Airbrush PTFE Needle Packing stuck

[ModWrench]

I have a Paasche Raptor gravity feed, double action airbrush. Has become my workhouse and has performed fine for a couple of years, never had any problems with it. 

I sprayed some AK Interactive Satin Varnish Thursday night and performed my normal cleaning routine (for this brand used lacquer thinner) when I completed my paint session. Went to use it last night and the needle was completely stuck - i could pull the trigger but the needle wasn't moving. I dumped some lacquer thinner in the cup and let it sit thinking it might free up the needle. Perhaps I was too impatient, but I pulled on the rocker assembly/spring hosing and got the needle moving. Broke the brush down and did a full cleaning. When I attempted to spray some cleaner to test it, it acted like I was back flushing - bubbles backing up through the cup and no fluid moving out the tip.

I broke it back down and removed the needle packing screw. The screw came out no problem, but the Teflon donut is still in the airbrush shell. I've tried using a paper clip with a small hook at the end, coming in from the rear of the shell to slip through the needle donut and pull it with no luck. I've also tried coming in from the front of the shell with an old needle and pushing it towards the back with no movement.

Looking for suggestions that you have employed in this situation to remove the packing or tools that will get the job done without wrecking the airbrush.

[NOBLNG]

You could try contacting Paasche and see what they say. I believe you can also send it to them for service. Good luck.

Edit: Here’s a link to the service manual. https://www.everythingairbrush.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Paasche-Raptor-RG-Manual-English.pdf

Edited June 16, 2024 by NOBLNG

[bluestringer]

I had this happen with a Paasche Talon. I took a small drill bit and twisted it into the packing, then took pliers on the end of the bit and pulled it out. The drill bit needs to be just a little bigger than the hole in the packing. I tried a couple before I found the right size that would catch on it.

[Mike 1017]

 The top the part can get gunked up with dried paint. When you press the trigger the air flow valve is stuck and the air does not flow the way it is suppose too. 

Mike

V-174 | Making Quality Spray Paint Equipment in the US Since 1904 (paascheairbrush.com)

Edited June 16, 2024 by Mike 1017
wrong word

[ModWrench]

Success! James, I took your suggestion and tried a couple of small drill bits. Thanks for the tip!  I got one to bite, but small pieces of the packing were coming out, not the entire unit. I then stuck a wire cleaning brush in the donut, pumped some lacquer thinner in the barrel, and worked the brush back and forth several times. The packing came out on the third try. I'll order a new packing assembly from SprayGunner and see if this gun gets back into rotation soon.

Greg & Michael, I appreciate you both responding too. I have the service manual and will refer to it if the new packing unit doesn't 100% solve the issue.