Expert: Ellen Choate - 7/30/2009

Question
Hello i have the iwata eclipse hp-bcs and the problem is when i have it fully assembled and the compressor is on air continues to come out on its own as if im pressing the button but if i put it back together without the button no air comes out.. i as i but it back together i notice that when i but the button back in it is pushing the little pin that controls the air all the way down. i got this off of ebay so i dont know for sure but i was thinking maby it doesnt have the correct button maby the one i have is too big for this airbrush.. do you have any idea what can be wrong. thanks in advance

Answer
Hi, Terrell.  I tried to recreate this problem with my Iwata since I've never run into this, and I couldn't.  Here are some thoughts, though.  
The button or the valve does seem to be the problem.  I think it's a good bet that you have the wrong button for it.  Have you tried comparing it to the schematic? That's the drawing showing what the parts look like and where they go, in case you don't know.  You can find one on any website that sells Iwatas; BearAir and Dixie Art are good ones.  

Another possibility is that the air valve has been taken apart and put back together incorrectly.  The pin in the center could be upside down or the spring could be missing.  You can take this apart-carefully!- and again, check it against the schematic.  I use a pair of needle nose pliers in the opposing holes in the little nut at the bottom of the valve to unscrew it.

Also make sure you have the correct air hose.  I don't think others would fit at all, but it's something else to check.  
Let me know if this helps;  if not, we'll explore what else it might be.