Bicycle Mechanics - Silca floor pump nozzle thing frustration

Okay, anyone know what the deal is with the Silca nozzle thing that blows off the valve at about 80psi? This is the one that just presses on, not the one with the nifty little wire lever. Is it just a matter of screwing up the end cap tighter (but then you can't get the nozzle onto the valve anyway) or what? Ended up holding it on with a bit of string yesterday.:(

cheers,
Anthony

The brass cap should be screwed on as tight as possible by hand.

If it's too difficult to push onto the valve, a little lube (saliva works fine) might help. For the first two or three times you use it it will seem too tight.

On the other hand, if this is a well used pump, you might need a new head gasket.

That is, the pump head might need a new gasket.;)

They cost a couple bucks and last about a year or two.

If you use smooth stemmed tubes ike the Michelin Airstop you might get three or four years use.

When they wear out, they leak and blow off under pressure no matter how hard you tighten the brass head.

And as long as you're working on the pump, you might want to spend another three bucks for the leather pump washer.

Thanks Doctorspin, I'll tighten the cap up as hard as I can and see how it goes.

cheers,
Ants