SKS Stovepipe

[highway_patrol]

I have a Yugo SKS 59/66. I have cleaned it in and out and oiled it up. When I go shooting sometimes it stovepipes empties between the bolt face and the receiver/newly chambered round. I read this thread on and SKS forum, Gas Tube Fix. The gas system is clean. I have also heard that the problem can stem from the recoil spring being too strong which doesn't allow the bolt to pull back to the ejector.

Yes I did search stovepipe, I'm looking for more if I should look at the gas system more or do something with the recoil spring.

 

[Waywatcher]

Spring would be my first guess too.

How is the extractor? Ejector? If they are damaged I could see them contributing to the problem.

 

[ZeSpectre]

I'd pull the bolt, drift out the retaining pin, dissassemble everything, and examine the extractor spring. I'd also give the whole thing a once over for any cosmoline that might have re-liquified from the heat of shooting and oozed into the extractor spring area as that would seriously hamper ejection. It's can be a real pain to get all the cosmo out of the bolt. One of those steam cleaners can really be a cool item to use. (see this thread)

EDIT: Corrected terms, had said ejector, meant extractor. Thanks Highway Patrol.

 

[Waywatcher]

The easy way I got the cosmo out of the bolt was with a pipe cleaner and some solvent.

 

[highway_patrol]

Spectre are you talking about the extractor claw spring because the ejector is the little tab in the left side of the receiver.

 

[ZeSpectre]

Yup, that's what I meant. Corrected origional post.

 

[grimjaw]

highway patrol, are you using the same kind of ammo every time, and if so, what?

I've had my first problems with any of my SKSs using Wolf's Military Classic. Blown primer for one, and stovepiping is another.

jm

 

[ohioarmedneutrality]

Not to take the subject too far off course, but has anyone had problems with using Wolf Military Classic in their AK's? Should I avoid using WMC in mine? Just wondering. Thanks!

 

[hobbeeman]

Sometimes I put the spring back in place backwards and this stovepipe happens. Try reversing yours.

 

[rustymaggot]

hobbeeman beat me to it. the spring is in backwards.

also, remember to ream out the carbon in the gas vent. couple thousand rounds can clog that up. i use an allen wrench for reaming out my vent. the shape helps break up the carbon.

 

[Drakejake]

OK, which is the right way for the recoil spring? Does the straight part go towards the front or towards the back?

Thanks,

Drakejake

 

[ZeSpectre]

Straight part towards the back, "curly" part towards the front. Sheesh why didn't I think of that? (because I'm still kinda new to SKS world myself )

Also if you are new to the SKS I would recommend a pass by http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/Gorge/4653/sks_slamfire.htm
so you know why it's so important to keep the bolt clean and dry.

I was feeling paranoid so I ordered one of Murray's guns firing pin kits.