PBI E-Bolt Ram Problem

UV Halo wrote: Symptom: When firing, e-bolt begins to behave erratically, and eventually, it stops cycling.  The trigger pull causes air to vent out of port above the Solenoid's input.  Attempts to manually move the hammer unsuccessful.  Note: The ram was well oiled. Where I'm at: I took the ram apart and I found that the piston head had become unscrewed, and lodged in the back end of the ram.  I threaded the hammer/rod back onto the piston and with some force, I was able to free the piston. Observations:  My perception is that the ram was not made very well.  The return spring makes continous, direct, sliding contact with the walls of the ram cylinder, this causes uneven wear.  This uneven wear caused the piston head to rub unevenly (with direct metal to metal contact), and is causing the piston to seize. Could use some advice here from Bruce A Frank, or anyone else who knows as much.  My  perception is that I either gotta build a new air ram assembly (www.emachineshop.com, using the dimensions of the current one), or get a new gun (I'm hooked on E-pneumatics now).

Clean the inside of the ram barrel well to remove any trash or metal flakes from wear. Install a new "O" ring on the piston head and screw the piston back onto the shaft using blue Loc Tite or any medium thread locker. (if you see no roughness in the bore and the "O" ring isn't flattened on the bore contact edge then reuse it) Now lubricate the thing with lithium grease rather than the light oil you use for all the other friction points in the marker. Don't worry about the spring, it is smooth on the outside and rides with virtually no friction on the inside of the ram bore.

A new "O" ring is going to have to be found at someplace like a machine shop supply or a machine shop. Most carry a kit containing many sizes. Even places like Home Depot and Lowe's carry "O" rings that will handle lithium grease. Urethane "O" is about the toughest, but it is not critical. It isn't unreasonable to replace the "O ring once a season.

If you ever set your ram up to be double acting the lithium grease is essential for good function. It will also aid the seal of the "O" ring to the bore. Running a couple of drops of oil through the ASA will keep things working, but the ram really works best with the grease...so replenish it once in a while...every 6 months or so.

Light oil actually seems to make my ram stick just a bit. Never have had a problem with lithium grease.

UV Halo wrote: Excellent advice Bruce!!  I've done the repairs, and I've just drained a 47ci 3k tank through it with no problems.  I'm gonna do the same now with a 68ci 4.5k tank and if all goes well, I will consider it done.

Glad I could help, and thanks for letting me know that I did help. Could you post a picture of your marker?