General CPS-type maintenance questions
Posted: Sat Jun 11, 2022 2:01 pm
It's been a long time since I've used a working CPS-type blaster; unfortunately, when I was younger and dumber, and didn't have any venue to use them in, I didn't put the proper amount of effort into maintaining my old blasters. They may still be reparable (if I can open them up, it's possible there'll be a thread about one or both of them), but in the meantime, I thought I'd ask some questions about my new one (which is a SC 600) so that I can make sure it lasts as long as possible. I'm not sure now what 'normal' functionality is, either for a new and perfect CPS or an old and slightly used one, so this community's extensive experience will be helpful in answering these questions.
1) To maximize the water in the blaster, I fill the PC first and then refill the reservoir. Does it matter if the reservoir cap is closed during the pumping process? Is there any connection between the prepping technique and the occasional mist-shots the gun has when firing upwards (or later on, when it's running near-empty)?
2) When there's water and pressure in the blaster, and the cap is closed, I often hear a 'hissing' sound coming from the tank. This generally seems to stop after it's fully pumped up (26+1 times, triggering the pressure relief valve). What's the cause of this?
3) My father pointed out a little bit of water that dripped from the blaster. I don't think there's a significant leak, because I've taken it around the block twice and refilled and fired it 4+ times and never noticed any unusual amount of water that couldn't be attributed to the filling process or handling it with wet hands. However, when I examined the pump, I did notice that the pump rod tends to be moist, with a few miniscule droplets of water here and there, almost like sweat. Is this normal behavior? If not, how serious is it, and how should it be addressed?
4) When the blaster has water in it and is pressurized or is being pressurized, the pump doesn't completely go back into the gun; it tends to rest about a centimeter or two open, similar to iSoaker's recommended 'storage' position. When the gun is empty and depressurized, though, it can be closed all the way. Is this abnormal?
5) I haven't opened it up at this point, because I don't have any positive experience so far with trying to work on Super Soakers. I don't think I have a screwdriver that's suited for it handy, and my motor skills aren't the best, either. Some people are novices when it comes to mechanical processes, but I'm worse than a novice. I've read, though, that you ought to at least open it once when you buy it. If this is so, are there any tips you'd offer for the opening process, or anything else you'd generally recommend to do or to look out for once it is open?
The blaster seems to function as I expected overall, with good range and slightly better than 1x performance. The seller claimed it was in great condition, and I believe he's right, especially considering it was made in 1998. But when you're a demi-enthusiast, you spend $40 for something, and you've suffered the effects of your carelessness before, you want to be sure you at least get it right this time!
I've been thinking of taking a video of it in operation. If I do, I'll put up a link here, in case it might help diagnose anything I should be aware of.
1) To maximize the water in the blaster, I fill the PC first and then refill the reservoir. Does it matter if the reservoir cap is closed during the pumping process? Is there any connection between the prepping technique and the occasional mist-shots the gun has when firing upwards (or later on, when it's running near-empty)?
2) When there's water and pressure in the blaster, and the cap is closed, I often hear a 'hissing' sound coming from the tank. This generally seems to stop after it's fully pumped up (26+1 times, triggering the pressure relief valve). What's the cause of this?
3) My father pointed out a little bit of water that dripped from the blaster. I don't think there's a significant leak, because I've taken it around the block twice and refilled and fired it 4+ times and never noticed any unusual amount of water that couldn't be attributed to the filling process or handling it with wet hands. However, when I examined the pump, I did notice that the pump rod tends to be moist, with a few miniscule droplets of water here and there, almost like sweat. Is this normal behavior? If not, how serious is it, and how should it be addressed?
4) When the blaster has water in it and is pressurized or is being pressurized, the pump doesn't completely go back into the gun; it tends to rest about a centimeter or two open, similar to iSoaker's recommended 'storage' position. When the gun is empty and depressurized, though, it can be closed all the way. Is this abnormal?
5) I haven't opened it up at this point, because I don't have any positive experience so far with trying to work on Super Soakers. I don't think I have a screwdriver that's suited for it handy, and my motor skills aren't the best, either. Some people are novices when it comes to mechanical processes, but I'm worse than a novice. I've read, though, that you ought to at least open it once when you buy it. If this is so, are there any tips you'd offer for the opening process, or anything else you'd generally recommend to do or to look out for once it is open?
The blaster seems to function as I expected overall, with good range and slightly better than 1x performance. The seller claimed it was in great condition, and I believe he's right, especially considering it was made in 1998. But when you're a demi-enthusiast, you spend $40 for something, and you've suffered the effects of your carelessness before, you want to be sure you at least get it right this time!
I've been thinking of taking a video of it in operation. If I do, I'll put up a link here, in case it might help diagnose anything I should be aware of.
) one point. You mentioned putting the internals underwater to identify where the leak is, but also suggested, as an alternative, 'cover[ing] them in water'. What's the difference?