Anyone ever disassemble a PACT elec powder dispenser?

[callgood]

A few weeks ago mine started making a sound like a turkey call when the rear tube (major powder drop) was turning. Squeak, Squeak, Squeak. This morning when calibrating, the powder dispenser was very jerky and went thru the operation in a manner unlike any time before- long pauses, then rapid dump. The first 3 loads were WAY over, but it then settled down on 5.6 grains of Titegroup (fine flake).

I've never been inside and from the bottom it looks like 3 small screws and it comes apart. I wouldn't mind checking and gears, blow it out, etc., but I wouldn't want to have a big SPROING with parts launching everywhere. It seems to be getting more eratic, although it does drop accurate loads. It is out of warranty.

Anyone ever do any operator maintenance on one of these?

 

[Mark whiz]

I've never pulled mine apart, but I have seen where others did dismantle theirs. It seems like really fine powders (like Win231, etc) can find its way between the drop tubes and the plastic body, causing issues like you describe. You'll probably need some tiny screwdrivers or Torx bits to get it opened up. I wouldn't think you'd have to deal with a lot of spring loaded components inside - just electronics, drive motors, and gears to spin the tubes. So go slowly and pay careful attention as to what piece goes where.

 

[snuffy]

Yup, had to take mine apart! It jammed, there was a chunk of powder that somehow found it's way inside to jam up a gear. There's 4 screws, one is under the stick-on tag on the bottom. So they would know if anyone has taken it apart, you have to poke a hole in the tag to get at the last screw!

It's a bear to get eveything lined up when puting it back together. But a few cuss words, and it will go okay. Mine hasn't failed now for a couple years.

 

[callgood]

Thanks for the encouragement/warning. I loaded some more .45ACP last night and on some of the loads it barfed 7 grains in one glob. Then it would settle down and run fine. Since it's out of warranty, I think I'll try and scout things out. I can fall back on my 505 if it has to go back to the shop.