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No experience with this airbrush, but anything involving air or gas I'd thoroughly check for any possible leak somewhere: valves, cable, and compressor.
40k: Necrons/Imperial Guard/ Space marines
Bolt Action: Germany/ USA
Project Z.
"The Dakka Dive Bar is the only place you'll hear what's really going on in the underhive. Sure you might not find a good amasec but they grill a mean groxburger. Just watch for ratlings being thrown through windows and you'll be alright." Ciaphas Cain, probably.
Generally the troubleshooting process for an airbrush is to clean it better. If you're getting bubbling in the cup it's probably either a blockage in the nozzle or a leak in the nozzle connection. Have you removed the nozzle and cleaned inside? Be careful doing so, they are super delicate. And be really careful tightening the nozzle back up, it's very easy to shear it off.
I do quite a bit of airbrushing and own the same Iwata model as you.
air coming out of the paint pit is normal; if you cover the opening in the front of the airbrush (eg with your finger) then the air will bubble through the pot instead. You can use this to mix paint, and you should be using it to clean the airbrush during regular use.
I’d assume you have a blockage near the end. A bit hard to diagnose without knowing a few things:
What is your normal process when cleaning the airbrush?
When did the problem start? Suddenly or gradually over time?
What kinds of paint are you putting through the airbrush?
I recall a YouTube video advising that basically all airbrush problems derive from a dirty nozzle or needle. Even if you think the needle is clean it might not be.
Please excuse any spelling errors. I use a tablet frequently and software keyboards are a pain!
Well, I went to bed. Got up. Had some coffee. Read the responses...for which I am most appreciative.
I took it apart again and re-tightened. Water is now coming through like a champ. Next thing to do is try some paint.
For cleaning...I run water through to get out the worst of the paint. Then I run air brush cleaner through it. I'll also cover the nozzle and blow back air to get the cleaner through. I'll take the nozzle off and clean the tip and the interior. Once that's done I'll put water through again.
I need to pick up an actual cleaning kit.
ender502
"Burning the aquila into the retinas of heretics is the new black." - Savnock
"The ignore button is for pansees who can't deal with their own problems. " - H.B.M.C.
Flinty wrote: You also need to actually take the thing apart, get the needle out and give it a solid rub down with cleaner
Yup! Did that. Here's the update. After taking apart, cleaning x 2 and then still having problems...I re-tightened this AM and water ran through perfectly. I just put a first layer of yellow on 6 outriders as well as touched up a dreadnaught's panels.
Working like a charm! Thanks for all your advice.
ender502
"Burning the aquila into the retinas of heretics is the new black." - Savnock
"The ignore button is for pansees who can't deal with their own problems. " - H.B.M.C.
For me, the bubbles were caused by:
1 - Overtightened and cracked nozzle, Had to get a replacement.
2 - Then it was caused by micro leak in the threads, Had to use plumber-tape on threads for better seal.
Also, I found a SUPER best airbrush vid that I wish I saw earlier, hope this helps you too.
I don't think I've ever actually used airbrush cleaner, just lots and lots of water and taking the thing apart to ensure that all the paint is out. Everything I use is water soluble - am I missing something? It doesn't seem to have caused any problems.
I personally also use car glass cleaner diluted with 2/3 of water. Call me a savage
40k: Necrons/Imperial Guard/ Space marines
Bolt Action: Germany/ USA
Project Z.
"The Dakka Dive Bar is the only place you'll hear what's really going on in the underhive. Sure you might not find a good amasec but they grill a mean groxburger. Just watch for ratlings being thrown through windows and you'll be alright." Ciaphas Cain, probably.
Cadre Coronal Afterglow w1;d0;l0 
