Aztek A4709 Airbrush

From your description I think I know your problem.
Try removing the nozzle tip and take a look at the needle. Take the needle and spring out of the nozzle then replace it making sure it's seated correctly. I have encountered a similar problem which was caused by the needle being jamed into the nozzle body. When this starts happening on a regular basis, ditch the old nozzle and get a new one.

Cheers

I agree, I use the Testor's #8826 w/Aztek nozzles. It's only single action, but I've had similar problems. I take apart and clean the nozzles thoroughly after every use. Springs, needles and housing. (Q-tips and pipe cleaners work great, but Q-tips will leave strands behind, so be careful) You should probably soak them in thinner for a while if you decide to do this, as there may be paint cured onto the parts. Just my
-Cheers

its a sign to buy a badger...

but try this: take out the nozzle, look inside, use light if nessicayr. move the trigger back and forth, if the needle like thing moves, then its not the needle. then look at the nozzle needle. is the back part kinda bent out of shape? if so, buy a new one. then, take out the needle out of the nozzle. is there any paint on it? if so, clean. then inspect the nozzle body. anything? good. then the spring. then put it all back together, and push the needle as far forward as it goes. chances are, theres a clog. that will take care of 95% of problems. or just buy a new aibrush

Thanks for the advice guys; I have checked all the nozzles and the needles and springs sit alright [on occassion they have become pushed in to far ; but i've always noticed this and ajusted the needle and spring]. The problem appears to be with the airbrush itself. Is it possible to open the airbrush and look at the trigger assembly ; The chrome shroud seems to rotate but does it come off for a closer inspection of the inside needle. [I've priced a replacement airbrush...$189.95 AUS...OUCH!!

doens't have to be that expensive: 60 for a badger 100.

DO NOT DISASEMBLE YOUR AZTEK OR SOAK IT IN SOLVENTS it will self destruct. just look at the tip. that wont be nice though.

As far as I know you can't take the shroud off the Aztec A4709, I know you certainly can't on my A470, which is one of the things I cannot stand about the Atzek.

I hear what you are saying with the replacement cost especially when you have convert it $AUS. Dixie Art in the States do good deals and are reliable from what I been told by many people.
Badger 100LG $83 AUS
Thayer & Chandler Omni 6000 $96 AUS
IWATA Revolution HP-CR $82 AUS

You need to add shipping to these costs but as I will be placing an order with them to replace my Aztek, so I will let you know if you like.

hello,
if it can help... : http://www.master194.com/maquettes/autres/aztec.htm

The body of the Aztek can be separated, as it is a snap together fitting, and as for the collar at the head of the brush, the main body section slips under it, but only by a little.

I have had mine apart quite a few times since running lacquer through it (BIG NO NO!), and it really isn't an issue.

Start at the hose fitting end, and gently pry it apart.

At worst your looking at paint leaking back past the seal, and gumming up the trigger mech.
This is now an all to common problem with the Azteks, as has happened to mine.
But it still works, oddly enough.
I did this camo with my broken Aztek, 4709, freehand, on a 1/72 scale model.

I dont care what anyone says, Azteks aint that great, but they aint that bad either.

This problem can probably be solved, however, you will probably continue to experience others. This is the general nature of this particular airbrush. If I were you, I would bite the bullet and buy something decent like an Iwata Revolution or a Badger 360. There are of course many other choices and there are many posts on this site which can help you. You will save yourself all kinds of grief by going this route!

Mike McShea

yeah, those are both very very good cjoices. i dont suggest taking apart your aztek because i did that to mine and it works as a single now. also, the clear body should let you see inside, hopefully

I'm pretty sure Testor's will replace it, at least they would for the cheap one I have. You would have to send it in for shipping, so you'd have to wait a while to AB again. Let me see if I can find the address... http://www.testors.com/help/contact.asp
Yep, here it is. It's up to you.

QUOTE: I dont care what anyone says, Azteks aint that great, but they aint that bad either.

Exactly - "A poor Carpenter blames his tools." I've seen amazing pics on these forums done w/Azteks.

Thanks everyone for all your help and advice ; I've decided to send it back to The Testor Corporation and advised them that I'm more than willing to cover the cost of repairs and return postage. It may take a few weeks for a reply from Testor as it was posted from Australia ; Anyway I will let you all know the outcome when I hear back form them in the near future . Kind regards J.D.Yahl

I hope you asked for a RMA# before sending that in. They have very good customer service but there's always the chance of having your airbrush lost without an RMA#.