Help! SKS Gas tube in the way.

Spearhunter

Spearhunter

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I am taking my sks to the range this weekend and decided to take it apart for final cleaning. When I repositioned the gas tube (with the gas piston inside) into the gas port, I am unable to lock the assembly lever back into the detente position.

It looks like the gas tube is in the way, almost like it had lengthened. Has anyone experienced this? Am I missing something? Hopefully I can get this sorted out before Sunday!

Thank you!
 
Is it the factory stock, or aftermarket? I had a couple of SKSs where I had to grind off a tine bit of the edge of the tube where the lug locks it down(after installing an aftermarket handguard)
 
The tube came off of there, it will go back. In front of the rear sight assembly, the lever that you rotated up to remove the gas tube, as you push down on the rear of the gas tube, rotate it up and down a little. The tube will go back in there!

Scott
 
make sure the extension rod dident slip out a little when you were playing with the gas tube release arm... if you move the release arm too far up the spring loaded extension rod will come out.
 
I have a tapco t6 stock. I did get it assembled no problem. Just not sure why its not going in now. I did think about having to grind the tip off but not sure if I'd wreck the gas system. And why now and not before?

The cap that is riveted to hold the hand guard in place is loose but from what I see it is not in the way as the tube sticks out just a wee bit from the cap and that is what's jamming the assy. lever.

M39a2 yes I am able to move the lever into position for both the op rod and gas piston and yes the piston is not in the way as the muzzle is pointed down.
 
Also check that the secondary actuator isn't interfering with the closing of the release lever; it is located inside the sight base and is under pressure from a very strong braided spring.
If you want to clean it, CAREFULLY lift the lever past the tube release point while putting your thumb on the end of the actuator so it doesn't fly across the room.
Sometimes, the lever has been swung just a wee bit too far without releasing and the actuator head protrudes just enough to block the gas tube from being reinserted.
Push on the actuator head and lower the lever so its latch's flat plane lines up and leaves the way open for the gas tube.
PP.
 
Thank you for all the suggestions.

No, the secondary actuator isn't in the way. Reason I say this is because WITHOUT the gas tube in place, |I can move the lever to it's proper position with the actuator in its place. That tells me it's the gas tube that has suddenly become long enough to be in the way.
 
I had the same thing happen to a Chinese SKS. The pin for the gas tube has moved over about a 1/32" and would not allow the gas tube to be reseated. Drove me nuts for 2 days till I figured out the problem. Then I just felt dumb... :)
 
Follow the assembly steps: remove bolt and all parts, then remove all tube stuff, position lever properly, put all parts back together in order on the tube side, put the bolt and the rest back.

Sometimes you have to use Microsoft logic: "close all windows, restart the computer," so take everything apart and start putting it back in order again.
 
Did you replace the wood handguard with the one tapco supplies? if not the height of the wood handguard will not allow you to seat the gas tube down far enough against the tapco stock. Do not shorten the gas tube.
 
Bolt and carrier are not in yet and yes, I am putting everything back in the reverse order I took them off. Yes, I replaced the handguard with the one that came with the Tapco stock. What's unusual is that it all fit in properly before. I think a little meeting with Mr. hammer is in order. Probably start with mr. rubber mallet....
 
is there any burrs or damage on the locking cam or the gas tube lock ramp? you can polish the gas tube ramp a bit with sand paper and then some polish, make sure to clean well after.
 
Nope. Looks clean. I took a permanent marker and marked the end of the gas tube and the face of the locking cam. I tried to close it again and took off the tube to see where it left its mark. It showed the corner of the cam hitting the top of the tube. Not sure a hammer is going to make any difference other than making a dent somewhere. :confused:

If I didn't know any better, I'd go cut the tube. I thought of putting the gas tube in the freezer to make it contract but I doubt if it would help. Also worried about any condensation inside.

Any other suggestions? SKS gurus? :confused: I'd hate to go to the range tomorrow without the sks.

SH.

tattoiee said:
is there any burrs or damage on the locking cam or the gas tube lock ramp? you can polish the gas tube ramp a bit with sand paper and then some polish, make sure to clean well after.
Click to expand...
 
Well, if you have to shorten it a bit, then sand down the face and round the corner where the face and lock ramp meet. You shouldnt have to grind much, just sand and fit and repeat till it fits and is snug. good luck.

i had to fit the new tapco gas tube that i got, my came with basically a flat face with a tiny 45 degree lock ramp and i mean tiny. since all SKS's are sightly different most parts are fitted to a specific SKS.
 
Thanks.

What really irks me is that it fit just a few days ago. Now if I increase the depth of the ramp, is it all right if it takes off part of the gas tube as well?
 
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