AoE adjustment and Sorbopad installation
Correcting the AoE of your AEG is something that should be done to all guns right away. I wouldn't even bother to install upgrade parts without installing this mod first. It increases the life of the piston and shell, and makes the AEG operate as it was intended. The sorbopad will greatly increase gearbox life and reduce shock and noise. It's best not to purchase a sorbopad until you have measured the width you need.
Step 1: Place the piston and piston head into the cylinder with the cylinder head in place. Then push the piston forward until it hits the cylinder head. Then rotate the sector gear until it touches the first tooth of the piston. As you will probably see, your sector gear is engaging the piston at an angle and not making a full, aligned, contact with the first tooth.
Step 2: Draw a line on the shell with a marker. Then scratch a mark in it to mark the pistons position.
Step 3: Rotate the sector gear until the first tooth is making flat contact with the piston as seen in the picture.
Step 4: Make a second mark for the pistons new position, and measure the distance between the two marks. Now you should purchase a sorbopad with a width equal to, or as close to the measurement you've made as possible.
As you can see, this sorbopad is the same width as the distance between the two marks.
Step 5: Remove the cylinder head from the cylinder and glue the sorbopad onto the cylinder head with silicone. Do not use any other type of glue. The glue used must be flexible in order for the sorbopad to function properly. If you purchased a blank sorbopad you will need to punch a hole in it yourself. This can be done with a hole punch or any other tool you choose as long as you are careful not shred the sorbopad. I prefer to use pre cut sorbos.
Step 6: Check the AOE again after reinstalling the cylinder head. It should be corrected. You may need to place washers on the piston head if it needs minor adjustments. If it corrected with the sorbo installed, you can now reassemble your gun.