Pilot leak down question.

[boyntonstu]

I have seen pilot leaks when experimenting with my cannon with no piston movement.

Many folks warn of the danger of pilot leaks.

I have seen 300 psi go to zero from behind the piston leaks, no firing.

What is the explanation?

BoyntonStu

[potatoflinger]

The air can move past the piston faster than the pilot leaks. If the pilot leaks faster than the air can move past the piston, then the cannon would fire.

[boyntonstu]

The air can move past the piston faster than the pilot leaks. If the pilot leaks faster than the air can move past the piston, then the cannon would fire.

Indeed. Does a safe piston imply a weak cannon, or is it possible to have a safe powerful cannon?

[jeepkahn]

There is no such thing as a safe cannon.... Follow firearm rules... ie, it's always loaded, don't point it anything you don't want destroyed, and don't look down the barrel....

If you have an efficient piston, a pilot leak will cause a firing...

[jackssmirkingrevenge]

There is no such thing as a safe cannon.... Follow firearm rules... ie, it's always loaded, don't point it anything you don't want destroyed, and don't look down the barrel....

If you have an efficient piston, a pilot leak will cause a firing...

Hear hear.

If your piston is airtight, even the tiniest leak can potentially cause it to fire.