so I am trying to clean up my old valve because I keep getting a small leak (rather old marker) and I can't get the stupid snap ring out. Anybody have an easy way to do this (aside from replacing the darn thing)? I've tried everything I can think of to get it out, but it keeps sliding when I try to pry it out. Please help before I throw it out the *&*$&%^ window!! snap ring

It is not easy, you have to get the ends close together to pop it out, try needle nose pliers or if all else fails see if you can buy or borrow a pair of snap ring pliers. They may not be to much if you buy them, been awhile for me.
Hope this helps

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i was gonna buy some snap ring pliers, the ones i found were like 15bucks...might as well just spend the 27 or whatever and buy a new valve body...thing is some people have used 98's on CL where i live for like 50 bucks ha, then might as well spend the extra 20 and get the 98

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Image removed as it was too tall.

Haha Madasax, that is what I was considering doing when my seat valve o-ring failed.

What I did to remove the snap ring was take a precision flathead screwdiver, get directly under a lightsource and slide the tool til it caught the angled end of the snap ring. I slowly wiggled and slid the tool further down the angle and it started to get behind and under the snap ring. As it started to show the flat portion of the ring on the hidden backside I had my brother put another precision screwdriver in a small gap as I had slightly lifted the rings end upward. Then I could just slide the tool I had and it just popped right out.
I ordered an o-ring kit that has the valve ones included. Getting it back in will be the next challenge lol. Keep me posted. It did take a few attempts and wasn't able to get it without another set of hands. But hey once you show someone a 98s internals, they get really interested in the marker and sport.

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I'm learning paintball is all about preference and cash.

I actually just rebuilt the valve on a 98 this weekend. The snap ring is the worst thing Tippmann could have used. I used a small flathead screwdriver to get it out. Now I found no way to get it back in so here is what I did.

I alread have snapring pliers so I didn't have to buy those. I just took the valve with me to the hardware store and bought a snapring (the kind with the little holes on each end). Works wayyyy better and so much easier getting it in and out.

Works like a charm. No problems at all.

Hope this helps

btw...snap ring was like 23 cents.

sigh...maybe I can get my wife to help me out! REP for all of ya's!!

after realizing the error of my ways, I decided to use a vise (wrapping the valve first of course so as not to damage it) then I used the double screwdriver method. Worked well, now off to the hardware store! Thanks again!! Man this thing is dirty...no wonder it leaked!

Awesome bull! And I think I'm going to take DonkeyKnockers advice. Most of the pictures I saw of the valve had that type of snap ring and it didn't look as intimidating.

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I'm learning paintball is all about preference and cash.

A way that was easy for me was to use a hook styled pick. My valve had a key ring style of snap ring.

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oddly enough as i was driving early for some reason your question came to mind (I didnt know any thing about this thread until now)

I must be psychic

Glad to hear you got the annoying part out

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