Tuning Vortex 87 QE

[Cultcab]

I purchased a Hatsan 87 Vortex QE from Pyramid in 2017. I have probably fired about 50 rounds since that time.



I went to use it this week after not using it for several months and it would not fire. When the spring releases, I can feel the pressure, but it "rattles" a few times without ejecting the pellet. When I fire it with no pellet, it sounds fine.



I attached the audio file below of the sound it's making when I try to fire it since it's difficult to describe the sound.

View attachment New Recording.1617037459.m4a



I purchased some RWS Air Chamber lubricant and placed two drops in the spring side (transfer port) and it had the same symptom. I tried this a second time with no change.



Is there another area to lubricate to fix this?

 

[brian_null]

Question for you: When you break the barrel does it still take a fair amount of force to cock it? The sound file would make me think that the piston has lost compression and would therefore be easier to cock. If this is the reality you could replace the piston (buy one from Hatsan USA) or you could try to fix the piston in the gun. Either way it's not a terrible process. Feel free to pm me if you'd like. I have worked on my 87 QE in .25 quite a bit...

Best of luck.

 

[Cultcab]

There is not as much resistance when I cock it.

I have been searching for a how-to video on replacing the piston, but haven't been able to find one that would walk me through the replacement. I would prefer not to have to send it to Hatsan for repair. Is the replacement complicated?

 

[brian_null]

Yep, the piston is shot... Check out Mike Ellingsworth on YT and watch a few of his vids on Hatsan's. (They're pretty much all the same on the inside)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjL0Aj51J00

You can order the piston from Hatsan USA or you might get lucky and be able to pump up the dead piston you have. (This will require a hand pump and a fill probe)

Hope this will at least get you headed in the right direction. Peace.

 

[Cultcab]

Thank you for sharing the video link - the replacement appears to be straightforward, but I don't know if the math will make sense. I paid $180 for this in 2017 and it looks like the piston will run ~ $100 (I'm not sure what the part number is, but the cheapest non-refurbed one on Hatsan's site is $120). 

The gun is in near-new condition (only about 50 rounds fired total), but I don't think that I can justify 2 or 3 hours of work and $120 to get this back and shooting.

Does it make more sense to get a new (something other than Hatsan) airgun instead of putting this money/time into the Hatsan)?