Just bought a Yugo SKS the other day. Cleaned it very well and got rid of all the nasty cosmoline. Took it to the range today and it fires, but won't cycle the next round, I have to do that by hand. The gas valve is in the 'on' positon (off to the side, not straight up). I've cleaned out the gas valve well and it was dirty again after about thrity rounds, so it is getting pressure. I don't know why it won't cycle? Any suggestions?
SKS won't shoot in semi-auto mode?!?
- Thread starter agdude
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Make sure your recoil spring is not in backwards.
Is the gas valve eroded?
Is the gas system clean and free of gunk?
Is the gas valve eroded?
Is the gas system clean and free of gunk?
Do you have a gas leak in the system? The valve itself could be leaking; new ones are available; try searching ebay- some guy makes them out of stainless steel for under $20. If you bought a shooter or "good" grade, you may well need a new valve. I haven't heard of any problems with the new/unissued grade guns.
My only other question would be to make sure that BOTH pistons are nice and clean- not just the one in the gas tube, but the one in the receiver too. When I got mine, it was all gummed up and needed cleaning.
My only other question would be to make sure that BOTH pistons are nice and clean- not just the one in the gas tube, but the one in the receiver too. When I got mine, it was all gummed up and needed cleaning.
Fairly certain. I took the time to learn all that I could about the rifle and it's operation before disassembling it. I've read four or five articles on how to do it and watched a video on it. From everything i've read/seen it is done correctly.
Techno
Thanks, I'm not to sure how to check for a leak in the system. I did clean both pistons very well.
Thanks, I'm not to sure how to check for a leak in the system. I did clean both pistons very well.
one other important thing...
The one thing I've noticed is that the gas tupe has the 'rod' inside of it. It seems like it doesn't pust through enough. It comes out the other side maybe 1 to 1 1/2 inches. But from inspecting the tube I would think it would come out more like 3 inches.
The one thing I've noticed is that the gas tupe has the 'rod' inside of it. It seems like it doesn't pust through enough. It comes out the other side maybe 1 to 1 1/2 inches. But from inspecting the tube I would think it would come out more like 3 inches.
DougW
Member
Some of those Yugo's had problems with gas. TUMS would not fix mine, but a piece of "bell" wire, stripped and bent into a circle, and fit between the gas tube and the manifold up front worked like a champ. Unfortunately, I can't move the gas valve, so I will not be launching any rifle grenades!
My rifle is pretty rough, and had some wear. Some sort of gas check is all that is needed.
My rifle is pretty rough, and had some wear. Some sort of gas check is all that is needed.Doug
I'm really interested in this, but don't really know how or exactly what you did. Can you elaborate for me, or if possible send me a picture? Thanks a lot.
I'm really interested in this, but don't really know how or exactly what you did. Can you elaborate for me, or if possible send me a picture? Thanks a lot.
railroader
Member
I know this sounds obvious, but make sure you're not missing the gas piston.
The SKS I bought was missing the gas piston so it obviously wouldnt cycle. I know I'm stupid for not inspecting the rifle first, but it was missing a part.
The SKS I bought was missing the gas piston so it obviously wouldnt cycle. I know I'm stupid for not inspecting the rifle first, but it was missing a part.
MTMilitiaman
Member
Forgive me if I am telling you something you already know, but there should be a gas piston and an op rod. The gas piston is located in the gas tube and is blown back by the expanding gases that are siphened back to it. But it does not hit or otherwise contact or operate the bolt or bolt carrier group. Instead it hits the spring loaded operating rod, located underneath the rear sight assembly. This in turn hits the bolt carrier, directing it backwards. If the operating rod is missing, the rifle will not function.
agdude,
If you take it all apart again and post some good pics, I think we should be able to help. Maybe there is a part missing or a damaged that you are not seeing. SKSs tend to be VERY reliable so I am guessing that there is a problem like above. 99% of the time, the problem can be fixed but just replacing the worn or broken part with another part. There is no need for a gunsmith on SKSs. SKS parts are cheap so you are in luck.
I would make double sure you are putting it together right and that all the parts are there. Look at all the parts for damage or wear. If you have another SKS, it make life much easier because you can just swap out suspected parts from a working rifle until you find the problem. I do this with my AR-15s when I have a problem. I start with the upper halves and then move through the parts until I find what the problem is. I have never seen a lower half make an AR-15 malfunction but I guess it can happen. It is almost always a gas problem and I am sure that is what you have.
If you take it all apart again and post some good pics, I think we should be able to help. Maybe there is a part missing or a damaged that you are not seeing. SKSs tend to be VERY reliable so I am guessing that there is a problem like above. 99% of the time, the problem can be fixed but just replacing the worn or broken part with another part. There is no need for a gunsmith on SKSs. SKS parts are cheap so you are in luck.
I would make double sure you are putting it together right and that all the parts are there. Look at all the parts for damage or wear. If you have another SKS, it make life much easier because you can just swap out suspected parts from a working rifle until you find the problem. I do this with my AR-15s when I have a problem. I start with the upper halves and then move through the parts until I find what the problem is. I have never seen a lower half make an AR-15 malfunction but I guess it can happen. It is almost always a gas problem and I am sure that is what you have.
DougW
Member
DougW
Member
DougW
Member
Most times this happens it tends to be a problem with the valve causing a gas leak. It tends to be easier just to buy a replacement. That stainless steel valve is supposed to be really good. Its longer so also creates a tighter fit to stop the gas tube leaking.
I only needed one valve replacement before and so I ordered from http://www.heddonpal.com/item.asp?n=sks%2d012&d=4&b=1 and got a great quality valve.
I only needed one valve replacement before and so I ordered from http://www.heddonpal.com/item.asp?n=sks%2d012&d=4&b=1 and got a great quality valve.
MTM had a good point.
Did you clean the cosmoline out of both the rods/pistons? There are 2, not just one.
The second one has to transfer all of the energy from the first piston to the bolt. It is only about 2 to 3 inches long.
Good Luck
David
Did you clean the cosmoline out of both the rods/pistons? There are 2, not just one.
The second one has to transfer all of the energy from the first piston to the bolt. It is only about 2 to 3 inches long.
Good Luck
David
DougW
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