Solved - Hurricane RTA 1.3 AFC (Air Flow Control) stops clicking

[gorman]

Unfortunately the thread was old and I could not reply to it. But what you can see below is a real gem that I managed to find only here, after searching all over the internet.

@Alireza355, to whom I extend my gratitude, pretty much explains it all. Do what he explains below in case your air flow control ring stops "clicking", hence moving freely (and risking dry hits if it manages to close all air flow).

The only two things I can add are:

1) I managed to get the little balls out by using strong magnets that I had around. If there's another way, it eluded me. With a magnet they come out really easily and, bonus, you don't risk losing them.

2) When assembling back everything, push gently, all the while making sure that the air flow ring keeps on rotating and clicking. If you overpush the ring gets stuck and doesn't rotate anymore. So, as I said, go gently, one push at a time, until the ring is firmly in place (no movement on the vertical) but still able to rotate on its axis.

I write this in the hope that it will be easier to search for, in case others face the same problem. Hurricane 1.3 by E-Phoenix is still one of my favourite RTAs, so I'm happy to have it back perfectly working.

OK OK I got it finally. If anyone else has this problem, here is the solution:
remove the build deck, all O-rings, small insulator in the center of the 510 so you have ONLY the base. now, screw the base on a device, screw the tank section to the base (without the build deck and chimney). Now slowly apply negative pressure, gently pulling it apart from where the two pieces of the base are press-fit together. It will eventually become looser and looser, until it opens. Be very careful here. There are 2 VERY VERY VERY small balls inside the base, one of which is a little bigger and has a spring behind it and pushes out towards the inside walls of the air flow control ring and gives you the "clicks". remove both of the balls, clean them out, remove the spring, pull it to make it a little bigger, put it back in, followed by the two balls and then put the air flow control ring back on, and press-fit the other part of the base back into place. DO NOT over tighten it.

 

[Chodi]

I use mine daily for a very long time. I have had this problem with the airflow ring getting stuck twice. A trip to the freezer for an hour and then a pair of rubber gloves solved the problem both times. That broke it free without doing any damage. I still use it every day.