AK Gas tube issues

Status
Not open for further replies.
I

illEagle

Member
Joined
Jun 12, 2007
Messages
55
Location
Middle TN USA
Well it followed me home... A Yugo M70AB2 7.62x39. Good fit and finish, underfolder stock, even the grenade launcher sight. Yeah for me!

I disassemble and clean it up and as I'm putting things back together I can't seem to get the gas tube lever to engage and hold the tube down!!??
I know it fits, I just took it off a few minutes ago. Everything else goes back together as it should even the gas piston, but I can't get the tube to ease down into the receiver enough to get the lever to turn and lock.

This is my first AK. Is there something really simple that I'm missing?

:banghead::banghead::banghead::banghead::banghead::banghead:


Ideas, suggestions, cash or prizes. Any help will be appreciated.
 
Make sure the lever is in the exact position to clear the gas tube lug. Give it a good downward palm smack at the top rear of the wood to fully seat it. My 74 requires I do this.
 
The pin that lever moves has a flat side. Just move the lever until the flat side of the pin is flush with the sight block.
 
Yep, the flat side doesn't seem to be the problem. It's really close to closing, maybe a few thousandths, but the tube just wont drop that last little bit???

There's a lip on the underside of the tube that looks to me as if it should drop into the slot in the gas tube part of the receiver. The lip looks like it goes into the receiver too far. The gas block stops the tube from sliding forward far enough for the lip on the tube to drop into the slot.
 
Did you try the palm smack? Maybe it's time to break out the Dremel and do a little cleaning up.
 
Hit it. Hard.
Seriously.

As long as everything is lined up correctly I doubt that you'll damage anything. These things are just tight enough that sometimes a little force is required until they break in.
 
I'd say try squeezing the upper handguard down against the forearm. Some AK tubes have a small leaf spring at the rear to eliminate rattling. If everything isn't exactly in place the tube won't go back on.
 
Thanks yall, as i said above it's my first AK and I'm just a little reluctant to force it.

Does the lip on the tube need to fit into the slot at the bottom of the receiver (directly below the lever)? Or does it just sit inside the receiver just past the slot?
 
Interesting side note:

The Kalashnikov "gas tube" isn't really a gas tube at all. All the work that the gas does, happens in the first half inch or so of travel, while the head of the piston is still inside the gas block. After that the piston passes the gas vents and the pressure drops tremendously. All the tube really does is guide the piston, keep the residual gas out of your face, and protect your hand. Most AKs will run just fine without the tube even installed (though it's not a great idea).
 
Sounds like your gas-tube is just a little tight - mine is too loose such that the lever always works its way "unlocked." Make sure the lever is not in the down position when you are sliding the tube in; place the front end in first at a downward angle and the rear part should drop in; then "lock" the lever down.
 
Hit it. Hard.

It's an AK... I doubt you could really mess it up but hitting it back into position with the palm of your hand.
 
Yup, he's been told this several times beginning with me, but apparently refuses to take the advice for some reason.
 
Update...

After lots of slapping and plenty of cussin' I finally broke out the Dremel and smoothed off a wee bit from the front end of the gas tube.

EUREKA! :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

The gas tube drops down where it should be and the lever locks it in tight.
THR Rocks!

Thanks yall,
 
Damn if it was that tight, I'm surprised you got it out in the first place. Did you have to use a screwdriver or something to pry it out?
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

D
  • Locked
Yugoslavian AK Underfolder Gas Tube Identification?
Replies
3
Views
455
Doug S
D
M
  • Locked
AK Gas block cant, how much is too much?
Replies
4
Views
2K
Don't Tread On Me
D
K
  • Locked
AK firing without gas tube?
2
Replies
26
Views
4K
nalioth
N
S
  • Locked
7.62x39 or 5.45x39 ?
Replies
7
Views
909
MechAg94
M
N
  • Locked
Cleaning/Lubing Saiga Rifle Gas Tube
Replies
22
Views
3K
ToadPS
T
Back
Top