Looking for information regarding resealing Model 88 Skanaker CO2 tubes

[jwedelmann]

Hey out there!  I was wondering if anyone had any information and/or experience resealing Crosman 88 Skanaker CO2 tubes (they made a large tube and the standard small tube).  I have yet to find any schematic/diagram of these tubes themselves or any information on them, including what type/size of o-ring rings they use.  I know there are probably several people out there who might reseal them for a fee, which really isn't the problem.  However, with the right parts and some tips, I thought I might give it a go myself.  I think people were using 90 duro polyurethane or polyether urethane o-rings to seal them and that they'd probably last forever     I now have two Skanakers in good condition and lots of accessories (and spare parts), so I'm just trying to keep this vintage part of Americana going! 

Thank you for anything anyone might have out there and wishing you a safe, healthy & prosperous New Year ahead!

[mobilehomer]

Tom Gaylord may have the information you seek.

https://www.pyramydair.com/blog/2006/03/the-skanaker-a-crosman-pistol-you-may-never-have-seen/

[jwedelmann]

Hello mobilehomer and thanks very much for your response!
I have seen this article previously and I'm not sure if Tom G. has ever dug that deeply in to Skanakers and/or resealing the pistols themselves or the CO2 tubes.
Since my original post, I've been in e-mail contact with a unique gentleman who many people on the GTA forum probably know, Tom Slocum, who used to work for Crosman and estimates that he's serviced about 300 of the 500 Skanakers initially sold!  Apparently he still services them to some degree, and he was kind & generous enough to give me quite a few tips already with regard to resealing the tubes, so I'm overjoyed at this point.  At least I have a starting point for now (and some hope)!  More to come as I eventually get into this further! 

[mobilehomer]

My thought was that if Tom couldn't help, he would know who would. Glad you got it sorted.

[MaxHeadroom]

I cracked one of mine open on my new to me Skanaker. They're standard orings.

To open the tube, you can use shaft collars, and then pipe wrenches on those. 1.1 inch for the center part, and then 1.25 inch for the end cap.

The main o'rings are - 210, or 3/4" nominal ID, 1/8" cross section.

There are little o rings in the valves.  You want a - 004 on the (5/64 inch ID by 1/16 cross section) for the little brass parts. Then you want a - 006 (1/8" ID, 1/16" cross section) under the threaded part.

[Hoppes7]

Peter Hoppe here.
I reseal the Skanakers

On ebay reseal is $225.00  Plus shipping and insurance both ways

Off ebay $170.00 Plus shipping and insurance both ways

305-332-9071

[Hoppes7]

There is no need for the # 6 oring under the threaded part, it does seal on the shoulder inside with the bottom of the threaded part.
It is only needed when filling. A # 6 oring will do nothing, as it is not fat enough to fill the space.

[Hoppes7]

BTW they use red loctite to lock the CO2 cylinder ends. Heat is required

[MaxHeadroom]

There is no need for the # 6 oring under the threaded part, it does seal on the shoulder inside with the bottom of the threaded part.
It is only needed when filling. A # 6 oring will do nothing, as it is not fat enough to fill the space.

.

The #6 is the one that goes around the 1/8" probe, and fits into a little groove above the valve. The unthreaded part presses down on it.

I think the interior valve o rings are actually more like #3.