397 fails to pump up !!

Baker Airguns would be a good source for a seal kit.

Not too hard to re-seal. You'll need the valve tool.

Have a 312 '63 vintage, don't think it's ever been rebuilt. Good idea to store it with 1 pump in the reservoir.

Well, it might be a bit premature to start shopping for reseal kits.

First I'd try a healthy squirt of oil applied to the air intake hole -- you know -- where it says "Do Not Oil?" followed by a few vigorous pump strokes and dry fire.  Lather, rinse, repeat.

It's often possible to flush out a clot of contamination that's preventing an otherwise healthy seal from working, and get a pumper back in service with (virtually) zero cost and effort.

Worth a shot.

Steve, oil was the first thing I tried, no glory.   I was surprised to see I actually purchased in 03/2003.  I've ordered a rebuild kit from PA.  I found an old post where you had offered up a drawing of how to make it pump easier, the drawing had been taken down.  Would appreciate it if you could post that up fresh.  I'd like to make the mod while I have this thing a part,  Cheers,  Ray

The year of manufacture might play a role in the rebuild kit, seal(s), or o-rings needed.

Mine ( a '96 397pa) was like new and just old so it was confusing in how it would

skip pumps and hold some...

It turned out to be just the o-rings on the outside of the valve body.

I replaced them and left the body unscrewed a turn (as tight as I could get

it back together without tools anyway,) and that sealed it and also reduced headspace.

Got this thing all to pieces to night with no issues, one can easily see all the rubber has hardened and is likely the cause of the issues.  I found an exploded view that indicate manufacture dates between 10/04/07 and 03/27/2013.  It appears to be like my gun.   With a little luck and a tune up kit I should have it back in service shortly.  Cheers, Ray

Just had the same thing happen to my 2002 model.  I stored it with a pump or two always.  The rubber was stiff, so replaced the orings and cup...no love.  Ordered a complete kit and will be here this weekend, so hopefully will get it back up and running.

Can someone tell me what size the o-ring is that goes on the bolt and where someone would obtain, otherwise I have a nicely rebuilt gun.  Won't tell  you where the bolt o-ring ended up because I simply can not find where it landed in my garage.. Cheers, Ray

I think the .177 carries the 001 but I use the term think sparingly on my part.

Here 'tis.

Sorry about the poor image quality.

Steve, interesting, I had though about exactly the opposite on the other end to obtain a larger dump from the firing cycle for more power. I would assume you have also tried a softer wound spring to obtain both  results?

thanks, looks like a good cold weather tinkering project, Cheers,  Ray 

Go Trump !!!!      

Ray, our host has made it pretty clear that political commentary isn't welcome on his forum.

You may choose to ignore him.  I don't.

Wow, may have to try that...mine is super hard to pump now, and I am not a small guy.  Guess I am still kind of recovering from cancer surgery, but still, should be that hard.  Seal kit worked and she shoots great now!