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5/3/2008 5:54:59 AM EDT
Just looking for info from a member who has extensive gas piston experience. I am wondering when replacement needs to be made and how forgiving is the system to corrosion or pitting on the piston surfaces. Any specs to mic or other info that may prove useful.
5/3/2008 8:24:56 AM EDT
[#1]
A certain amount depends on the gas piston.
Many replacements are American made of hardened stainless steel.
Originals are hard chrome plated.

Gas pistons, unless simply allowed to corrode away or are damaged by improper cleaning, really have a service life as long as the basic rifle does, and never need replacement.

The AK gas system has a much looser spec than most other gas rifles, and as long as the rifle functions, the piston is good.
There are AK rifles reported in Africa that have been fired so much, the bore is worn almost smooth and there's little to no rifling left.
The gas pistons are still good and the rifles continue to shoot reliably, although with little accuracy.

So, for all intents and purposes, the gas piston is a non-issue.
5/3/2008 9:00:29 AM EDT
[#2]
And don't oil it, as I learned.
5/3/2008 9:03:41 AM EDT
[#3]
I saw some piting and was alarmed. I would suspect not to major of a problem by what you report. It is not really bad but like I said it is pited in places. If it works I will just keep shooting it.
5/3/2008 9:04:10 AM EDT
[#4]
i have a MAK 90 that looks like someone hit the tip of the piston with a torch.
5/3/2008 12:08:29 PM EDT
[#5]
Based on Soviet AKM Medium Repair Manual, the gas piston needs to be replaced if the gap between gas block whalls and piston head is over 0.2mm. The gap is measured in 3-4 points and average is calculated.
5/3/2008 1:45:38 PM EDT
[#6]

Quoted:
And don't oil it, as I learned.


what did you learn, I lightly oil everything
5/3/2008 1:56:45 PM EDT
[#7]

Quoted:

Quoted:
And don't oil it, as I learned.


what did you learn, I lightly oil everything


There is very small contact inside the piston/tube area and the oil will only cook onto the piston. I suppose that's alright. I prefer it stay shiny.
5/3/2008 2:18:09 PM EDT
[#8]

Quoted:
And don't oil it, as I learned.


I was afraid you were going to say it did something catastrophic! Glad it didn't!
5/5/2008 11:21:01 PM EDT
[#9]
Very useful info thanks.
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