That o-ring is the buffer o-ring. It keeps the hammer from slapping into the back plug. That's a good thing; it's supposed to be there.

So it sounds like there wasn't enough pressure to recock the marker fully, or the sear didn't catch. Are you familiar with taking the 98C apart?

Hm. Well, I can spout out a lot of possible theories that might have something to do with why your marker "ran away" (that's what it's called when the hammer doesn't catch the sear and the marker spazzes out) but a lot of them require taking your marker apart.

It may have been a fluke. When you get more CO2, try shooting it again and see what happens. If it runs away again, just stop the cocking knob. I've had my old 98C run away once or twice with no apparent reason.


Edited by DeTrevni - 17 April 2008 at 9:16pm

You might as well take it apart and become very familar with everything inside of there. Your going to have to sooner or later. If you have troubles ask away...some people are nice and help out!

this is a quote from Tippmanns site;

8 Custom Service Update

8/10/2006

BUFFALO GROVE, IL - August 10, 2006 - It has come to our attention that some 98 Customs and 98 Custom Pros made earlier this year (serial numbers for 98 Custom are 978,401-1,091,000; serial numbers for 98 Custom Pro are 32,601-49,400) may have been manufactured with a sear spring that was not within normal performance standards. A marker with a sub-standard spring may experience pre-mature wear of the rear bolt and sear mechanism causing the bolt to continuously actuate (sounds like your tank is out of air). We believe this performance issue is primarily found in markers with response triggers (RT) and electronic grips (E-Grips), but the issue may arise in markers with a stock trigger.

Tippmann has a long history of manufacturing high quality, reliable products and we truly apologize for any performance issues and inconvenience players may have encountered. Our goal is to repair any marker that may have experienced this situation and get you back on the playing field as soon as possible. Please contact Tippmann's customer service department at 1-800-533-4831 if you are experiencing this problem for appropriate handling of your repair.