IMHO, I don't think that all the "o-ring phobia" I read about is justified.
If used in their intended environment, static o-rings will do their job for a very long time - even decades.
O-rings in a dynamic application (that interface with moving/rotating parts will) have a reasonable service life if properly maintained (lubricated) but will eventually need to be replaced. No big deal, it's routine maintenance. Do it yourself if you are so inclined or have a specialist do it.
In some special applications (like in a Weihrauch) the gland (groove) is designed to "crush" the o-ring and it must be replaced every time that interface is opened.
An o-ring can fail prematurely if the gland was not properly designed, the incorrect size/type of o-ring was used or it was damaged during assembly. Installation over sharp edges can scar the o-ring and improper lubrication can damage it. Other than that they just work as intended.
From what I've seen, most o-ring failures can be traced back to user abuse.
Exceeding design pressure limits can deform an o-ring pushing it out of place. Exposing an o-ring to extreme temperatures, harsh chemicals/solvents or abrasive materials can cause catastrophic failure or latent damage that shows up as a slow leak.
Filling a PCP to maximum pressure then leaving it in a car parked in the sun is potentially harmful to the airgun. Inside the car, temperatures can get high enough to make metal too hot to hold comfortably, exceeding the working range of the o-rings. The heat can cause the pressures in the reservoir to increase making life for an o-ring more difficult.
At the opposite end, extremely cold conditions could cause o-rings to become brittle though I don't think this is a big concern.
Within normal operating temperatures, the o-rings are happy to do their thing and expansion/contraction of joints is not a problem.
There's a whole list of factors to be considered when choosing a PCP. For me, the number of o-rings doesn't matter, the designer used what was needed. PCPs, being HPA systems use o-rings, if you don't like o-rings, then a springer might be better choice for you.
Just my 2 cents.
Cheers!
If used in their intended environment, static o-rings will do their job for a very long time - even decades.
O-rings in a dynamic application (that interface with moving/rotating parts will) have a reasonable service life if properly maintained (lubricated) but will eventually need to be replaced. No big deal, it's routine maintenance. Do it yourself if you are so inclined or have a specialist do it.
In some special applications (like in a Weihrauch) the gland (groove) is designed to "crush" the o-ring and it must be replaced every time that interface is opened.
An o-ring can fail prematurely if the gland was not properly designed, the incorrect size/type of o-ring was used or it was damaged during assembly. Installation over sharp edges can scar the o-ring and improper lubrication can damage it. Other than that they just work as intended.
From what I've seen, most o-ring failures can be traced back to user abuse.
Exceeding design pressure limits can deform an o-ring pushing it out of place. Exposing an o-ring to extreme temperatures, harsh chemicals/solvents or abrasive materials can cause catastrophic failure or latent damage that shows up as a slow leak.
Filling a PCP to maximum pressure then leaving it in a car parked in the sun is potentially harmful to the airgun. Inside the car, temperatures can get high enough to make metal too hot to hold comfortably, exceeding the working range of the o-rings. The heat can cause the pressures in the reservoir to increase making life for an o-ring more difficult.
At the opposite end, extremely cold conditions could cause o-rings to become brittle though I don't think this is a big concern.
Within normal operating temperatures, the o-rings are happy to do their thing and expansion/contraction of joints is not a problem.
There's a whole list of factors to be considered when choosing a PCP. For me, the number of o-rings doesn't matter, the designer used what was needed. PCPs, being HPA systems use o-rings, if you don't like o-rings, then a springer might be better choice for you.
Just my 2 cents.
Cheers!
