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12/9/2006 9:02:49 PM EDT
The piston tip of the op rod (where it goes into the gas cyl) is very loose/ came off when I disassembled for cleaning.

This is bad right or is it supposed to be loose at the top of the op rod?


How do I fix, do I have to do a tack weld?

12/10/2006 2:04:22 AM EDT
[#1]

Quoted:
The piston tip of the op rod (where it goes into the gas cyl) is very loose/ came off when I disassembled for cleaning.

This is bad right or is it supposed to be loose at the top of the op rod?


How do I fix, do I have to do a tack weld?



The tip of the op-rod is soldered in place with high-temp solder.  Assuming it  and the gas cylinder are still of the appropriate and matching diameters, (i.e., one or the other or both are not worn out), then the tip can be soldered back into place.  In MUST be attached properly, so I think I'd have someone familiar with this process do the job.  I would strongly advise against any kind of welding.

If the tip is worn, an oversized tip can be had from Brownell's.  This can be machined to fit the gas cyl.  If the gas cyl is worn, again, an oversised one can be used, with an oversized tip.

Another possibility is to find a vendor who does this sort of thing, and swap your rod plus some money for an undamaged or repaired rod, maybe even one that is "correct" for your particular M1.
 
12/10/2006 6:39:27 AM EDT
[#2]
check out the CSP jouster site and do a search there.

There's a guy well known for servicing op rods; retipping and restoring the proper bends.

Jim something. and from what I recall not that expensive.

Think about it, do you want that tip to come loose while shooting and really bugger up things?

If you just got this from CMP, I'd think about having them make good on it.  They will most likely.  
12/11/2006 7:23:45 AM EDT
[#3]
Yes what the other guy said is exactly right.
12/11/2006 11:39:45 AM EDT
[#4]
Be aware that when we mention "solder" we DON'T mean any type of soft solder.
We actually mean "silver BRAZE".  
Soft solders melt around 400 degrees or less and are NOT suitable for op rod repairs.

Silver braze melts around 1100 degrees and more, which is a red heat.

If your going to have to repair the piston head, you' might be better off having a new stainless steel piston head installed and fitted to your gas cylinder, which will restore your gas system to like-new specs.

If you intend to just repair the piston, take care to get it installed correctly and not tilted or off-center.
Also, take care WHO you allow to do this since many gunsmiths have NO idea how to do this job RIGHT.
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