10 replies to this topic

[KaptainKrazy]

I had a longshot PT, and a busted nitefinder, so I followed Ice Nine's instructions to make this:

Only problem is, I'm getting pretty abyssmal performance for such a larger plunger tube. It has a stock o ring on the head, and the spring combination is that of a Barrel Break and Nitefinder (newer model):

So I was wondering, what could I do to increase the performance? What is the best spring/spring combo for something like this?

Thanks in advance,

-Krazy

[Xellah]

There are two things you can do. Improve the seal between the O-ring and the inside of the PT with a combination of teflon tape (underneath the O-ring to increase it's diameter) and silicon grease (only silicon grease) for sealing around the contact surfaces between said O-ring and PT.

The second is to optimize your barrel/dart fit. The barrel pictured is too small for the plunger volume you're using. By using an optimally longer barrel (assuming that you already have a tight it with your darts) allows pressure to properly build up behind your darts before they leave the barrel. Your barrel setup is most likely wasting plunger volume after the dart has already left the barrel. Test longer/different barrel types until you come up with the right setup.

[Phree Agent]

At first glace I would have to agree with the above post and say that your barrel is too short for the amount of air you are pushing in that plunger tube. To add on to that though, IF you happen to be using stock darts front loaded into the barrel you can pretty much expect nothing better than ~50 feet anyway.

[Aeromech]

There are two things you can do. Improve the seal between the O-ring and the inside of the PT with a combination of teflon tape (underneath the O-ring to increase it's diameter) and silicon grease (only silicon grease) for sealing around the contact surfaces between said O-ring and PT.

White Lithium grease, in my experience, is also safe for such lubrication purposes. A Double O-ring mod may also help ranges along with wrapping plumber's tape around the plungerhead.

Also, what did you use to secure the plunger tube to the barrel? Make sure that is air tight as well. This happened to me on a modified Nitefinder early in my modding days. My solution was to drench the thing in JB Kwik to seal off any possible airleaks. Plumber's Goop should also work, if it's available to you. The problem may lie more in this connection and less on the inner workings of the plunger.

On an unrelated note, it would be a good idea to pad the plungerhead as well. BBB arrows are a favorite material of mine to use for such purposes.

Edited by Aeromech, 08 February 2012 - 12:08 PM.

[Pause]

On an unrelated note, it would be a good idea to pad the plungerhead as well. BBB arrows are a favorite material of mine to use for such purposes.

I like to pad my blasters with the anti-slip pads that you put under chair legs and such. I find that BBB arrow foam compresses to easily.

[Aeromech]

I like to pad my blasters with the anti-slip pads that you put under chair legs and such. I find that BBB arrow foam compresses to easily.

The BBB foam seems to work for me. That's a very good idea, though. Next time I'm in home depot I'll invest in a pack.

Edited by Aeromech, 08 February 2012 - 01:40 PM.

[Funky Mutha Facko]

If you are just using two stock springs, you will need to replace them to increase performance. Run over to home depot and pick up a pack of "handyman" springs. Make sure the seal is improved, and ram rod a dart
all the way down that barrel. It should get much better. A longer barrel will also help.

[Exo]

Coupler it. Now. Then test some longer barrels, especially with slugs/stefans. Put better springs in it. NF springs are not very strong, neither are BarrelBreak springs, they're almost as weak/strong as Recon springs. Improve the seal. You can use either White Litium Grease or Silicone Grease, but NOTHING from a SPRAY CAN. Sprays are evil. Padding is useful, I use felt pads that go on chairs, somethimes foam is okay, some people use rubber pads. Of course, if you use a superlative plungerhead, then there's not many ways to pad that, but the metal head wouldn't be hitting anything anyways.

Also, an LS plungertube has a diameter similar to that of 1.25" PVC. That's not a whole lot, really, so don't be too disappointed.

Edited by Exo, 08 February 2012 - 05:18 PM.

[thedom21]

I would say coupler it and make a homemade plunger head with some rubber washers(I have a version you can replicate in my LS thread). Then try experimenting with different length barrels, depending on your dart fit 10"-14"

[makeitgo]

Along with everyone else's recommendations above, observing your photos, it looks like your plunger head doesn't even reach the end of the plunger tube. Even with the springs at full extension. I would suggest increasing the length of your plunger rod. You can use another plunger rod if you happen to have one. Something like this:

Edited by makeitgo, 08 February 2012 - 09:46 PM.

[BOSS9]

Along with everyone else's recommendations above, observing your photos, it looks like your plunger head doesn't even reach the end of the plunger tube.

I think it does. Observe the black ring near the front of the plunger tube.