Falcon Bowl Doesn't Screw on Properly

[Kaarigar]

EDIT: Fixed Capitalization in Title (See Rule 9)

I just bought a Falcon straight stem and a Billiard smooth bowl. The bowl came with a plastic (or rubber) gasket ring. The issue is that the bowl doesn't screw on to the stem well - it just slips and doesn't stay. If I remove the gasket ring, it screws on well, but I am thinking that there will be smoke leak which I could check by blowing air through the stem. I have never owned a Falcon before. Is this a common issue with Falcon pipes - becasue peiple must be purchasing stems and bowls from different sources? Is something wrong with the stem or the bowl? I will appreciate any insight.

 

[gamzultovah]

@edger

 

[edger]

What you are experiencing is almost unheard of in my experience. Stock Falcon bowls fit perfectly. I've been smoking Falcons since 1972 and I've never heard of this. I don't know what to say.

 

[edger]

I just bought a Falcon straight stem and a Billiard smooth bowl. The bowl came with a plastic (or rubber) gasket ring. The issue is that the bowl doesn't screw on to the stem well - it just slips and doesn't stay. If I remove the gasket ring, it screws on well, but I am thinking that there will be smoke leak which I could check by blowing air through the stem. I have never owned a Falcon before. Is this a common issue with Falcon pipes - becasue peiple must be purchasing stems and bowls from different sources? Is something wrong with the stem or the bowl? I will appreciate any insight.

I have seven bowls and three stems and this problem is news to me. These pipes smoke beautifully and are economical. You may have gotten a badly machined bowl but this, in my experience, is quite rare. Don't reject the Falcon because of this as most of us are very dedicated to them and find them reliable and practical. Keep me posted

 

[Kaarigar]

What you are experiencing is almost unheard of in my experience. Stock Falcon bowls fit perfectly. I've been smoking Falcons since 1972 and I've never heard of this. I don't know what to say.

Thanks for your comment. I suspect the thread are not engaging as they should when the ring is on. I will have a closer look at the threads of the bowl and the stem.

 

[weezell]

I've never gotten a bowl with a separate ring??? Is it a spare? If it screws on fine without putting the ring on, smoke that way and forget about it...

 

[weezell]

If I remove the gasket ring, it screws on well

End of subject...

 

[warren]

None of my bowls came with a "gasket." Since it smokes well without the offending ring, don't use it. Weezell thinks you've stumbled onto the correct course of action.. I wholly agree with him.

 

[bullet08]

Did you spit on it and rub it good before screwing again?

 

[Ahi Ka]

Buy a Viking...

 

[verporchting]

Did you spit on it and rub it good before screwing again?

Are we still talking about Falcon pipes? ?

 

[ray47]

Can you return the Falcon for a replacement?

 

[Kaarigar]

End of subject...

I have read some conversations in some other groups that although the bowl fitted well without the ring, the smoke or the gunk did leak at some time. The solution for them was to use the teflon tape (used in plumbing) on the bowl threads to prevent that. Now, for me to find out if it leaks or not, I will have to use the pipe and the bowl - both of which are new - and blow away the possibility of returning the defective component - if any.

 

[Kaarigar]

Can you return the Falcon for a replacement?

Yes, I am thinking of returning the stem, which I suspect has faulty or poorly engineered threads.

 

[Kaarigar]

I've never gotten a bowl with a separate ring??? Is it a spare? If it screws on fine without putting the ring on, smoke that way and forget about it...

This bowl came with the ring already attached to it. It can be removed though.

 

[edger]

This bowl came with the ring already attached to it. It can be removed though.

All of mine had a gasket installed.

 

[BROBS]

All newer falcon bowls have a gasket ring that older eyes may have trouble seeing. ?

 

[BROBS]

If it isn’t engaging properly I’d return both the stem and bowl for replacement.

 

[edger]

All newer falcon bowls have a gasket ring that older eyes may have trouble seeing. ?

Brobs is correct. They are brown flat rings that are intended to seal the bowl without excessive torquing. Occasionally they need to “seat” when they are new. I just use the bowl the way it arrives and after a few ons and offs it settles in.

 

[crawdad]

I just bought a Falcon straight stem and a Billiard smooth bowl. The bowl came with a plastic (or rubber) gasket ring. The issue is that the bowl doesn't screw on to the stem well - it just slips and doesn't stay. If I remove the gasket ring, it screws on well, but I am thinking that there will be smoke leak which I could check by blowing air through the stem. I have never owned a Falcon before. Is this a common issue with Falcon pipes - becasue peiple must be purchasing stems and bowls from different sources? Is something wrong with the stem or the bowl? I will appreciate any insight.

where did you buy it? Everyone but eBay are out and I’d like to get a new one.