hrmm perhaps this will help u see what im dealing with
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http://www.kinetictfr.com/blog/?p=227 that is an entire step by step of the motor for this thing
u can see the area in the 9th image down -- thats where this one gasket is and its made from paper -- its soo wore out that its almost become one with the metal of the cylinder itself -- is it possible air can come in from Behind the piston? -- i mean wouldnt that mean the piston is leaking air past itself?
Also note the piston in his pictures is exactly same as mine of course - but mine is totally blacked on top and the sides are exactly same shape as in his pic