Now I've Done It

[Toxylon]

After learning the sidelever dismantling ropes by doing my D52, I tackled my D54. Check upthread for reasons.

After getting the sledded action and the sled itself off, things went pretty identically to the 52. I did use a small, rectangular piece of steel tube to get the rear of the action with the plastic shelf safely into compression.

This custom-caliber, custom-run 54 had bone stock internals. They weren’t anything to write home about.

The mainspring fitted totally loose in the rear guide, with a massive 0.65mm gap between them (see pic). The mainspring already had emerging canting, especially at the front end, partially because of the non-fit at the guide end.

The piston seal, intact itself as they come in these guns, had a heavy haze of burnt oil on its face (see pic), telling what I already knew from the dieseling the gun had persisted with. In this case, it was not due to a damaged piston seal letting lubes by.

The breech seal had a sizeable radial gash in it, almost certainly creating leakage (see pic).

There was basically nothing in these consumable parts that was up to snuff.

A nastier problem was that the latching rod of the piston was loose in its seating: it would move both sideways and in and out by an alarming amount, making an audible click as it did so. The reason for this was the piston head that was very loose (see pic), moving in unison with the pushes and tweaks of the latching rod. This isn't unheard of, but the level here is something I haven't seen.

Looking at the pics I realised I was looking at a possible hairline crack in the piston (see pic), holy moly!

I hitched the piston with the rear guide into the trigger mech and measured the compression space available in my 54, or the maximum space the mainspring (plus possible tophat & spacing) has when the gun is cocked.

I was pretty surprised to learn this T06 gun didn’t have any more compression space than my T01 D52. I had been working on the premise that the T06 guns have a little longer compression space, allowing the use of modern T06 aftermarket mainsprings and kits made for the sidelever Dianas. Not this 54!

By my calculations, even the OEM spring in here was being overstrained by quite a bit, due to lack of compression space. Compare this to my 350 Mag, where the OEM springs are made to fit the comp space precisely.

The 54 is in bits now, and I'm thinking my options over. A new piston is sorely needed, but it's a certain hassle to prove the merit of this claim to Diana, especially with a 12-yo. gun. It might just be easier to get one off the usual parts dealers.

Better quality mainsprings that fit in the short compression space and that I can provide with well-fitted guides is a bigger hurdle. I had planned to use my V-Mach D48-54 kit in this gun, but there's no space for it, any more than in my T01 D52. Coil-clipping is always an option, with attendant drop in velocity.

Titan #4's are short enough, but they have massive ID's and I don't have the means to make a good rear guide for one. Hmmm.

[cjtamu]

Have you considered reaching out to Hector for recommendation? Believe if I were in your shoes I would. Might be able to help talking to Diana about the piston as well.

[Toxylon]

I have done that. It didn't go well...

[HectorMedina]

Let's set the records straight:

Toxylon bought this gun second hand from someone who SPECIFICALLY requested to have it shipped "as is" from the factory. Toxylon knew that from the beginning.
Part of the mods that were "refused" by the original owner, would have prevented the problems that he is experiencing now:
A CCA piston would not have loosened and, even in the cases where user error has induced piston failure I have responded to each and every one of them.
A CCA breech seal would have prevented the "flame cutting" that is clear in the above pictures.
A custom guide and spring would not have the wide "windage" (as artillerists of old would call the tolerance between bore and ball) between spring and guide. THAT is a characteristics of the 19th century design of piston guns, where canting and twisting is allowed in the spring to SMOOTH OUT the shot cycle. And there are metallurgical reasons for that which I will not go into here.

Now, let me state this CLEARLY:
I do NOT add things to a gun because I want to raise/add to the price. I add things that IMHO are mandatory to a long term usage and enjoyment of the gun in question.

In THIS instance and to solve the real issue, a free T06 replacement piston  was offered on two conditions:
1.- Toxylon would have to agree to reimburse the cost of shipping to his home country (it's going to be about $35-$40 for a USPS flat rate, small box, priority mail service.
2.- Toxylon would have to let DIANA know that he received a free piston from me (I get them for free from DIANA because I account for each and every one I get for "service and goodwill purposes"). I NEVER would use one of those pistons in a tune that I was charging for. Open and clean books make for long friendships.

Toxylon, however, seems to prefer to complain about what he cannot do with non-standard / non-OEM parts, about which he never asked for advice, than to solve the real issue.

I really do not have time for that. As I explained, there is a reason why Venom and V-Mach as companies no longer exist. They made things that were "borderline" and customers had problems. They deserved the Darwin award. I will not discuss, or argue with, reality.

He has my EMail, and I have his address (assuming he has not moved lately); last time I sent him anything, it was followed by three weeks of complaints. Time consuming to say the least.

STILL, if he wants the piston, he just needs to say so.



HM

[SpiralGroove]

Hey Hector,
Edited for rules violations He does occasionally come up with good points, but most often drenches himself with self centered, righteousness ....... accusing of folks of wrongdoing ............. never considering his limited skills/knowledge or mistakes.

God Speed Hector .

Lose the names calling please and don’t drag any members along with you.

[SpiralGroove]

Hey Hector,
Edited for rules violations He does occasionally come up with good points, but most often drenches himself with self centered, righteousness ....... accusing of folks of wrongdoing ............. never considering his limited skills/knowledge or mistakes.

God Speed Hector .

Lose the names calling please and don’t drag any members along with you.

Yeah Kevin,
I've been a member here for about 12 years and only have been annoyed by probably 3 members.  At the age of almost 65, it's hard for me not to call a spade and spade.
Hector has been nothing, but an outstanding member ...... helping anyone his vast airgun knowledge/experience.
Plus ............. Hector's already been dragged into Toxylon's Black Hole of negativity.   

[SpiralGroove]

Well Guys,
It's my turn to Eat Humble Pie or spend 30 days in the hole .
I ruminated last night about what I said yesterday ........ and have come to the conclusion - I was Very Wrong to call out Toxylon the way I did.
I don't blow a head gasket very often, but in upon checking this morning ..... another half gallon of anti-freeze was needed in the radiator .
Kirk

[Yogi]

Well Guys,
It's my turn to Eat Humble Pie or spend 30 days in the hole .
I ruminated last night about what I said yesterday ........ and have come to the conclusion - I was Very Wrong to call out Toxylon the way I did.
I don't blow a head gasket very often, but in upon checking this morning ..... another half gallon of anti-freeze was needed in the radiator .
Kirk

I'm not too sure about that. 

-Y

[SpiralGroove]

Well Guys,
It's my turn to Eat Humble Pie or spend 30 days in the hole .
I ruminated last night about what I said yesterday ........ and have come to the conclusion - I was Very Wrong to call out Toxylon the way I did.
I don't blow a head gasket very often, but in upon checking this morning ..... another half gallon of anti-freeze was needed in the radiator .
Kirk

I'm not too sure about that. 

-Y

Let's just say it was too egregious .... even though it represented a fundamental truth.

I recently wrote a post on AGN comparing issues with Airguns to guitars.
Most professional guitar players are not satisfied with the basic set-up of a Fender Professional guitar costing $2K.  The factory just doesn't have the time to make them perfect for the cost.  Players often spend $4.5K+ to get something tuned or broken-in (custom shop) just the way they want it.  The human, labor cost of doing so is prohibitive given the price point.  Airgun manufacturers are no different.
Most products we buy are made by machines (without much fine tuning) to keep costs down ...... as the majority of consumers won't pay for the difference. 
Hence, if we want them to feel just right for out liking, they need to be modified from their OEM state.  That simple . 

Folks that want to endlessly complain about this become tiring at best. 

[caudie]

Y...A...W...N   !!!

[Toxylon]

I was careful in my above comment to point out that all the internal parts with issues discussed here were factory standard, not CCA. There was zero commentary on CCA in there, as I have zero issues with CCA.

It was simply a jolting surprise how badly put together the factory internals were. Should this be hush-hushed into non-existence?

I fully admit to having a negative side, where the main thrust is exposing all sides of a story. There are high points and downsides to all guns – saying “you can’t go wrong with a brand X” is simply not true. I for one was mislead by the alleged virtues of certain springers that turned out to be mispurchases to me. I want to help other people not make the same mistakes, by airing things. I apologize to people who find such commentary negative. I could and should tweak my "attack". We all would like to hear approval for our decisions and purchases.

Anyone who has actually read my 1684 replies on here know I have asked a ton of questions and appreciated the responses I’ve gotten. People like Hector, Thomas (Roadworthy), Dave (dtdtdt), Ron (Bayman), Marty McFly, Kirk (SpiralGroove) etc. etc. have helped me immensely over the years.

I have repeatedly characterised myself here as an apprentice at best – nowhere near a pro / master / seasoned veteran. I have also detailed in my build reports my dead-ends, mistakes and backtrackings, up to and including things I simply forgot when putting a gun back together, like a true greenhorn. So, characterizing me as “never considering his limited skills/knowledge or mistakes.” is simply untrue, and I resent that, Kirk.

The main crew here on GTA springer forums is right around retirement age, or between 55 and 75 years of age, with most in their sixties, it seems. Many have passed, just in the few years I’ve been here.

If there is any hope in springer culture surviving, it is up to guys like me, in my mid-40’s, with teenaged airgunning kids, to carry the torch, telling the guys just getting into springers about them, 20 or 30 years from now.

Positivity is a boon, no question about it.

[Toxylon]

Hector,

I don't know what made you think it a good idea business-wise to broadcast your version of personal e-mail exchange here. Trust is a fragile thing, cite Dianawerk.

I feel bad about leaving some central names out of my list of GTA mentors above. So, addendum: Mike (MikeyB), Mike (Mike Driskill), Steve (SteveP52), Karl, (KWK), Hugh (Novagun) - thank you for helping me and many others time and time again!

Also, thank you guys for your supporting PM's with regards to this mess.

[Rocker1]

Enough Gentlemen. One more derogatory remark against each other and this thread will go away, This should have been pms . David Rocker1

[Novagun]

Interesting thread  ; a couple have had a bit of a snipe at each other. It seems some exchange has been edited out. .Too bad move on. I know neither will get the pip and both are valuable contributers to our group.
I found my name mentioned as a mentor. What a plaudit from Toxylon: thank you
Diana 54. I shot one once and it was ultra smooth.  I wondered if it had actually fired. Nevertheless not on my wish list.i found the cocking lever troublesome for a left hander
I hope we get a success story about this .20calibre.
What does CAC mean?

[Yogi]

Interesting thread  ; a couple have had a bit of a snipe at each other. It seems some exchange has been edited out. .Too bad move on. I know neither will get the pip and both are valuable contributers to our group.
I found my name mentioned as a mentor. What a plaudit from Toxylon: thank you
Diana 54. I shot one once and it was ultra smooth.  I wondered if it had actually fired. Nevertheless not on my wish list.i found the cocking lever troublesome for a left hander
I hope we get a success story about this .20calibre.
What does CAC mean?

CAC=Hector's Company

-Y

[OleTomCat]

Enough Gentlemen. One more derogatory remark against each other and this thread will go away, This should have been pms . David Rocker1

Oh &^^& Dave's getting ready to swing his hammer, everyone duck...

LoL

Love you Man...

[Denby95]

Interesting thread  ; a couple have had a bit of a snipe at each other. It seems some exchange has been edited out. .Too bad move on. I know neither will get the pip and both are valuable contributers to our group.
I found my name mentioned as a mentor. What a plaudit from Toxylon: thank you
Diana 54. I shot one once and it was ultra smooth.  I wondered if it had actually fired. Nevertheless not on my wish list.i found the cocking lever troublesome for a left hander
I hope we get a success story about this .20calibre.
What does CAC mean?
/quote

Its CCA, his website is here and he's got a great blog on very interesting projects that he undertakes.

https://www.ctcustomairguns.com

CAC=Hector's Company

[Yogi]

Interesting thread  ; a couple have had a bit of a snipe at each other. It seems some exchange has been edited out. .Too bad move on. I know neither will get the pip and both are valuable contributers to our group.
I found my name mentioned as a mentor. What a plaudit from Toxylon: thank you
Diana 54. I shot one once and it was ultra smooth.  I wondered if it had actually fired. Nevertheless not on my wish list.i found the cocking lever troublesome for a left hander
I hope we get a success story about this .20calibre.
What does CAC mean?
/quote

Its CCA, his website is here and he's got a great blog on very interesting projects that he undertakes.

https://www.ctcustomairguns.com

CAC=Hector's Company

Yup, wrong again!! That is what happens when I assume.

-Yogi

[only1harry]

What does CAC mean?

CAC stands for: Coronary Artery Calcium (score/test).  I had that scan done a couple of months ago   

It's CCA - Hector's company.

[Toxylon]

My D54 Kustom with iffy guts was moved forward when Hector graciously sent me a completely wobble-free D54 piston. Thank you again, Hector!

We'll see when I have time to put the 54 back together.