spray gun problem - star mini

[old_picker]

Tried this in the machinery forum but no response so I thought I'd try it here
Ive used two Star Mini sprayguns [1.2mm tips] for 8 or 9 years for spraying small jobs. On friday one blew the spray cap right out of the gun. I'd notice it making a weird honking noise and not the usual amount of air coming out. It got real bad so I tipped the finish and blew it out with water thinking maybe an obstruction of some kind. I turned up the pressure screw and the cap popped out of the screw on bit that holds the cap on the gun.

No idea how it is held in there. It fits in and looks normal but it of course there is nothing holding it onto the ring.

Is this fixable or do I go and buy a new gun?

The gun
494626

the cap
494627

[rustynail]

After 8 or 9 years I am not surprised the little sucker is giving you grief. Star are not an expensive gun so the life span of the seals will be shorter than the top units on the market. Mind you, I have had seals go in more expensive guns way sooner than they should. Time for a new set of seals and/or a new air cap and you should be up and running. These guns have a tendency to allow the valve seat nut (behind the trigger) to come loose. I have to check mine on a regular basis during spraying. That's about the only problem I have had with the Star Mini.

[China]

Star guns have a problem, they have a combination air cap/retainer, they spread, or crack, most more expensive guns have the air cap separate from the retainer, you need to replace the air cap/retainer (if you can get one) and as said above a seal kit would be a good thing.

[old_picker]

yep same thing on mine with valve seat nut.
Replacement is $125 for a new gun. I'm thinking by the time I find a kit, pull down the gun and put it back together I'd be better spending that money buying a new one.
I've had a good run out of it by the sounds of your post,
thanks

[old_picker]

Maybe if I'm going to replace it I should get a better gun.

Got about 3 or 4 years left before I chuck this game in so maybe not worth getting an expensive replacement.

Any recommendations?

[rustynail]

A retainer and cap is going to be about $30 the same for a service kit. The retainer and cap are a press fit on these guns. The retainer ring does have a tendency to stretch over time. I just bash mine through a home made die to bring it back to a snug fit. If yours is cracked it will need replacing.
As for a better gun; What for? Three times the price and the Star has given you 9 years. Good value I think.