FN-FAL not cycling?

**ady** · 24-06-2013, 17:10

I took my new biatch to the range for some fun, but the rifle just wont cycle. I tried changing the gas settings as per the FN manual, but it looks like the bolt doesn't move backward at all.

Can anyone suggest what i can try and look for?

**Adri** · 24-06-2013, 17:12

What barrel lenght is your FN?

**Adri** · 24-06-2013, 17:20

What barrel lenght is your FN?

**SSP** · 24-06-2013, 17:20

Check that the gas is turned to "A" and not "GR", at the plug right at the front of the gas block, not the adjustment ring.

Strip and clean the gas system, including the gas port.

**ady** · 24-06-2013, 17:45

Originally Posted by Adri

What barrel lenght is your FN?

17"

Originally Posted by SSP

Check that the gas is turned to "A" and not "GR", at the plug right at the front of the gas block, not the adjustment ring.

Strip and clean the gas system, including the gas port.

My gas plug doesn't have a A or GR marking on it. Could it be that i put the gas plug in the wrong way?

**SSP** · 24-06-2013, 17:58

Originally Posted by ady

17"

My gas plug doesn't have a A or GR marking on it. Could it be that i put the gas plug in the wrong way?

Could be.

Turn it 180 degrees and try again.

**ady** · 24-06-2013, 18:00

Originally Posted by SSP

Could be.

Turn it 180 degrees and try again.

SSP you put me onto something. The gas plug has a grenade sight on which was irritating me so i turned the gas plug around so that the grenade sight was up and thereby turned my gas system off.

Is this plausable?

**SSP** · 24-06-2013, 18:12

Originally Posted by ady

SSP you put me onto something. The gas plug has a grenade sight on which was irritating me so i turned the gas plug around so that the grenade sight was up and thereby turned my gas system off.

Is this plausable?

Completely.

In fact, Im pretty sure that what you have done.

Do you have one of the FALs that were reconditioned by Panzer Logistics?

**ady** · 24-06-2013, 18:20

Originally Posted by SSP

Completely.

In fact, Im pretty sure that what you have done.

Do you have one of the FALs that were reconditioned by Panzer Logistics?

I feel a little silly now, but thats how you learn i suspose. Thanks for the help SSP.

Could i have damaged anything by putting some rounds through with the gas plug turned off?

Yes it is one of those FN's, i got her from Uncle Paul and i love it so far, very nice. Some mates in my club who have owned FN's in the past have also had a look at the rifle and only had good things to say, unfortunately none of them were around to help me when i had a problem.

**Andy37** · 24-06-2013, 18:26

Originally Posted by SSP

Completely.

In fact, Im pretty sure that what you have done.

Do you have one of the FALs that were reconditioned by Panzer Logistics?

Exactly- when I saw the thread title it's the first thing that came to mind. Had exactly the same issue the other day after letting an enthusiastic youngster strip and clean one of my FALs ( without grenade sight). He put the piston fore plug in upside down. No gas= no piston movement... And it's hard to get gas on a piston when you have no ports to vent in through. Turn the piston 180 degrees ( first look at it and see the confirming fouling where there should have been a port) and you are GTG.
( We' ll call you a dumbass later....LOL)
PS How did you enjoy your ' bolt action' SLR? LOL... Been there, puzzled the same problem, I feel your pain!