Blow-by around Gas Plug ?

**bykerhd** · August 31, 2001, 10:47

Cleaning the L1A1 this morning I noticed quite a bit of carbon around the gas plug locking lugs and on the inside shoulder area of the front of the plug.
Anybody know what the plug is supposed to measure ? Don't know if I've got a worn plug or gas block or both. Functions fine on 5 with Radway Green. Should I even be concerned about it ?
Thanks.

Deltaten · August 31, 2001, 17:09

Byk:
So how tight is the plug going in and out? Much resistance to turning and inserting? Both mine exhibit signs of "some" gas residue internally, with only some slight blow-by externally (after 100+ rd.). The R-1 w/GL gas plug is really tight, requiring definite push to get it in.

If yours is loose enough to "fall" out. mebbe it needs replacing. One "flat" spot on a side or lug could cause blow-by, but not enough to cause malfunction IMHO.

Is it functioning O.K., and at what gas setting w/what ammo? Loose gas plug/worn gas block will cause problems. Just let it get real dirty and seal itself!

edit note: DUH! just went back and saw comment about 5 w/ RG...sounds pretty good to me. My L1, when running, ops at 4.5-5.5 w/RG; lower (higher, ?) w/non-NATO spec, hotter loads. Middle of the range w/ammo subjectively "lighter" is fine. Plenty of room either way for adjustment!

Best,
Paul

[ August 31, 2001: Message edited by: Deltaten ]

**W.E.G.** · August 31, 2001, 18:04

Carbon residue in that area is normal.

Snakeshot · August 31, 2001, 19:39

bykrhd,
If you're shooting RG at a gas setting of 5, then you have a reason to smile.
Just keep 'er clean.

**bykerhd** · September 01, 2001, 16:44

Thanks guys.
This thing is just a CAI beater and I was hoping not to have to put any serious bucks in it. Doesn't sound like I need to.
Thanks again.

August 31, 2001, 10:47	#1
bykerhd Dinosaur Bronze Contributor FALaholic #: 2798 Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Burlington Vermont area Posts: 13,262	Blow-by around Gas Plug ? Cleaning the L1A1 this morning I noticed quite a bit of carbon around the gas plug locking lugs and on the inside shoulder area of the front of the plug. Anybody know what the plug is supposed to measure ? Don't know if I've got a worn plug or gas block or both. Functions fine on 5 with Radway Green. Should I even be concerned about it ? Thanks.

August 31, 2001, 17:09	#2
Deltaten Registered FALaholic #: 124 Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Lancaster, PA USA Posts: 8,499	Byk: So how tight is the plug going in and out? Much resistance to turning and inserting? Both mine exhibit signs of "some" gas residue internally, with only some slight blow-by externally (after 100+ rd.). The R-1 w/GL gas plug is really tight, requiring definite push to get it in. If yours is loose enough to "fall" out. mebbe it needs replacing. One "flat" spot on a side or lug could cause blow-by, but not enough to cause malfunction IMHO. Is it functioning O.K., and at what gas setting w/what ammo? Loose gas plug/worn gas block will cause problems. Just let it get real dirty and seal itself! edit note: DUH! just went back and saw comment about 5 w/ RG...sounds pretty good to me. My L1, when running, ops at 4.5-5.5 w/RG; lower (higher, ?) w/non-NATO spec, hotter loads. Middle of the range w/ammo subjectively "lighter" is fine. Plenty of room either way for adjustment! Best, Paul [ August 31, 2001: Message edited by: Deltaten ] __________________ All or Nothing! Senator McCarthy was right! and as always......FYB!

August 31, 2001, 18:04	#3
W.E.G. Administrator Silver Contributor FALaholic #: 1211 Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Virginia Posts: 31,055	Carbon residue in that area is normal. __________________ . . . Ask me about the Mason-Dixon FAL Collectors Association.

August 31, 2001, 19:39	#4
Snakeshot Registered FALaholic #: 909 Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Non Harry Reid Nevada Posts: 4,045	bykrhd, If you're shooting RG at a gas setting of 5, then you have a reason to smile. Just keep 'er clean. __________________ "When plunder becomes a way of life for a group of men living together in society, they create for themselves in the course of time a legal system that authorizes it and a moral code that justifies it." Frederic Bastiat

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September 01, 2001, 16:44	#5
bykerhd Dinosaur Bronze Contributor FALaholic #: 2798 Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Burlington Vermont area Posts: 13,262	Thanks guys. This thing is just a CAI beater and I was hoping not to have to put any serious bucks in it. Doesn't sound like I need to. Thanks again.