Help with my Paasche VL?

[Anonymous]

I will give it a try and see what happens. This is my first airbrush. I know it sat around for a while before I got it, so maybe that is all it needs. I have cleaned it with soap and water, alcohol mix, ammonia-everything they say to use, but it still has that little cough. Maybe the seal in the air valve is rolling up slightly. Square gut seals do that when they get old. Fortunately they are inexpensive, and the poorly stocked hobby shops in my area have them. Thanks for the advice guys!!
Tim

[cjcrescent]

Tim;
I would recommend that you go ahead and replace the gaskets and packing washers anyway. These are made out of a nylon type material and over a period of time where the brush is not used that much, the seals can actually dry out and develop micro cracks over time, which allows the symptoms you describe.
This brush may have only been slightly used but how old is it and when was the last time it was used? If it has been a while the seals very well could have "dry rotted". I've had it happen on a couple of double actions I use to do custom painting with. I just made it a habit of replacing the seals in them every two years and they have now functioned flawlessly since I started doing that over twenty years ago. I currently own four brushes (three passches, one badger), all of which are at least thirty years old and all still spray like they were brand new.

[Anonymous]

Tim, try taking it apart again and make sure everything is clean, I mean super clean. I had the same problem with mine this morning.

I cleaned it again, and made sure all fitings were tight, then worked well. You might also want to check what psi you are using, that has caused me to lose my hair in the past, Adios

[Anonymous]

I have a "lightly used" Paasche VL airbrush. I bought it used and immediately disassembled it and cleaned it. It works, but not smoothly. It has a "cough" for lack of better words. When I apply air only, it blows smooth. Once I start applying paint (or water, for testing) it sprays, but rhythmically sputters. Not a constant sputter, just a puff of air without paint, then it sprays fine again, then a puff. Over and over, steadily keeping rhythm. 1 2 miss, 1 2 miss, 1 2 miss. The higher the pressure, the quicker the tempo. Any ideas? The Paasche manual hints at the washer/seal in the air valve, but I have taken it apart and all appears fine. I don't want to run out and buy parts blindly. I will buy the seals and packing washers anyway, as they appear to be maintenance items.
Thanks,
Tim