Cleaning an Iwata airbrush

[CVX21]

Can anyone give me some tips to cleaning an Iwata HP-Plus airbrush? I used to use Paasche airbrushes and they were easy to clean, just take them apart and clean each piece, no big deal. (I just couldn't paint fine lines with them.)

The Iwata brush has this damn microscopic tip that you have to unscrew to get the needle out. I'm afraid if I don't pull the needle out and clean the paint off, its just a matter of time before the airbrush is so clogged it will be useless. I also know that sooner or later I'm going to cross thread the tip and ruin the gun, too. I have run several ounces of airbrush cleaner through it at one time and the needle still has paint on it when I take it apart. (Before you say it, I read the instruction book and it wasn't much help.)

There has to be a better way, any suggestions?

[whittler]

When cleaning the Iwata I do not remove the nozzle. Use the 20% amonia solution that Iwata reccomends and flush it through the gun with the needle pulled back, using a disposable brush to scrub the inside of the cup until the paint has been removed. Then flush clean water through the gun, remove and wipe down the needle, insert it back in the gun flush a little more water and your good to go.

[Ky 520c]

I do occasionally remove the nozzle for a good cleaning....patience, your right you don't want to mess the threads up. **On any Iwata before you do anything loosen the locknut (needle) and pull the needle back into the gun far enough that the needle does not stick out into the nozzle** ,this prevents you from bending the needle if your nozzle is stuck into the gun, once I have the nozzle removed I will soak it in a mild cleaner along with the head cap,nozzle cap and crown, I Will the lightly scrub the interior of the gun with airbrush brushes, after all components are removed loosen the locknut on the needle and take it out the front of the gun this also prevents bent needles,gently clean it also. When replacing the needle reverse the process, go in thru the front of the gun. The nozzle will get lightly scrubbed with the smallest brush I have to fit and then blown out with air. Lube,Reassemble.
Care must be taken with the Iwata needles as they are a little more precision than a paasche(especially 3mm and down) and will get off center with a slight pressure.
I rarely have to tear mine down this far,I'm like John as soon as I'm done with a color I clean the brush out with a good flush(at least 1 min....water is cheap)

[CVX21]

Whittler & Ky 521

Thanks for help! I'll give your suggestions a try.