AEA HP Max Barrel Leak Repair

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BeeHavior

BeeHavior

Member
Jan 30, 2025
20
15
Oregon
When I hook up to a dive tank, vents out the barrel like there's no resistance. Really screwed up my morning, the blast of air sent the contents of an ashtray all over my kitchen.

I'm not sure what the precise issue is but I'd guess O-rings or valve seat. It's depressurized, so I guess I can just dig in to it. I still wanna run it by y'all in case someone knows something. I sent an email to AEA for parts suggestions, so I'll update the thread with any new developments.
 
First time airing up? If not, likely a valve problem, here's one out of my JTS Airacuda MAX. WM
IMG_20240226_144632.jpg
 
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WorriedMan said:
First time airing up? If not, likely a valve problem, here's one out of my JTS Airacuda MAX. WMView attachment 534847
Click to expand...

I'm trying to figure out what to order. I called BIN TAC the other day about the situation at the ports. We've got a bit of an accent barrier so it'd be helpful if I could just email him with the most likely parts, as well as any other wear parts like valve pins, o-rings, and hammer springs, just so I can keep a stock for repair.

1738451207576.png


In the exploded diagram, I'm looking at parts 12-19 as the likely culprit. Simplified valve diagram above. I'm trying to convince my granddad to let me take a screwdriver to it. Will report back.

HPMAX_Exploded.png



Oh, and it worked before. I had a guy over and he rapid-fired the thing, broke whatever it was in the valve and shattered the arm on the 3D printed pump-action kit I got from Evan Capps.

Evan Capps.. I also bought an extended magazine from him and it split. Got in touch with him at the start of December and sent the pics. He said he'd ship the replacement parts but he's been a ghost since. I remind him every two weeks.

Evan really irked me with that, so I bought a new mag and pump kit from macabespeed on Friday. I'm going to compare them once I get the gun tuned up, but that'll be a different thread.
 
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I found a YouTube video of a .357 HP MAX disassembly. The .50 is very different. I was led to believe that this middle hole here, where the gauge was, should have some accessible parts to replace. There's nothing in here but a thin o-ring. I removed the set screw for the tank but it's not budging either. I'm pretty sure it's a reverse thread, since the rest of the tank is threaded normally.

IMG_20250201_170224_731.jpg


IMG_20250201_163151_086.jpg
 
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BeeHavior said:
I'm trying to figure out what to order. I called BIN TAC the other day about the situation at the ports. We've got a bit of an accent barrier so it'd be helpful if I could just email him with the most likely parts, as well as any other wear parts like valve pins, o-rings, and hammer springs, just so I can keep a stock for repair.

View attachment 534853

In the exploded diagram, I'm looking at parts 12-19 as the likely culprit. Simplified valve diagram above. I'm trying to convince my granddad to let me take a screwdriver to it. Will report back.

View attachment 534849


Oh, and it worked before. I had a guy over and he rapid-fired the thing, broke whatever it was in the valve and shattered the arm on the 3D printed pump-action kit I got from Evan Capps.

Evan Capps.. I also bought an extended magazine from him and it split. Got in touch with him at the start of December and sent the pics. He said he'd ship the replacement parts but he's been a ghost since. I remind him every two weeks.

Evan really irked me with that, so I bought a new mag and pump kit from macabespeed on Friday. I'm going to compare them once I get the gun tuned up, but that'll be a different thread.
Click to expand...
BeeHavior said:
I'm trying to figure out what to order. I called BIN TAC the other day about the situation at the ports. We've got a bit of an accent barrier so it'd be helpful if I could just email him with the most likely parts, as well as any other wear parts like valve pins, o-rings, and hammer springs, just so I can keep a stock for repair.

View attachment 534853

In the exploded diagram, I'm looking at parts 12-19 as the likely culprit. Simplified valve diagram above. I'm trying to convince my granddad to let me take a screwdriver to it. Will report back.

View attachment 534849


Oh, and it worked before. I had a guy over and he rapid-fired the thing, broke whatever it was in the valve and shattered the arm on the 3D printed pump-action kit I got from Evan Capps.

Evan Capps.. I also bought an extended magazine from him and it split. Got in touch with him at the start of December and sent the pics. He said he'd ship the replacement parts but he's been a ghost since. I remind him every two weeks.

Evan really irked me with that, so I bought a new mag and pump kit from macabespeed on Friday. I'm going to compare them once I get the gun tuned up, but that'll be a different thread.
Click to expand...
Only familiar with Airacuda MAX internals, my valve broke when defective-designed valve spring self-tightened till clearance disappeared. Shooting one day when air just drained out barrel. JTS sent replacement valve, all good now. WM
 
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WorriedMan said:
Only familiar with Airacuda MAX internals, my valve broke when defective-designed valve spring self-tightened till clearance disappeared. Shooting one day when air just drained out barrel. JTS sent replacement valve, all good now. WM
Click to expand...
Well, I pulled it all out and put it back together. Nothing seems to be wrong with the spring -- it sticks out the back and compresses as expected when I screw the stock back on. I'm going to try and get a tech on the phone at BIN TAC.
 
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Have you pulled the valve pin (poppet) to inspect it ? Sounds to me that is your issue with the rifle. I have the .45 & .50 and if memory serves me you need to remove bottom pressure gage and fitting- the fill probe and grub screws holding the adapter for tank in. The tank and adapter should slid out- be careful not to damage o rings- and gain access to part 12. Remove that part and there is the poppet. Hope this helps
 
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rdpjr6504 said:
Have you pulled the valve pin (poppet) to inspect it ? Sounds to me that is your issue with the rifle. I have the .45 & .50 and if memory serves me you need to remove bottom pressure gage and fitting- the fill probe and grub screws holding the adapter for tank in. The tank and adapter should slid out- be careful not to damage o rings- and gain access to part 12. Remove that part and there is the poppet. Hope this helps
Click to expand...
As you see in the picture, I got most of the tank unscrewed, removed the grub screw holding the base of the tank in, and removed the gauge. I couldn't get the tank base off. You say it just slides out?
 
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BeeHavior said:
Well, I pulled it all out and put it back together. Nothing seems to be wrong with the spring -- it sticks out the back and compresses as expected when I screw the stock back on. I'm going to try and get a tech on the phone at BIN TAC.
Click to expand...
Don't follow AEA brand but can't recall valve spring "self-tightening" as a concern. Dynamic Air Rifles and JTS Airacuda, both from same factory, seem susceptible. WM
 
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rdpjr6504 said:
There looks like a grub screw between trigger and fill port. Remove that one also
Click to expand...
There is a grub screw there. It threw me off because I didn't see it on the exploded diagram. I want to make sure it's not integral to some other part of the mechanism as I didn't see it on the youtube disassembly video for the .357 either.

I tried to get in touch with a tech at BIN TAC, but when Bin Lu got back from Shot Show he brought some nasty COVID and the entire company has been out sick since. As such, I'm stalling for a bit so I don't break anything -- it's not like I can buy the parts with everyone sick, anyways.
 
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