Tm Touchdown Barrel Width

[julikko]

Hi, I am trying to fix a TM TouchDown but, after changing the barrel o-ring and lubricating the plunger tube, moving the latter is really difficult. I suspect that there might be some shrinking in the blind-cap barrel end. Is the barrel a goner, or can the shrinking be reversed by applying some heat?

Cheers,

Julio

Edited October 17, 2019 by julikko

[Ron Z]

Try putting more silicone grease (not oil) on the TD tube with the tube pulled all of the way out. You don't need a heavy coating for it to work.

 

Sometimes the plastic does shrink, and is a bit of a snug fit around the inside end of the TD tube. I've seen it get so tight that you can see the TD tube bulging out as you push the tube up and down, but it usually happens on the fat version. Try putting some silicone grease on the end of the TD tube and in the barrel. If that doesn't work, replace the barrel.

[awa54]

What o-ring did you use?

 

Before there were correctly sized ones available from pen parts sellers I used to turn down slightly larger plumbing o-rings to fit and if they're too large the tube can be very tight even when correctly lubed... if yours is still tight after lubrication, then you may want to make certain that the o-ring you used isn't too thick (also that it's fully seated and has no dirt or residue from the old o-ring under it in the groove).