Airbrush airflow problem

Hello all

I am having a hard time getting to the bottom of a problem I am having with my dual action airbrush.

I dismantled it down to as much as I could and cleaned everything thoroughly. The mechanisms don't feel like they are sticking, the needle is clean and straight, and the double action trigger seems to be working.

It seems to be passing a much smaller amount of air than it used to (even on full blast with the trigger all the way down and back), and the paint now comes out in a weak but steady stream. I took it apart at the joint where it connects to the airhose, and when I depress the little nipple on the hose a full blast of air comes out. The PSI is reading at 40 and drops appropriately when pushing the nipple in.

When the airbrush is put back together adn fully connected it seem so to send air ok, but put in anything thicker than water and the stream of paint is very weak.

CONFESSION: I did leave it soaking in thinner for a couple of weeks.

Did I permanently damage it? :confused:

Thanks for any help

you may have damaged some o rings with the thinner sitting that long, depending on the type of o ring. If they start to break down, they can swell and block air passages. I had this type of issue in my Grex with acetone based lacquer thinner.

Does sound like the seals/o rings may have become swollen due to being soaked in the thinner for too long. What airbrush is it?

Does sound like the seals/o rings may have become swollen due to being soaked in the thinner for too long. What airbrush is it?

This actually happened with both of my airbrushes, an Iwata Revolution CR and a generic dual action one that appears to be a knock-off, but actually functioned quite well for 2 years. I used the generic one for clearcoating only.

If this is a seal issue, is it repairable?

take a look at this site, it may give you some clues.
https://sites.google.com/site/donsairbrushtips/

This actually happened with both of my airbrushes, an Iwata Revolution CR and a generic dual action one that appears to be a knock-off, but actually functioned quite well for 2 years. I used the generic one for clearcoating only.

If this is a seal issue, is it repairable?

Most airbrush makers have a repair facility. I would imagine if the seals need replacement they would be able to do that no problem. Or it may even be possible to do yourself. There are lots of places that do spare parts for airbrushes.

take a look at this site, it may give you some clues.
https://sites.google.com/site/donsairbrushtips/

That is a great site with some great pictures.

I was able to find my exploded diagram of the airbrush parts, and after reviewing the above site and undergoing a cheek-clenching experience, I was able to take it apart down to parts I never even knew were in there.

I was of the mistaken idea that the airbrush was all metal parts, but as I found out, there are some tiny rubber o-rings that could have been damaged by the soaking.

I am going to see if if works to lube them up, or if I have to order a new rubber o-ring.

thanks, all, for the tips, I will keep you updated.

glad to be some help to you.