Lubing Trail NP piston and comp. tube - what's the best method?

[mckeand13]

Just got a Trail NP. I wanted to get it all cleaned up and lubed before taking it out.

I've got it apart and have started cleaning parts. What is the best method and tools to get the inside of the compression tube lubed up with moly?  Just a very thin coating right?

I thought about a dowel with an small piece of rag wrapped on the end to sort of mop the inside. Seems like it would be messy and waste quite a bit of lubebut maybe that's how it has to be.

Thanks!

[mobilehomer]

None in the tube. Just a wee little bit on the piston itself. I would put some on the cocking shoe. While you have it apart, get all the burrs off from inside the compression tube and from the inside of the piston.

[Roadworthy]

You may put a thin coat of moly lube into the compression cylinder.  If you choose to do so, the next step is to wipe it back out with a clean rag.  This leaves a tiny amount in the shallow grooves caused by honing the cylinder but not a coat anywhere.  A light coat on the piston seal is not a bad idea.

[Woooshhhhh]

What is this "moly" you speak of?

Where can I get it?

[mckeand13]

Thanks for the replies.

I'm currently waiting to order a button kit for the piston and then I'll get it back together.

[OleTomCat]

I don't use Moly, I use a Krytox type PTFE lube.  When I go to adding the lube I clean the nasty gunk off of the old piston seal put it back on the piston then put the lube on the forward lip of the seal so that it gets pushed up into the compression chamber then I pull it out put the new seal on and then put a light coat on the back lip of the seal and base of the piston.

[mckeand13]

What is the method for removing and reinstalling a piston seal?

They seem quite hard and are pretty tight on the piston.

Would a little time with a heat gun soften it enough to easily remove it or would that wreck the seal?

[DOKF]

What is the method for removing and reinstalling a piston seal?

They seem quite hard and are pretty tight on the piston.

Would a little time with a heat gun soften it enough to easily remove it or would that wreck the seal?

I use hot water to soften the seal, and elbow grease to put it on the piston.  Heat gun might damage the seal.

[D14Jeff]

What is this "moly" you speak of?

Where can I get it?

http://www.airrifleheadquarters.com/page/page/251484.htm

[N6CRV]

What is this "moly" you speak of?

Where can I get it?

Find a Gun shop that has a lot of reloading supplies. I got my Moly there as it is used to put on the cases before resizing. It is not used as much since carbide dies. It is in powder form, so you can burnish it into the metal or mix it with grease and have a paste. It goes a LONG way. I use a small squeeze bottle with the powder in and can spray/dust it into the tight places. I have even used it on old clocks as it does not pick up lint and makes them run real smooth.
 

[Nsrider]

Anyone have any pics or diagrams showing what areas get lubed and which ones don't? I am about to tear into mine and give it a good clean an lube.

[unionrdr]

I use moly lube paste, and very sparingly. A little goes a long way here, as stated. Very little. Here's a pic of what I use;

[Privateer]

I started with the ARH Moly and burnished it into the compression chamber.
I've since went to the Krytox and kind of burnish it in also.
I smear a very small amount onto a rod with some pipe insulation wrapped with a bit of old tee shirt then run that up and down.
I keep that rod and rag just for future work. It don't take much after the first use if anymore at all.
A small dap wiped around the back of the seal lip (and I DO mean SMALL!) and you should be good.

I think of it like petroleum jelly on my first kids butt. Probably buttered him up pretty good!
By the time my Daughter was born? I figured out it didn't take a whole jar every time.
 

[unionrdr]

Yeah. You guys were sure right about that small amount! Ken's Trail NPXL1100 is still working great after I rebuilt it. Ranges were sounding darn good with it now. He even sent me a box full of Centerpoint scopes that'll be here tomorrow via pony express!

[Privateer]

Nice Leonard.
 One of the first things we learn it seems is to not grease the gun to much!
 
If someone says a little? Take what you think is a little and cut it in 4ths!

[Roadworthy]

Your gun is part of the family commonly known as the B-19.  If this works I've attached a couple of files which may help.

[unionrdr]

As it turns, out that axiom is pretty darn close! Just a dab smeared on the piston seal, and maybe 1/8" back on the piston smears out nice and thin as I noticed. And, I also noticed it smooth's out vintage Crosman triggers. Doesn't really makes'em any lighter. But smoother and thus a bit more accurate. I also noticed those old rifle's rifling is a slow twist rate with the marks on my Dewy ball bearing cleaning rod.