Badger 105 Patriot bubbles in cup constantly

The only way that the a/b will bubble the cup is if there is no airflow out the nozzle. I'd try a systematic approach.

What happens when you loosen the nut and pull the needle back a lot?

It should spray.

If not, try taking off the nozzle.

Works?

Check the nozzle for daylight. Reinstall and spray. 

Doesn't work?

check the tip for daylight.

Airflow comes out the nozzle.  When I depress the trigger without pulling it back it bubbles, and pulling trigger back the spray is slightly pulsating with a little bubbling in the cup. 

From the manual, bubbling in the cup is due to: "The spray regulator might be turned out too far, or the head may be loose. Check both and tighten if necessary."

Bubbling means a leak obviously and could mean a bad seal. But the manual also cites a loose head as a cause for pulsating spray so perhaps that is the root cause.  I've had this happen to me, though with a different airbrush.

Regards, Robert

Hi! You need either a new nozzle or o ring on the front or both.

Very likely there is a poor seal between the tip and the body.  These surfaces must be clean and smooth.  If either has a scratch or dirt, there will be an air leak into the paint path.  Try a dab of Chapstick on the back side of the tip.

Don

Thank you Don, the chapstick did the trick, no longer bubbles. However, there must be something wrong in the housing opening where the tip resides...probably will have to return it since chapstick is just a workaround and not permanent.

You're right.  If both surfaces are in good shape, you don't need Chapstick.  Look at them closely.  A tiny burr or scratch could cause your problem.

Don

Thank you Don, appreciate your help  

Badger offers lifetime warranty service on their airbrushes.   Labor is free.  Parts are 60% off retail.   There is a shipping charge of $12 for up to 3 brushes which is about the rate of a USPS Priority package.  

I've sent several brushes off to them for tune-ups ahd have not been disappointed in their service.   I once got a  brush donated to the IPMS club which was in parts -- the guy disassembled it and couldn't put it back together.  Good as new with $4 worth of parts.

If you may have nicked a seal bushing you may want to send your brush back for a tune-up.   See the Badger webpage for particulars