Disassembly/removal of pistons on the M4.........

[Zeke]

Alright, whats the trick of removing the pistons?? Youtube video suggests to use the charging handle (as a tool) to remove the piston shrouds. But I cant get mine to budge. I even tried a long screw driver but I am afraid of damaging them. Have any of you guys tried this? Its looks like it needs to be smacked with a hammer. Please help !!

Edited September 1, 2012 by Zeke

[Eversor]

Hi,

 

just unscew them with charging handle, than pull them. Don't be afraid to use force to pull them.

[Zeke]

they wont unscrew, they are extremely tight

[Eversor]

Try to use something longer than the charging handle as you said. Never heard this problem before.

 

Dumb question: are you sure you're unscrewing CCW?

[FLAWLS1]

When I tried to unscrew the ARGO caps on mine they were also very very tight on there. What I did was put a towel on the other side of the barrel. I did this to prevent any damage once I broke the cap free. I literally used all my strength to unscrew it. It was a real pain in the a$$! Just keep trying...

[Amsdorf]

You may have to use a bit more force than you would expect the first time, but they come loose.

 

[Zeke]

Thanks.... I want to find a long screwdriver that is just the right diameter and then some how hold the barrel firmly while reaming on the cap. Im just afraid of damaging the cap. May try some wd40 and let set before I try.

Edited September 1, 2012 by Zeke

[Zeke]

Yes.... lefty loosely. counterclockwise

[StrangerDanger]

Leverage is your friend.

[ROCKETW19]

Hi,

 

just unscew them with charging handle, than pull them. Don't be afraid to use force to pull them.

 

yup use the handle. mine were tight also but I was scared to use anything else. handle will work fine

[saym14]

You may have to use a bit more force than you would expect the first time, but they come loose.

 

 

nice video. but you can remove the trigger group without loosening the stock. I do it that way every time.

[KB Fab]

nice video. but you can remove the trigger group without loosening the stock. I do it that way every time.

It is, in fact, designed to be that way.

[Amsdorf]

That's fine, I just find it easier to do it with the stock removed. To each his own.

[StrangerDanger]

I wouldn't recommend putting oil on the gas pistons. It isn't needed and just makes a lot of smoke and carbon.

[Amsdorf]

No oil on them. Where metal rubs against metal, you need some lubrication. I'm using TW25 which withstands high temperatures. I'm not worried about "smoke and carbon."

 

And since I clean mine after each session with it....well, you get the picture.

 

It's interesting to me how many military guys have told me they really never have shot their's much, beyond training.

[Zeke]

It is the ARGO Caps that is what Im having a hard time removing. These just seemed to be torqued on extremely hard. I havent tried to remove them yet, I was looking for the correct size screwdriver to use, and will probably have to lock it into a vise somehow before reaming. I thought about using wd40 on them, letting them soak, before trying. I would wipe dry after removing. I havent tried this yet and I was waiting to see your replies before attempting this. Thanks for all of your response's

[saym14]

I noticed you did not cleaninside the tubes where the pistons fit ? should that area be looked at ?

 

the manual says do not oil the pistons.

[Amsdorf]

I just think you are not giving it enough elbow grease.

[KB Fab]

I noticed you did not cleaninside the tubes where the pistons fit ? should that area be looked at ?

 

the manual says do not oil the pistons.

 

And you shouldn't unless you want a mess on your hands. The shotgun was designed for the pistons to run dry and to be "self cleaning". Not to say you shouldn't inspect and do routing maint. but lube in there is a bad idea. To each there own.......but just like religion, don't try and force it down anyones throat is what I always say.