cyclone chopping balls

[68]

hello all,
i hope some A5 gurus can help me out. Here's the problem. My set up consists of a basic A5 (no RT,eGrip,palmer,lpk...) with an updated cyclone (stamped A), a smart part tear drop barrel and running on air (tank brand new and known to work with other A5). The gun is squeaking clean.
My ratchet was worn so i replaced it with a new (tan not the clear plastic) one. I replaced the axle as well. And now the cyclone is chopping balls.
I checked for protuding screws. I replaced all o rings i could find (including the ones in the cvx valve). There are no sharp edges in the cyclone. I tried different paintball brands (zap cryptic, hurricane, toro...) at room temperature (lol note to self: dont shoot in ur house=> a real mess to clean up). When i operate the cyclone manually (by pushing the lever knob), everything looks fine & crisp.
when i replaced the tan ratchet with a new clear ratchet, it works perfectly again! however I worn this ratchet after a case or so of paintballs.
My guess is that I screwed up something with the banjo fittings (alignment problem?)
If anybody can help, I'll be grateful.

[zing]

Check the screw inside the top of the cyclone. Make sure it's snug but not tight. It may be holding the sprocket too tightly.

[deluxestogie]

It sounds like you've checked all the obvious things and ruled them out. The alignment of the banjo fittings seems unlikely to cause chopping. It is true that the old, soft ratchet is gentler on the balls, but this is the first I've heard of the new one causing chopping. I would give Tippmann tech support a call and see what they suggest. Be sure to post your solution, when you find it. AND, welcome to the forum.

[paintfreak]

Have you cleaned you gun after every use bcz if you have just let the paint sit in the gun for a couple days you might want to try checkiing your ball detent it may be swollen and not allowing the ball to completely enter the breech?

[68]

thanx for the reply guys,
and thanks deluxestogie for ur warm welcome.
Zing: unfortunately, the screw on top of the cyclone is not too tight
paintfreak: the ball detent is new and i clean my gun religiously during the game & after.

I was so desperate that i also called tippmann. They asked me to send my gun over because they have no clue so far

I'm playing paintball a lot and it's gonna take forever to ship it back and forth for a stupid part that i can replace myself.

[minx]

I have same problem. And i didn't feel that it needed a new thread. I have brand new stock A5, HPA, and everything stock. I'm chopping like 1 in 5 balls, but no regular pattern. There is paint in the hopper and no obvious defects, like the screw problem. I could return it, but it is hard to part with my new baby. I have "field cleaned" it with no great results.

When the marker shoots, balls curve and arch when not broken. I have switched the barrel, no effects. I have tried another high quality paint. 750 rounds fired, at least 100 breaks. I have dropped down to 240 fps, no improvement.

I have I couple of questions.

First, is it OK to fill the hopper to 90 or 95% full?

Second, could a rough edge on the center screw be the source of the problem?

I have also read, once the hopper is dirty, expect huge problems. Could it be just a dirty hopper and my failure to give it a good cleaning?

I have given it a good cleaning and I'll retest it tomorrow.

[kill]

minx said:

I have same problem. And i didn't feel that it needed a new thread. I have brand new stock A5, HPA, and everything stock. I'm chopping like 1 in 5 balls, but no regular pattern.

The following things could cause chopping, but are unlikely considering your gun is new.

1. Barrel adapter not screwed in all the way.

2. Worn ratchet or star axel.

3. Worn cup seal in the cyclone plunger.

4. Cyclone bottom plate screws tightened too far so that they are poking through inside the cyclone.

5. Bent drive spring.

6. Bent push pins on the backplate/stock (causes the drive spring to be out of alignment.)

7. Really crappy paint.

If your gun is as new as you say, it should still be under warranty from whichever store you purchased it from. Take it back and complain, and get them to service it.

[68]

hey guys,
i think i fix my problem. I shot 100 rounds without a single chop or break.
I found out that the hole on the power tube and the one on the receiver were not properly aligned thus less air could flow thru. Unscrewing the velocity screw helps realigning both holes. The result is that the piston does not travel all the way forward causing the ratchet to wear prematurely.
So far it's only garden tested not field tested yet

[a5overkill]

What kinda HPA tank do you two use tippmann told me they are haven problems with a certain HPA tank maker. told me the crossfire High pressure tanks are not high pressure enough to fuel the gun and the cyclone. and told me to replace my hpa tank.......

so i dumped the entire cyclone idea and i just ordered a Q-loader ;D Now i need my rampage board!

[minx]

Just wanted to follow up with my solution. Exchanged my marker for a new one.

I did conclude that balls were either entering the breach and bouncing out, or entering half way. May I suggest the "ball latch" may be the cause. But I'll never know.

BTW - new a5 awesome. played with 100 others this weekend, many with full auto. I was in no way out gunned. No jams, or breaks. Played every game, stopped only to go get more paint and air.