Add 1 drop of oil every 3-4 carts.

Try this: Add 1 drop of oil - Hand tighten as tight as you can - if your hands aren't that strong go hand tight and give 1/2 turn with a screwdriver.
THEN cock the gun and fire to pierce the cart.

If it still expends all the gas by the grip frame, just pull the valve - it'll take 5 screws (2 grip frame, 2 breech & 1 valve) and 15 minutes total time to fully rebuild the valve and reassemble.

The inner valve O ring is a -111 size.

I would guess you're afraid to tighten it down very tight and all that lube isn't allowing an airtight seal on the cart face.

[Flyboy]

Thanks for the input. I'll have to look more into this when I get the time and inclination.

[tnpaw]

If you have a boss valve, try Cocking the Gun First, before you puncture the Cartridge! And you should use a drop of Pellgun oil, 30 wt non detergent motor oil , or whatever you use on the new cart!.....John

[CarsonRatSniper]

That true for bulked guns.
I have BOSS valves in all of my builds.
The cart shouldn't get pierced by the pin until is driven forward by the hammer.
Even with a super heavy hammer spring pushing against a very light valve spring I doubt it would press hard enough against the cap to pierce it when the cart is installed and the cap is screwed down tight.
The valve spring in a BOSS valve is factory spec unless it was changed before installation.

[Flyboy]

There's only 3 seals:
Valve stem (poppet) which air will leak down the barrel;
Coupling seal (where the 2 valve halves join);
Cart end seal.

If its new your cart seal might not have 'set' for a good seal.

If your only snugging down the cap against the cart its probably too loose.
Add 1 drop of oil every 3-4 carts.

Try this: Add 1 drop of oil - Hand tighten as tight as you can - if your hands aren't that strong go hand tight and give 1/2 turn with a screwdriver.
THEN cock the gun and fire to pierce the cart.

If it still expends all the gas by the grip frame, just pull the valve - it'll take 5 screws (2 grip frame, 2 breech & 1 valve) and 15 minutes total time to fully rebuild the valve and reassemble.

The inner valve O ring is a -111 size.

I would guess you're afraid to tighten it down very tight and all that lube isn't allowing an airtight seal on the cart face.

You sir, are a legend!

Luckily I had previously bought some Pellgun Oil 'just in case'. I applied 1 drop to a new CO2 capsule, screwed it in tighter than usual and voila! The leak instantly went away! I'm so glad I didn't have to dismantle my gun again and there doesn't appear to be any major problem with the Boss Valve.

Note that I had previously only used to lubricate CO2 capsules with a Bisley Silicone Gun Oil. It seemed to work at first but perhaps this is too thin and/or not the right consistency for the new Boss Valve in the long run?

Thank you very much indeed! 

[CarsonRatSniper]

You're quite welcome!

I'm looking forward to pics of some expired rats from your Ratty in the hunting section.