[frazer42]

Don't know if this is the place to post but I keep getting rust on my BAR op-rod, just behind the piston rings. No matter how much I clean it or oil it. I only shoot new ammo. I shot my 1917A1 also, no rust. Gotta keep the post related. Anyone else have this problem? Frazer

 

[30calmachinegunner]

condensation after firing from the humidity? not really sure

 

[Armorer]

This is just an off the wall comment as I don't know how the BAR OP rod is constructed. But the problem may depend on how the op rod is made. Is it hollow and is the part with the piston rings assembled to the end of the rod or is it the milled into the rod. If it is hollow there may be water traped in the rod that leaks out around a seam. The water could be from the parkerizing sollution. I once cut off the badly bent leg of an M2 tripod only to find half a cup of water inside. I also encountered this with a BAR bipod after parkerizing the legs. If this seems like a possibility you might try heating the rod and see if any steam comes out.

 

[heckinohio]

Bluing solution not properly removed can make rustys for a long time..........does park do this also????

 

[kkkriverrats]

OP rod?

Don't know if this is the place to post but I keep getting rust on my BAR op-rod, just behind the piston rings. No matter how much I clean it or oil it. I only shoot new ammo. I shot my 1917A1 also, no rust. Gotta keep the post related. Anyone else have this problem? Frazer

I assume we are talking about the piston rod, and below is away from the muzzle?

I believe that there are two types of piston rod, mine is a one piece deal with the rings machined onto the rod no seams and I have not yet had a rust problem. You might try removing it from the operating slide, it's pinned in place and unscrews, soak or spray with Kroil, (the rod is hollow) and air dry or use a hair drier. Don't forget to remove the operating spring and guide before trying to unscrew the piston rod!

Remember that when reassembling you screw the rod in all the way and back out two complete turns before replacing pin.

 

[frazer42]

My op-slide, rod, thingy is a machined type like described. I never thought about moisture from the inside, surely it gets hot enough to boil that out? The rust is about one inch from the piston rings and about two inches long, towards the reciever, every time. I clean the s**t out of everything with chemical solvents, no abrasives. Maybe I'll swab out the inside of the piston to see if there is any schmutze in there. The spring is not dirty or rusty and it lives in there. I left grease on the rod this time and will check in a day or two to see if the problem persists. Anyone got any BAR parts to peddle, by the way. Specifically a gas tube or an op-slide, also need a WWII rear sling swivel. Bolts, F/P's, whatever. All parts must be mint and cheap. Thanks for the info guys, Jason

 

[kkkriverrats]

Second thought

My op-slide, rod, thingy is a machined type like described. I never thought about moisture from the inside, surely it gets hot enough to boil that out? The rust is about one inch from the piston rings and about two inches long, towards the reciever, every time. I clean the s**t out of everything with chemical solvents, no abrasives. Maybe I'll swab out the inside of the piston to see if there is any schmutze in there. The spring is not dirty or rusty and it lives in there. I left grease on the rod this time and will check in a day or two to see if the problem persists. Anyone got any BAR parts to peddle, by the way. Specifically a gas tube or an op-slide, also need a WWII rear sling swivel. Bolts, F/P's, whatever. All parts must be mint and cheap. Thanks for the info guys, Jason

Try Numerich (e-gunparts) they have some parts, it's hit and miss. Ohio Ordnance has BAR parts, I don't know if the sell to just those who have bought 1918A3 SLR from them or to any one.

On second thought, examine the piston rod with a magnifing glass, there may be a pin in the location you are talking about holding the piston head to the tube that the spring and guide rod slides into.

 

[Armorer]

Just a thought. Does the op rod rust only when assembled to the gun? Would it rust if you left it out of the gun for a few days after firing and cleaning? Is the Op rod contacting another part of the gun like the front grip? Does the rust go all around the rod or just in one spot?

 

[frazer42]

All around

Ive seen the little pin in the rod. I assume it is the stop for the recoil spring. The rust is in blooms and they are deep, pits actually. And yes the rust happens when stored. I wish I had my damn camera at work, oh well. It just pisses me off, the gun runs good though. I have a spare gas piston, I just don't want to use it and get it all f-ed up too. Thanks again, Jason

 

[Lucky#13]

The culprit is really quite obvious.



Poltergeists!