Loss of pressure on Caiman?

[Slingworks]

I have a caiman in 25 cal. Bought it new from Utah Airguns. I'm a little puzzled....

It came charged to 250 bar. I fired it a little and when it hit 200 bar I charged it back with a Hill Hand Pump.

I took it out of the case a day later and it has ZERO air in it. Totally flat............

IS that a normal experience? I've only charged it one time. Any thoughts?

 

[Stubbers]

When you re-charged it did you relieve the pressure fast from the pump to ensure the check valve sealed? Either way that seems like a possible culprit, don't be ashamed to inquire with Utah Airguns if you can't get the answer here.

 

[Slingworks]

When you re-charged it did you relieve the pressure fast from the pump to ensure the check valve sealed? Either way that seems like a possible culprit, don't be ashamed to inquire with Utah Airguns if you can't get the answer here.

I released the pressure and put the pump away, the rifle back in the case.

 

[orangeokie]

I have a Caiman X in .25 and fill it with a bottle. I have never had a leak. Holds air perfectly. I would call Utah Air and enquire if I had a problem.

 

[Slingworks]

I called UA. they told me one thing I didn't realize. The Caiman has to be cocked to charge from zero. That explains why it wouldn't charge up any after 50 pumps...

They suggested I try to use a little soapy water and look for the leak and/or send it back and they could do it. I'd hate to return it for warranty work if I can get out of it. I did get it to hold pressure for a minute or 2. Pretty sure it's the oring under the gauge that's leaking. I unscrewed the gauge by hand and too a look, it appears the threads are cut a little off center. enough to not make a perfect seal. I'll get another ring at the hardware store and see if it's a fix.

 

[MikeVV]

I called UA. they told me one thing I didn't realize. The Caiman has to be cocked to charge from zero. That explains why it wouldn't charge up any after 50 pumps...

They suggested I try to use a little soapy water and look for the leak and/or send it back and they could do it. I'd hate to return it for warranty work if I can get out of it. I did get it to hold pressure for a minute or 2. Pretty sure it's the oring under the gauge that's leaking. I unscrewed the gauge by hand and too a look, it appears the threads are cut a little off center. enough to not make a perfect seal. I'll get another ring at the hardware store and see if it's a fix.

Almost impossible to get the to machine the threads off center. While it can be done, it takes a custom setup in the machining.
I have...seen gauges with the passage hole slightly off center. Although this is also very uncommon.

In any case, there should be no harm, or cause for leakage, as long as the threads are clean and free of burrs.
And yes, "most" guns need to have the hammer away from the valve (cocked) to make sure that the hammer isn't cracking the valve open during the fill from zero pressure.
After having pressure, the gun does not need to be cocked.
Yes, good call checking the gauge o-ring. A little silicone lube is good to help the o-ring seat well during the twisting of the gauge body. The gauge should be a little past hand tight, with a little crush to the o-ring. Not TOO tight.

I have three, Caiman/Caiman x guns. All have been VERY solid with no problems, even one that I modified the stock.

Good luck.

Mike

 

[MarksmanPete]

I released the pressure and put the pump away, the rifle back in the case.

my hill mk5 failed although I did pump a 6.8 liter tank from 0 to 4500 with it over 100 breaks to let the pump cool otherwise id get it done in one day or so it would be just a big cardio bicep workout after it gets like 3300 psi I start to just jump on it with my wieght it does require biceps to hold your self up when you hop on it with all your weight, Im sure its the main muscle when handpumping an I had bicep defnition in 3rd grade kids called me out steroids like what im in 3rd grade just cuz I had a slightly pronounced bicep aint no one else had when they flexed. I suggest you sell your hill an get a yong heng, I disputed my hill unfortunately, I contacted pyr air about warrenty on it they said contact air venturi I did an they aint reply in 3 months due to some confusion they are behind on warrenty for whatever reason, Not my problem I cant wait 3 months for warrenty work I needed air, I called the bank an told em the situation got my funds back now I have the broken hill just sitting, At this point I got a chinese pump i was using works just as good untill my yong came in thing is a beast got my tanks what it would take days to do with a pump.

 

[weevil]

I got one too and the reg outer oring was shot. They gave me an oring kit and I replaced them all. I then modded the reg to allow it to vent properly. Run a search on Caiman and you can see my tear down and fix. Those guns were sat around for a long time full of air, so it’s a good idea to refresh the orings.

 

[MikeVV]

I got one too and the reg outer oring was shot. They gave me an oring kit and I replaced them all. I then modded the reg to allow it to vent properly. Run a search on Caiman and you can see my tear down and fix. Those guns were sat around for a long time full of air, so it’s a good idea to refresh the orings.

Refresh the o-rings...well...

I've got guns in the three year old range, original o-rings ! And many here have talked about longer times.
As I said, my Caimans are...still...fine.
And so are their regulator assemblies...so far !

Mike

 

[Slingworks]

I have a Caiman X in .25 and fill it with a bottle. I have never had a leak. Holds air perfectly. I would call Utah Air and enquire if I had a problem.

I'd say from what little shooting I've been able to do, I love the airgun. It's accurate and pretty hard hitting. I've always had a little affection for Czechnology.

I got one too and the reg outer oring was shot. They gave me an oring kit and I replaced them all. I then modded the reg to allow it to vent properly. Run a search on Caiman and you can see my tear down and fix. Those guns were sat around for a long time full of air, so it’s a good idea to refresh the orings.

I found a 2020 mfg date (8/2020) on my Caiman. Bought it in new April this year. I don't know if it's held pressure since 2020! The Oring behind the gauge is shot. Looks like a portion of the ring on one side is taking all of the pressure. Still didn't go to town yet to look for an o ring.

 

[Slingworks]

my hill mk5 failed although I did pump a 6.8 liter tank from 0 to 4500 with it over 100 breaks to let the pump cool otherwise id get it done in one day or so it would be just a big cardio bicep workout after it gets like 3300 psi I start to just jump on it with my wieght it does require biceps to hold your self up when you hop on it with all your weight, Im sure its the main muscle when handpumping an I had bicep defnition in 3rd grade kids called me out steroids like what im in 3rd grade just cuz I had a slightly pronounced bicep aint no one else had when they flexed. I suggest you sell your hill an get a yong heng, I disputed my hill unfortunately, I contacted pyr air about warrenty on it they said contact air venturi I did an they aint reply in 3 months due to some confusion they are behind on warrenty for whatever reason, Not my problem I cant wait 3 months for warrenty work I needed air, I called the bank an told em the situation got my funds back now I have the broken hill just sitting, At this point I got a chinese pump i was using works just as good untill my yong came in thing is a beast got my tanks what it would take days to do with a pump.

I'm not too impressed with my Hill. It's a Mk5. I bought it used from a member here. If I'd bought it new I'd probably return it. I think it's just assembled in UK of Chinese origin parts.

I found it pretty easy to use as a hand pump though. A workout of sorts, but I've always been in decent shape.

 

[weevil]

Refresh the o-rings...well...

I've got guns in the three year old range, original o-rings ! And many here have talked about longer times.
As I said, my Caimans are...still...fine.
And so are their regulator assemblies...so far !

Mike

Perhaps you didn’t store yours in a non climate controlled crate through a dry, hot Utah summer

 

[Slingworks]

I'm actually thinking this Caiman is a stellar airgun in spite of my minor setbacks. (Came missing bolts and cups that hold the upper to lower and the blown ring on the first charge). UA sent the hardware that was missing right away for free and an o ring might set me back a quarter.....

If the worst case is a blown o ring once in a great while, I won't complain much. If it's too much trouble I'll just shoot my HW35e and call it a day lol

 

[weevil]

Chrony some shots at different bottle pressures and see if the reg varies. Some like MikeVVs) are fine but mine would change pressure and lose speed, like in this video:

Fingers crossed you have a good un, but if not, I managed to fix mine and it’s been rock solid since…. It’s as accurate as anything else I own and my 177 version shoots the little Zan slugs at 950fps!