fixing it, the compression adjuster did not work correctly, on inspection looks like sombodey opened it up to remove the pop lock spring so they could use it without a remote and put the top back on with the brass cover over the ports180 deg out... can't think it came from the factory like that but who knows?

works correctly now

 bigger=better

 I think it's a whadjumacallit, not sure

 Touche

 No, looks more like a doohickey....imo

 deb nailed it!

 such a simple design and reliable