Fal shortstroking

[High_Cap]

I bought well almost a new FAL, original IMBEL, imported in California. Yeah it's been around for a awhile.

My problem is that it is shortstroking, even with the gas regulator nut closed (max gas pressure) Once in a awhile it will fully cycle. 147 gr argintine ammo.

Any advice? Kinda stuck. Could it just be carboned up in the gas block, or the piston spring seems abnormally heavy could that cause it to shortstroke? It actually cocks the hammer then goes foward, so it is close but not all the way.

 

[Thefabulousfink]

Tip 1: have a smith or some one who knows FALs look at it, it could be a couple problems.


Check the Gas Piston and Tube, if the tube is bent or their is something causing a bind or friction the action could fail to cycle. In fact, function check all the moving parts and springs. Make sure none of the springs are bent/crimped and that the bolt carrier/bolt moves smoothly.

If the rest of the rifle is functioning properly then it means that you are not getting enough gas to the gas piston. Remove the Gas Block and make sure it is not obstructed. If it is clear then you will probably need to enlarge the gas port on the barrel. This can be done with a drill bit, but go slowly and only enlarge it by small amounts.

Hope that helps.

 

[El Tejon]

Take it down to the screws and clean it.

 

[High_Cap]

Did that pulled the entire gun apart gas tube, plunger trigger group, you name it I pulled it apart and cleaned it.

Cleaned everything, I am going to go shoot it today. One thing I did notice the piston had a small pinhole in the top and bound a little, replaced it with an original Imbel one, so I guess we will see.

I never had a shortstroking problem in my other imbel or my R1A1.

 

[MisterPX]

Also make sure to check the recoil springs. Make sure they don't have excesive oil or grease on them/in the tube.

 

[AR-180]

Make sure the gas plug is moderately tight. If it will rattle, the gas is probably going out the plug opening instead of the port. I had one do that, and it has to be replaced.

 

[kfranz]

Is your gas tube pin in place? If not, tighten the tube back up and cut yerself a piece of coat hanger to fit.

Next question, is it a gear logo Imbel? Has it ever functioned properly?

 

[Ian Sean]

MisterPX may have hit on it if everything else is OK. Similar problem here once.

I checked EVERYTHING the whole gas system...except the recoil spring in the stock, it was all gritty and dry (no lube).

Took it apart, cleaned it out with a patch and bore brush and carb cleaned the spring, greased it up LIGHTLY and reassembled. She cycled like butter after that and was able to turn down the gas 2 notches.

I hope you have a stock spring disassembly tool, it's almost impossible without one.

 

[kfranz]

I hope you have a stock spring disassembly tool, it's almost impossible without one.

The handle/first section of a .22 cleaning rod and a screwdriver make short work of that job if you don't have the dedicated tool. You can also whip yourself up one with a dremel, a socket, and some thread all.

 

[High_Cap]

Thanks guys figured it out. It was the gas plug leaking. Now set at 5 works great. It worked before too.

Thanks for the input.

 

[High_Cap]

To Kfranz why do you ask if it is a gear logo Imbel.

Does it make a difference?

 

[FALna45]

To Kfranz why do you ask if it is a gear logo Imbel.
Does it make a difference?

he's probably alluding to some reports (or his own experience FAIK) that the imprinting of the gear logo apparently reduced the side to side distance of the receiver at that area, which could certainly bind the carrier.

 

[kfranz]

he's probably alluding to some reports (or his own experience FAIK) that the imprinting of the gear logo apparently reduced the side to side distance of the receiver at that area, which could certainly bind the carrier.

Yep, that's the issue I was referring to.

High_Cap, are you certain it's an original Imbel? Plenty of post ban Imbel receivers were imported by companies in CA and then built up on the once plentiful Imbel kits.

 

[High_Cap]

Not a 100% sure if it was imported complete or not, but it is old over 10 years. I did not pay much for it, due to it was not working and the guy owed me.

Gray parked, original flash hider/suppressor. Everything matches almost too well not to be original, numbers match except for the carrier and bolt. Barrel is in great shape no pitting, very accurate sub minute angle @ 100yds 3/4" groups with argintine(sp) surplus.