Newbie with questions just received parts kit...

[HeavyDuty]

...and I'm already well on my way to being a WECSOG member!

This is my first FAL, but I do have experience building my AR so I'm not too intimidated. The parts kit (Dan's grade III) arrived yesterday and looks good. However, the gas regulator was well and truly jammed up.

After doing an archive search, I read I should use a brass punch and a light hammer to coax it around CCW from the operator's position. In fine WECSOG fashion, the only non-marring material I could immediately find was a brass door lock strike. This resulted in the mandatory bloodletting from applying knuckles to front sight ears, but I was able to drive it around about 180 degrees. Once it's off, I'll clean it up and lap if needed.

My questions are this: does the regulator completely unscrew from the gas block? Am I turning it the correct direction (it's still very tight)? Where is the pin I keep hearing about? (The parts diagram on Dan's site is not footnoted and is kind of blurry.)

Thanks!

[M1Tanker]

Yes the gas regulator comes completely off the block.

Chris

http://mywebpages.comcast.net/cwbrown7/gasblock.jpg

[HeavyDuty]

Great! I'm turning it the correct way, right? "Normal" threading?

And the pin - I assume it retains the gas tube, not the regulator?

My upper should be here in the next day or two (a Imbel NGL) - I'll start fitting parts then. I hope to try barreling and headspacing myself for the experience - luckily I have a good FAL 'smith around (Mosher's in DeKalb, IL) if I get in a bind. After I have it running, I'll have him do a park job.

Thanks for the fast response!

[HawaiiFALer]

Yes, the gas regulator is right-hand thread ("normal"). From the firer's position, off is counter-clockwise. Mostly the threads are crudded up with carbon. Sometimes they are rusted in place. If you got it loose with the hammer and drift punch, keep using it until it's loose or off.

Once the regulator is off, you should be able to see the pin. The photo should help you. The pin holds the gas tube. Drift the pin out from left to right, then go to the gas tube retaining nut next to the receiver stub. Take that one off, it's also right hand thread.

Next, take the gas tube off. It has right-hand threads, so go counter-clockwise. :fal:

[M1Tanker]

I bought the DSA Gas Regulator Wrench and made it much easier to get on/off my Imbel. $15 well spent.

Chris

[Hebrew Battle Rifle]

Heavy Duty:
You will be doing yourself a HUGE favor if you click here (http://www.arizonaresponsesystems.com) and order the FN FAL home gunsmithing workbook/video combo. It will be some of the best money that you ever spend on FAL related tools.