Ares L85A2 help needed.

[TomVassie]

Hi everyone, just after a little help if possible?

I have this old L85 that I was given about 8 years ago because it was broken, it’s been used as a prop in my Ex Army Land Rover since.

Anyway, curiosity has got the better of me and I thought I’d have a go at fixing it.

turns out someone had put the wrong screw in the side, which went straight through the micro switch which stopped it firing.

I have replaced the switch, and after a fair bit of fiddling, got the gearbox all back together, it cycles on rapid and auto as it should (I think). But I’m not sure if it’s over running as it seems to stop with the gear engaged in the plunger? I’ve tried to add a slo-mo video of the cycle to show what I mean, I’d just like to know if this seems normal?

The next problem is that BB’s don’t seem to be getting out the mag up into the Hopup, if I hold the unit upside down, drop a couple of BBs in then it stick my finger over the hole, it seems to cycle and fire the BBs at a reasonable rate, I’m fairly sure it the correct mag for it, it fits well, and the BB’s are released once it’s inserted, but it’s almost like the spring isn’t pushing them up enough?

Thanks for taking the time to look.

cheers 

Tom

[MSSNAFU]

Hi Can't help much as I don't know the L85 of any make and I can't see the video, but what caught my attention was you say its been used as a prop for 8 years? I have a type 97 bullpup that had been used as a stage prop for years, and its original hop rubber was apparently natural rubber which had literally rotted inside it. I'll let you imagine what it smelt like! 😄 so I would check the hop unit especially the hop rubber itself and the nub as it may be perished or perhaps distorted by being left set that long, which obviously could easily interfere with BB's feeding. Also, probably stating the obvious again, but has the inner barrel been cleaned? My Type 97 had its own little ecology inside when I got it! It still suprises me after xxxx years airsofting 🙂 how little dirt/residue/dust in the barrel can cause feeding issues and jams. Also, has the mag been unused for years too? if so its well worth checking that for dust/dirt etc too, and if itsa midcap thats been left with some BB's in it the spring may well be weakened as you describe. Trying with other mags would show if the mag is the problem. Sorry for being so non specific and vague. Best of luck with it.

[EDcase]

The hop rubber should be replaced after this amount of time but that will affect the BBs firing rather than feeding.  Definitely clean the barrel too.

 

The feeding problem is likely due to the magazine spring being too weak.

Does it have a wheel at the bottom? 

If so then half fill the mag and wind the wheel until you feel more resistance.

You should get a new mag to test with anyway. 

 

When you look into the BB feed tube (underneath), you should see the nozzle move in and out. If it doesn't clear the feed hole after firing then there's a problem in the gearbox.

 

Just watched the video. I've never seen a transparent plastic gearbox before and it's cool to see. It looks like it's cycling correctly but I doubt it will last long especially with it's age so I  would advise getting a metal one.

EDIT: Just had a look and I could not find one in stock so if you get it working enjoy it while it lasts.

Best of luck

Edited 5 hours ago by EDcase

[TomVassie]

Thank you both for your replies,

the hop rubber is indeed rotten and not really rubber anymore, I have ordered a new hop unit, so hopefully this may solve the problem.

the mag seems ok, wasn’t left with BBs and seems to push them out ok.

Regards the gearbox timing, I’m fairly sure it can’t be wrong as is seems everything is controlled by the sector gear? The only thing is the crown wheel and what looks like a non reversing cam? I guess this just stops the spring reversing the motor?

Thanks again for your input.