What is weird is that after application of the sauce, I pumped it up and it held air overnight. I fired it once and when I attempted to pump again, all the air just went out the barrel. Seemed like something was dislodged by the first firing and it stuck in the valve. I'll probably give it another sauce shot and see if I can wash whatever out. Nothing to lose now. I was going to be sending it in for a steroid treatment later this year -- now maybe sooner.
You can flush the valve with alcohol to clean out loose gunk. Squirt a little alcohol in the hole by the cocking slot with the pump arm fully opened and the bolt cocked. Pump it twice and fire. Repeat with squirts of alcohol until it begins to hold air. Then pump twice and dry fire repeatedly until all the alcohol has been exhausted from the valve. Lube it with secret sauce or whatever is your favorite oil. Done. If that doesn't work then a reseal job is indicated. The only caution is do not pump it more than twice with alcohol in the valve. You don't want the alcohol to ignite under pressure. Jon
Ok, hold up just a second.... did you just describe a turbo boost for my pumpers? ... lol Kinda like a mini spud gun slinging lead. Oh YEAH !!! Alcohol burning pellet gun ! Better order some seals and o-rings.
I was pushing through ethanol until it blocked. Then I could pump and it held air. Shot it about 10 times and put 6 pumps in it to see how long it will hold -- maybe overnight?
Pumped and shot it about 20 times, then put several drops of sauce in and shot it another 20 times. Gave it 3 pumps and am letting it set overnight. If it holds air that long, it will be good enough for me. Thanks to everyone for all the suggestions. It worked!
After sitting for 18 hours with a couple of pumps, it held it all -- or at least sounded like it anyway. So I am now shooting it again, at least 20 shots a day. My antique body won't let me go for more than that at a time even though I only give it 3 pumps for basement targets. Besides, I have a 392 PA that needs exercise as well as several other pumpers. Just waiting for this knee deep snow to melt and warm weather to arrive so I can go to the woods and shoot at longer ranges than available in my basement. By then I will have the bug and decide to talk to Steve again to reserve an old Sheridan.