DIY - Fix leaking GBB mags. (with pictures - 56k beware!)
 

After reading about CDN_Stalker fixing some GBB mags I did a few of mine and then did about 10+ for Duckman. All seem to be holding fine and operate normally without the previous leaking issues.

The thread is for Silverthorn as I mentioned in his thread how to do it. Well I'm finally posting it for you bro!! :D

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Well, it's super easy to do. This will only work if it is the main seal that is the issue.

All you need are some basic tools and a tube of Blue Gasket Maker from Canadian Tire which can be had for about $6-7.

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/k...x/IMGP7064.jpg

*Note that I stuck an old zip tie in the extension tube. when it dries, the material can easily be pulled out and then you don't loose your nice nozzle/tip.

***DISCLAIMER***
Since the second batch of mags I had to work on are primarily KSC socom mags (heavyweight), I managed to set up my camera to take these pictures. This DIY will work with other mags but I will not guarantee 100% effectiveness as all mags are similar but will have their obvious differences. I have done the same procedure for a WE p14, Maruzen p99 and a WA cougar. It also will work for the TM MK23 Socom mags but I would suggest removing the safety valve, JB weld the hold and then follow the procedure below.


KSC MK23 Socom mags:

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/k...x/IMGP7069.jpg

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/k...x/IMGP7071.jpg

1. First off vent out all the gas in the mag then disassemble it by pressing the inner ring and sliding the bottom plate off. Beware that there is a spring inside that will likely fly off (not typical for all mags)

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/k...x/IMGP7073.jpg

2. Punch out the pins (some mags are held on with a Phillips screw)

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/k...x/IMGP7075.jpg

3. Remove the bottom piece (can't think of what it might be called) You might need a pair of pliers or a flat head to coax it out.

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/k...x/IMGP7076.jpg

4. Carefully remove and inspect the main seal. It should be intact. If you haven't tried giving it a silly oil bath try this now as that can solve the problem in most cases. Oddly, the socom seals blew up to about 4-5mm bigger than what would fit so a silly bath wouldn't work. Fortunately, after drying them and letting them sit, they regained their shape and size. My method is to reuse the original piece so if it is damaged, I am uncertain as to how well this fix is.

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/k...x/IMGP7079.jpg

5. Clean all areas to remove any remains of silly oil and grim that has accumulated over the years. Duckman happened to dump a ton of oil in some of his mags trying to bring the main seal back to life. Oil everywhere including my bedroom floor!

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/k...x/IMGP7079.jpg

6. Run a bead of the Blue Gasket Maker around the spot where the main seal sat. Clearly, it doesn't have to look pretty.

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/k...x/IMGP7083.jpg

7. Reinstall the main seal. Let the gasket maker squish out. Just clean up any excessive amount with a piece of cardboard, toothpick or something. Be creative. Then run another bead of it on top of the seal. I messed up a bit on that pic as it should be more on the side so that it contacts the side of the mag more.

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/k...x/IMGP7085.jpg

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/k...x/IMGP7087.jpg

8. Inspect the inside of the mag and clean it of any oils as well.

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/k...x/IMGP7088.jpg

9. Run a small bead of the gasket maker around the lip. I try to place the bead in such a way that when the bottom piece is inserted that not too much finds it's way into the main reservoir.

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/k...x/IMGP7089.jpg

10. Reinsert the bottom piece. You may find that it won't go all the way in. Press the flow valve button. You can sometimes create a little bit of pressure inside which is a good sign. I also use a hammer to tap it into place.

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/k...x/IMGP7094.jpg

11. Reinsert retaining pins.

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/k...x/IMGP7096.jpg

12. You're almost done.

DO NOT PRESSURIZE YOUR MAGS AT THIS POINT! YOU MUST LET THEM CURE FOR 24 HOURS!

This is where I differ a bit from CDN_Stalker. I will give my mags less than a 1/2 second burst of gas. I feel that this helps indicate if you got a leak still before it cures. But, if you get too much inside, it will vaporizer and become a huge mess when you shoot your gun. Once cured, gas it up and fully vent your mag, all at once, outside of your gun. Do not insert into a gun until you've done this at least once. I fully gas them up and vent them twice to ensure there are no little bits floating around. I will do it a third or forth time if stuff comes out.

13. Now you're done. Gas and load them up and go shoot some friends!


Here are some pictures of the same job on the p99 and cougar mags:

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/k...x/IMGP7097.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/k...x/IMGP7098.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/k...x/IMGP7099.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/k...x/IMGP7104.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/k...x/IMGP7113.jpg


If people still don't want to do this themselves, I guess I could do it for like $10. You'd have to pay return shipping so consider the cost before PM'ing me requesting for GBB mag repairs! :D Locals are more than welcome to ask though.

So once everything is cured, the floorplate is basically "glued" into the mag? Or does that stuff separate easily?

essentially yes. it's basically a soft silicon so you can pull it apart if required for further maintenance. It just may take a little effort. I would guess you can also remove the flow/output valve on some mags and insert a probe to assist pushing it out. but considering how it cured in the nozzle/tip, it's fairly easy to remove. it pretty much fills all the gaps where gas can leak out.

The mags that I have repaired were chronic leakers and were pretty much sitting for the past couple years.

My own special DIY!

Thanks a bunch Coachster for the great work. I eagerly await testing it on my mags. Hope it helps a lot of other players too. Thanks again!

I might be a little slow getting stuff done, but I'll get it done.....eventually!
hahaha
best of luck with your fix.

Just the right info I was looking for. I have a few mags that are leaking, and I could not come up with any idea's until I read this. Strongly suggest this made into an "Sticky"
great post
cheers

I have done this with good results to about 4 GBB mags. Remember to clean it before you apply the gasket sealer. Also, while everything is a part, it's a great time to just give everything a wash/wipe down. A lot of crap accumulates in the mags after a while.

Simply unbelievable...

After doing this work to my Glock 17 mags (brand is "Booming", some renaming of a brand, I don't know which one) I managed to shoot 50+ BBs from a single fill-up. I used to have a hard time shooting more then 20 BBs even with the mags new out of box.

Thanks a lot Coachster!

Premium, going to try this on mah GBB now!
Thanks comrade.

NP. Glad it worked.

Just one word of warning. Be careful of how much you fill your mags. Just because they don't leak, high pressure can still possibly blow a valve. Just don't over fill your mags or allow them to bake in the sun too long.

Thanks for the great DIY! I'm just starting out in GBBs and have been searching for a thread just like this! On a side note, do you have any recomendations on those dreaded tanaka mags? Is there is any hope for them?

never opened one so I couldn't say. break one open and post a pic?

Wow, gonna have to try this

Thanks for the tutorial

Great how-to guide! (Maybe this should be in the how-to section...it was a lonely last time I checked =P)
I will definitely give this a try the next time my leaky mag acts up again since the oil bath/teflon tape way doesn't seem permanent.

just dont lose those tubes of gasket guys. we're still watching for endurance tests yet. though so far so good.