Airbrush not working

[Keith]

I have a Badger 200 airbrush that has a fault. There is air constantly coming from the nozzle at quite a low pressure even without pressing the trigger. When i do press the trigger, i can spray paint, but only at this low pressure and i have no control over the air flow/paint flow at all. Its the same low-ish pressure with the needle fully closed as it is fully open.
I don't think this is an air supply problem, as there shouldnt be any air coming out of the nozzle until i press the trigger.
I've changed the teflon head washer, so i'm thinking it might be the needle bearing.

Anyone have any ideas?

Thanks,

Keith.

 

[Invicta]

I had a 200 for years and it was relatively trouble free. The 200 has a trigger actuated air flow (as you know) sometimes tiny particles can get in between the O ring and the seat causing air leakage.

Strip the air control and clean it out while you're there check the condition of the O ring. Sometimes they just wear out, but they are easy to replace.

 

[00MrNotWrong00]

Why don't you think it's an air supply problem ?

 

[Leif_G]

My badger 100 had a similar issue. I found two things wrong with it. The o-ring being hardened and use of no use. Then also the needle adjustment (not sure what you call it) at the back had become stuck, with the needle out of adjustment.

 

[Invicta]

Another thing to check/ask is have you ever used a spare tire to power the airbrush?

If you have without the air filter in-line there's a good chance contaminants have fouled the O ring 50-0141, the air flow needle ?? 50-014, the return spring 50-020 or an extreme case the the control housing 50-013.

Without enough pressure coming out of the tip you wouldn't have much control over the paint flow anyway. I forgot to ask do you have the gravity feed or the suction feed version??

 

[Keith]

Thanks for your help.

I don't think its the air supply (and by that i mean the compressor) as the fact that air is coming out of the nozzel at all times means there is a problem with the airbrush.

I've never used a tyre for the air, only a compressor.

Thanks,

Keith.

 

[Harry Harris]

Keith,

I know this is probably obvious but have you disassembled the brush (not the intake assembly, just the main parts) and thoroughly cleaned it? It sounds like something could be fouling the trigger causing it to not be held closed.

I take apart & clean my brush regularly with Acetone (wear rubber/vinyl gloves though!).

Harry

 

[00MrNotWrong00]

Are you using an oilless compressor ? If not you need a dryer and a filter or little bits or crap will work it's way into that little o-ring also oil can get on the o-ring and start breaking it down.

I think your problem is at o-ring 50-0141 in the diagram (so kindly) posted above. You need a tinny little allen key to get to it, It almost sounds like yours has split. Open that little valve and see if you problem isn't with that o-ring.

I had a problem like this not to long ago when I tried to hook my airbrush up with out a regulator and that little o-ring got jammed up higher than it is supposed to sit.

 

[Keith]

I cleaned the o-ring with airbrush cleaning spray and the airbrush is now working fine.

So thanks very much for your help, its much appreciate!

Cheers,

Keith.

 

[ComicCaper]

I did airbrushing for a few years. A few suggestions:

Clean it after every use. Paint will build up inside and it needs to be removed.
Keep a container of water handy. When switching colors you can just run water through it to get rid of the old color. If water doesn't help run a cleaner through it.

I don't know if they still sell it, but Rotring ink cleaner was a Godsend. I could leave acrylic in my brush for weeks and Rotring would still get that paint out of the brush.

This was all for traditional artwork so the paints for models are different I'm sure. Not sure what you use for model paint cleaner, terpantine(sp)?

I had a Vega I gave away, but I still have my Iwata even though I haven't used it in years.

If you have any specific questions PM me. Always glad to help a fellow airbrusher.

-Matt

 

[zorg]

cleaning is the key.

i have a revell pro brush that must be 10 years old now at least. it gets stripped down and cleaned with cellulose thinners after each use.

its a p.i.t.a. but i can do it in the dark, hands tied behind my back now :unsure

what you been painting? anything nice:love


-z