TROUBLESHOOTING

TROUBLESHOOTING YOUR ADAPTER

HPA Adapter

Experiencing difficulties with your HPA adapter? This troubleshooting guide is designed to assist you in diagnosing and resolving common issues that may arise during the use of your adapter. From identifying feeding problems to addressing potential leaks, our step-by-step instructions will guide you through the necessary checks and adjustments to restore optimal functionality to your adapter.

Feeding Problems

Generally, feeding problems can be resolved quickly once we pinpoint the area causing the issue. Follow these steps to determine where the BBs are getting held up. We will work from the bottom up, ruling out potential problems at each step.

1. AEG Magazine: Start with the simplest issue. Ensure the magazines you are using are free of debris or dirt and that they can feed the BBs with a good amount of pressure until the last BB. Mid-caps can lose strength over time, so we recommend storing them unloaded and considering new springs if you’ve had them for a while.
2. Drum Magazine: If you are using a drum magazine, remove the adapter from the drum and run BBs through it. The BBs should flow out like a little fountain from the exit. If you block the exit and wind the drum, the BBs should build up pressure. If BBs aren’t flowing, a piece of debris may have entered the BB reservoir, requiring disassembly to fix. Video Tutorial
3. Adapter Feed Channel: Turn the adapter upside down and drop a BB through it. If the BB gets stuck along the path before it reaches the feedlip, the channel might have shrunk due to a bad print. Use a 6mm or 1/4″ drill to open the channel. If the BB gets stuck just before reaching the feedlip, the feedlip may be misaligned. Unscrew the feedlip, hold it in place, and reinsert the screws.
4. Feedlip: The feedlip can become damaged or warped, causing BBs to fail to enter the top of the feedlip. This will lead to misfeeds as the loading arm on the nozzle cannot pick up the BB and push it into the hopup. To diagnose this issue, slowly release the bolt and observe whether the nozzle pushes the BB forward or downward back into the adapter. You can replace the feedlip or use a file/razor to smooth the area where the BB is getting held up. We offer replacement feedlips on our website, or you can download the STL file and print it yourself from our Thingiverse page HERE.
5. Misfeeding: If you are experiencing misfeeding or intermittent feeding, follow these steps:
   1. Ensure your rifle is cleaned and lubricated. HPA systems run dry and can dry out O-rings and seals quickly.
   2. Check that the PSI is set high enough. Green Gas is a denser propellant, so higher pressure may be required to properly cycle the platform.
   3. Inspect your platform for damage. HPA allows for higher rates of fire, increasing wear and tear. Ensure there are no broken parts such as a cracked nozzle, damaged loading arm, or torn O-rings.

Leaking Problems

We pressure test every adapter before shipment, but a leak may develop later or occur due to handling during shipment. Follow these steps to identify and fix the issue.

1. HPA Fitting: If the leak seems to be coming from the connection between the HPA line and the fitting, there may be a dimensional difference. Try a different fitting. These are common 6mm OD to Foster 23-2 QD fittings. Please contact us if there is a major leak here, and we can replace it for you.
2. Fitting on the Adapter: A leak from the fitting on the adapter can often be resolved by rotating the black HPA line while the pressurized air is connected, allowing the O-ring to seat correctly. If the leak is not between the fitting and the HPA line but between the fitting and the plastic shell of the adapter, follow these steps:
   1. Remove the HPA line by pressing a flathead tool on the collet of the fitting and pulling on the line.
   2. Insert a 3mm hex into the fitting to unscrew and remove it.
   3. Wrap the threads 1-2 times with Teflon tape OR use a 6mm ID O-ring or similar on the base of the threads.
   4. When screwing the fitting back onto the adapter, do not overtighten—just until the fitting bottoms out or the O-ring is properly pressed.
3. Gasket or Valve/Plunger: A leak from the gasket or valve/plunger is usually due to a loose output valve or a slipped O-ring. Tighten the valve an 1/8th of a turn with a valve key tool. If necessary, remove the plunger using the silver screw on the side of the adapter to access the valve. A slipped O-ring will cause more of a steady stream of air than a typical leak. Reseat the O-ring after removing the valve.
4. AW Drum Pressure Valve: Open the door where you fill BBs and listen to determine if the leak is coming from here. This is the pressure release valve on the AW drum. The leak can result from overfilling, high temperatures causing gas pressure to rise, or a dried-out O-ring on the valve. To fix this, remove the adapter from the drum, unscrew the six screws on the front of the drum to separate the gas tank from the BB reservoir. Locate the brass fitting at the center of the tank. You’ll need to remove, clean, lubricate, and reinstall the fitting.
5. AW Drum O-ring: If the leak is coming from between the drum and the adapter, remove the adapter and re-lubricate the O-ring that sits between them.

Fitment Issues

Sometimes the adapter won’t fit into your platform or won’t lock in completely, which can cause feeding problems or reduced power.

1. Tight Fit: If the adapter is difficult to insert and remove, this may be due to a tolerance difference between the adapter and the magwell of your platform. Inserting and removing the adapter multiple times should resolve this issue.
2. Mag Release Not Catching: If the mag release isn’t properly catching on the adapter, ensure the bolt is racked back while inserting the adapter. You can also push/pull the mag release in the opposite direction to securely seat the mag release in place.
3. Adapter Not Fitting at All: Verify that you have the correct version of the adapter for your platform. If you’re unsure, contact us for assistance. Commonly misidentified platforms include:
   1. MWS and CGS M4s
   2. VFC, KWA, and TM MP7s
   3. Different versions of AKs

Contact Us

If you need further assistance, use our Contact Us form or message us on Instagram @tappairsoft and we will help you troubleshoot your adapter.