Impy leak

[Psycho_warden]

I have a leak that is coming out from beside the eye. Whats the problem.

[mgitlin]

beside the eye...?

That doesn't make sense.

take a picture and circle the spot you hear/feel the air coming from. The only way air can get up in that area is via a leak in the valve.

[Psycho_warden]

Well, it seems that the air is just finding that a place to come out. Now that I listen closely, it is also coming out the feedneck and the barrel.

[mgitlin]

it's the valve then. Make sure the retaining screw isn't screwed in too tight. That could cause pin restriction, and not allow it to seal properly. Also, you might want to take the valve out (always through the back, don't pull it out through the front), then check the orings for cuts or knicks. If you find some replace it, if not, lube the rings.

Other possibilities are scratching around the housing, and a bad cup seal. Hopefully those are not the case, but we'll touch them if the other things don't work.

[Psycho_warden]

This is going to sound like a really stupid question, but how do I get the valve out.

I am completely new to Imps. So I know very little about them. I have read the manuel, and it says to push it out the front, but you say out the back. Which one do I do, and how.

Also, what is some good lube to use. It says to use Dow 33. My team mate has a tube of it, but he is out of town. Can I get this at a local hardware store. Also, what about this Slick Honey I have heard of that can be found at bike shops, is this ok to use?

Thanks for the help man.

[mgitlin]

take the grip frame off. You will then see a stainless steel screw located just behind the VA. That is the screw that holds the valve in (similar to a spyder). When you take that out, the valve will then be loose. I believe the manual says push the valve out from the front, which would direct it back. You CAN take it out through the front, but you risk damageing the housing and orings.

[Psycho_warden]

Yeah, your right, it says from the front.

[mgitlin]

slick honey is ok, I hear. But dow 33 is the recommended lube.

I use dow 55, cus I got it cheap, but it has a bit of lithium, so it can swell some orings (not good for dynamic seals)

[smartguy41]

In my manual it said use only Dow 33 or your warranty will be voided. It doesn't matter anymore, my warranty is gone.

[Psycho_warden]

I went to Home Depot and the guy reccomended this
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v721/psycho_warden/102_8175.jpg

Because he didnt have any Dow 33, it was $2 so I picked some up, but thought I should check here before I used it. I also went to all the bike shops in town and nobody had any slick honey.

[Team Chokepoint]

Just make sure it says "synthetic."

[Psycho_warden]

I think I may have found my problem.

http://www.hughsef.net/misc/impulseanim2.gif

The spring that is in the front, that is resetting the valve, on mine is much to large. The diameter of the inside is too large and isnt resting on the valve, it is around it. Could that cause a problem?

[mgitlin]

it could if the spring is keeping the valve from closing again. Take some pliers and make the spring a little smaller at the part where it goes around the nub on the pin.

[Psycho_warden]

Its still leaking with and without the spring. I dont get it. I took the valve out, checked the o-rings, and one of the was rather small it seemed. The one on front was small, is that a problem?

[mgitlin]

cup seal/pin might be damaged, too. Check that for scarring, chipping, etc.

[Psycho_warden]

I checked the pin and cupseal, and they both seem to be fine. Could it be that front O-ring. And if I send it in to NDZ, would they fix it for me if its not the oring.