Sorted it!
I got the following reply (very quickly I might add) from Clarke:
Quote:
Removing the handle should not have any adverse effects on the pump, though you may notice more pulsing at the airbrush.
Your description indicates the pump is not moving the volume of air needed for the airbrush so I wonder if something happened to the head when you removed the handle, I think the diaphragm stroke has been compromised, try re torqueing the head bolts.
Fingers crossed as I can't think what else it could be!
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Reassured that the removal of the handle should not cause any problems, and as I don't have a torque screwdriver I looked for other problems in the changes I had made.
I dismantled all the joints and reconnected them and it works as before.
I think what had happened was that I had tightened a joint too tight and squashed a rubber o-ring in there too much, obstructing the air flow.
Still dropping a little lower with extended use than I would like (down to around 17psi) but it recovers quickly again now and I was using it OK before so it should be alright for a starter set-up.
I'll see how I get on and maybe treat myself to something better in the future.