Yugo SKS stovepipe malfunctions - why?

[dave3006]

I just bought a new Cali legal Yugo SKS. Once or twice every ten rounds, I get a stovepipe malfunction. The bolt carrier closes on a spent case and jams. I am using Wolf ammo.

I cleaned the rifle meticulously to remove the cosmoline. I disassembled and cleaned the bolt. I cleaned the gas shutoff valve and cleaned the chamber. The gun looks brand new and has all matching serial numbers.

I did notice the extractor is alot easier to depress than on my Garand or Mini-14. Any clues on what could be the problem?

Should I return it and ask for a different one?

 

[BryanP]

Go here -

http://www.gunsnet.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=30

Do a search in the SKS forum for the word "stovepipe" as a start.

 

[WonderNine]

First of all I would stop using that Wolf laquered crap. My father's Yugo SKS has hundreds of rounds through it without a single malfunction using Silver Bear, Cheetah and American Eagle. It doesn't sound like it's ejecting the rounds from what you say, look over the extractor as well, it may need to be replaced. Did you lube the rails with some Breakfree CLP or something prior to shooting?

 

[MAKOwner]

I'm not a Yugo SKS expert, but I would suspect a gas system problems perhaps if there is no problem with the extractor. Not getting enough force to extract the rounds correctly possibly. I would clean up the gas port/gas tube to remove any cosmo that may still be in there, and check for the gas tube sealing correctly, etc. Unless I'm mistaken the Yugo also has an adjustable gas system, I would monkey around with that as well. When it does fire and extract correctly how far are the spent cases being thrown?

 

[DMK]

MAKOwner, the Yugo 59/66 does not really have an adjustable gas system. It's either full on or full off. Full off basically making it a straight pull bolt action. However, you may be correct about gas pressure.

Dave3006, I'm not sure what "grade" you got, but it could have a leaky gas valve. This has been a problem with some of the more used rifles. Check for any corrosion on valve seal where it mates to the gas tube. On my "unissued grade" 59/66s, the gas tube fits on very tightly.

One of my "shooter grade" 59/66s also had a similar problem due to a rough chamber. I polished the chamber with some scotchbrite and then some Flitz polish. I never had a problem after that.

If you have the option, I'd send it back for a better working replacement.

 

[WonderNine]

Maybe the gas is turned off?

 

[JohnKSa]

Maybe the gas is turned off?

With the gas turned off, nothing happens at all. Sort of like a manual bolt action rifle. You have to manually work the bolt handle to eject the empty and chamber another round.

You need to adust the color in your sigline. Part of it is virtually invisible.

 

[WonderNine]

You need to adust the color in your sigline. Part of it is virtually invisible.

I did that on purpose.

So it's not possible to partially shut the gas valve off? I've had the gun completely apart, but I don't even remember myself, I'd have to go look. I know the gas lever goes up and down, you'd think it could possibly be halfway off.

 

[tac17]

I know the gas lever goes up and down, you'd think it could possibly be halfway off.

In my experience there isn't a half way off. If the lever is the least bit out of place mine always ends up a single shot. Is there any chance that some cosmoline might still be in the gas tube? That might possibly gunk it up enough to cause what is happening.

 

[dave3006]

Thanks. The chamber looks good, the gas port is clean, and the cosmoline is completely out of the weapon. I will look into the seal on the gas tube though. I will ask today if I can send it back.