Tuning How do you remove a delrin bushing from a gauge port?

[FLgunner]

My Dreamline Classic is leaking at the air cylinder gauge port. I ordered a replacement gauge, but it's still leaking so I suspect the delrin? (white plastic bushing) is damaged, but for the life of me I can't get it out to replace it! Any tips or tricks on how to remove one? I can't come in from the backside because there is no opening. I have tried using a pick, but it's stuck in there and won't budge. I tried inserting a torx bit into the hole hoping to get some grip and just screw it out, but that just wallowed out the hole more. At this point I'm at a loss. I don't want to do anything that will damage the fill cap and render the rifle useless, but I do want to get that old bushing out so I can replace it with a known good one. Thanks...

 

[TMH]

I'm following this thread since I've been in the same situation. I even tried screwing a small screw into the center hole of the bushing to try and pull it out, but no luck. Fortunately mine wasn't leaking so I could leave it in place. Had been trying to replace the OEM gauge with one which sealed with 1-2 o-rings instead.

 

[FLgunner]

Yep, that's exactly what I'm trying to do. I have a brand new Huma Gauge that came with 2 o-rings, but I doubt it will hold air until I gat the bad bushing removed. I also tried the screw and it didn't work for me either.

 

[vdwb]

The best luck I’ve had removing that disk is to cut it into pie pieces from the center out with an exacto knife and then using a dental tool (hooked pick) to fish out the pieces. Total PIA.

 

[biohazardman]

There are lots of different kinds of extraction tools but they aren't made for plastic stuff.

Think I tapped an Allen wrench into the center of mine when that happened to me and I was able to unscrew it all the way out. 

You could also tap a thin chisel into it or Dremel it and split it. I got one out that way also.

If that did not werq I would try to tap a flat blade screwdriver into it and try to screw it out or heat the driver tip and melt it into the seal then screw it out or fold it over and use dental tools to get it out.

I am sure FX has done this many times so a call or email to them might get you better info on how they do it.

 

[Odoyle]

You could try poke it (the bushing not the hole) with an ice pick them pry it out.

 

[Centercut]

I use a brass pick similar to a dental tool. Try and wedge the "hook" under the busing and pull straight up. Takes a few tries. Don't replace that bushing. The best seal to use for gauges is an X-ring. Specifically size 2.62 CS x 3.63 ID. You can get them at Orings and More. Hand tighten till contact, then give them just a little more (1/8 to 1/4 turn). THe pressure should cause the ring to seal. If it still leaks a bit just give it another 1/8 turn with a wrench.

 

[Centercut]

Deleted, duplicate entry

 

[KatoKevin454]

Hey Paul, I use a hot Nail or bent "L" piano wire, heat a nail head or wire and get it hot enough to melt the delrin (Red Hot), press it in till the Delrin melts around the head or "L" and let it cool, once it cools pull it out..... 

 

[FLgunner]

Thanks for all the suggestions! I'm going to save them all for future reference! LOL!

I ended up going with the exact knife extraction! I had a flat ended exact and was ale to tap it straight down, cutting the bushing into quarters and then extracting the pieces with a heavy pick. I have 2 o-ring in it now and have it filled to 230 BAR and letting it sit. I sure hope this works! Thanks again...