A have a few more cut outs to make on the compression block of my spring compressor and I will be ready for my first spring replacement on a Model 54. I have a new Maccari spring kit and seal.
I understand that after placing the gun in the spring compressor, I first remove the end pin and then the inboard pin. I assume the trigger assembly can then be removed and pressure backed off on the spring compressor to remove the spring assembly. I have printouts of everything that I can find on the web for spring replacements in general. (For example, applying the tar and moly and trigger spring alignment on reassembly.)
You can see in the photo that there is a .020 thick shim washer that fits on the rear absorpsion guide post. I do not see that item in any exploded parts diagrams.
At this point I don’t see any major obstacles, but would appreciate any comments or suggestions from those with previous experience.
You will need two dumb pins that will go in place of the longer retaining pins. Otherwise the trigger assembly will also be dismantled. The dumb pins are meant to hold the trigger unit together during dismantling.
On my Diana 34 & 48 the trigger assembly comes out as a unit and doesn't have a problem falling apart without replacing the retaining pins into the trigger assembly. Obviously I'm missing something. Could you help me out with this one?
When I opened up my 48 to put in the Maccari kit, I followed the advise of John Stewart - Look for a thread called "48 Fix -Very Long,, Sorry!" posted April 28th 2004, in this forum. John graphically described the dismantling process and I did just that. I had dumb pins( Thanks Hector !) inserted one by one as the original pins were knocked out and the trigger was retained as a whole component. The fact is, I have never attempted to dismantle the action without the dumb pins and hence cannot answer why your trigger unit never fell apart without. Maybe Hector or ZVP can answer this one...
trigger designation? All I know is that when I dissmantled my 34 and 48(both T01)I had no trouble with the trigger block coming apart. Nor did either of my 24's(T05)give me any trouble at all, no slave pins were used. HTH, Mulby.
I haven't personally had the trigger fall apart problem either, old and new style triggers, many guns.
However, I could see it POSSIBLY happening, if you remove the plastic sheath around the trigger unit, or you start trying to cock and/or adjust the trigger once it's removed from the gun, without the pins inserted into the holes. Don't do that! Also possible I suppose if you dropped it onto the floor without any pins in place. So once out of the gun, I often reinsert the gun's pins back into the trigger for storage. That way I don't lose them either.
Thank you everyone for your comments. This evening I will visit my son-inlaw's wood shop to finish the remaining part of the spring compressor. I will keep you advised as to my experience with the spring replacement and I will also photograph to process. I hope your advise and my experience will also help other newbies.
Jim, Thanks for your interesting post,I am also in the process of replacing the spring and seals of my 54. The problem is, that when I disassembeled my gun the plastic spring guide is also broken along with the spring. Now I want to make the custom steel spring guide but the original plastic guide is so much damaged that I am unable to measure the correct dimensinons. Would you please post a pic and measurement of spring guide? Diana spare parts are not available here, although I have the original spare spring and seals but don't have spring guide. If I request the spring guide from factory I'll have to wait for several months so I am serious about the custom steel spring guide.
Zubair, I will be happy to, just as soon as I complete my dis-assemble. I assume you want the dimensions of the guide I remove, not the Maccari guide. (Also, maybe someone else already has that info.)
Zubair, I have a sketch of the spring guide, but the system will not upload the picture. I have responded by e-mail.
Also, gentlemen, the trigger assembly did not drop out with removal of the two pins. It is encased in the trigger safety housing, and came out of the compression tube end with the spring/spring guide/washer assembly. At the present time, the system will not accept picture uploads from me.
The following photo show the disassembled spring/piston assembly. I had to remove the cocking lever to access the two retaining pins. I did not remove the connecting rod. The second photo shows the Maccari spring assembly.
I understand that I should apply a small amount of tar to the spring O.D. prior to assembly. Moly is to be applied to the outside of the piston and seal --- making sure not to get any in front of the seal.
Looking through the retaining pin holes in the trigger assembly, I do not see any obstructions such as a spring wire. Hopefully, everything remained in place.
Any further suggestions before I re-assemble the airgun?
Assembling the piston seal to the end of the piston posed a problem. I found an old 3/8 socket with a tapered O.D. The small O.D. on the socket was slightly smaller than the piston seal retainer O.D. So I ground the end of the socket to shorten it until it was the approximate O.D. of the seal retainer. After pressing the seal onto the tapered socket with finger pressure, I clamped the piston and socket together and again using finger pressure, I pressed the seal onto the piston retainer. Not too difficult.
Well, I have some debugging to do. I have reassembled the gun, but when I pull the cocking lever to its maximum stroke, the piston is not retained. Also, the safety lever is stiff. I assume there is a problem with the trigger not engaging the piston rod. Any suggestions as I disassemble the gun and look for the problem?
Call of the dogs. Since the compression did not take, I pulled the trigger and got a soft click. The next time I cocked the gun it held compression, the safety worked properly, and the gun fired.
I will try some extended shooting when I get to the range.
You can press those seals on using both thumbs in about 5 seconds. Just hook the seal on the lip of the piston head as much as you can and then press with both thumbs in a stretching direction ( Like it's a rubber band ). The seal will pop on.
First time i did one I had a hell of a time, then I stumbled on this method.Piece of cake.
Thank you knobs, but right now can't wait to get back to the range and try it out. I was afraid of tearing the seal by pressing it straight on. Thanks to everyone for the conversation. The next spring and seal replacement will be with a lot more confidence. I like this forum.
