I have an SKS with a stuck gas tube assembly. The gas tube release is all the way up (the position to remove the gas piston extension and spring) worse it won't go down into the lock position. I have tried penetrating oil but nothing works.

Anyone encounter this before? Any advice?

thanks

I ran into one that the locking lever had come loose from the pivot pin. I ended up having to tap it and use a screw to get it turned, then replaced it with a take off. Is the pin moving when you jiggle the locking lever?

The pin and cam move freely. But even the cam seemingly open, it doesn't release the tube. I say 'seemingly' because I don't know if the cam is the problem or something else.

Is it one of those Tapco aftermarket tubes? If so, they are usually out of spec and poorly fitted. You may have to pry up on it to get it to release.

No, as far as I know (I bought it slightly used) it is all Chinese Sportster original equipment. In any case it needs to come off for cleaning. I don't even know if it is safe to shoot as it is.

Does the gas tube even wiggle at all?

I've attempted to pry the tube assemble against the receive. That tightens the cam down (doesn't move freely) and moves the assembly 1-2 mm. I broke a screwdriver tip doing so. I'm concerned that if I pry any harder I'll break something else.

I am a novice, so any advice is appreciated.

post some pictures
and stop prying with the screwdrivers, you should not be breaking them trying to get it out.

and this guide will help you

http://www.surplusrifle.com/sks/carbine/index.asp

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ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ

Echoed - if you're breaking screwdrivers you are using way too much force. Please post a pic of it form the top downand right side (latch side) of the rifle so we can see what you're up against.

OK, nix the screwdriver.

I

And this one

The camming surface of the lock should be straight up and down then the gas tube should lift right out.
After the gas tube has been removed, turning the cam some more will release the piston extension and spring.
Put your finger over the extension before trying to remove it.
If not restrained it will fly out.
It hurts to get hit with breaks glass and damages plaster.

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This is so easy, If my dog had thumbs, He could do it!

U.S.N. Retired 1985-2005

When I put the cam in the correct position, the assemble will not budge -- that is my problem. Tried force, penetration oil, even tried to pry from the side with a screwdriver blade (OK, bad idea). At most, the assemble jams up against the cam and the cam no longer rotates.

Sometimes if you over rotate the locking lever the operating rod (gas piston extension) pokes out just a bit and hangs things up, try to push in the operating rod (with a small screwdriver) and then rotate the locking lever so that the vertical face of the cam is holding the operating rod completely back.

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Smoke em' if you got em'

Thanks for the operating rod idea. Pushed it with the screwdriver tip, and it doesn't move (inward) either. Tapped with punch and the same. Still stuck.