Dead_Ant

I just received a new SKS Rennkompressor (the 75th anniversary edition), and the gauge doesn't work when I pump up my tires. It still pumps the tires, but there is no reading on the gauge.

If I put my thumb on the chuck and pump I get a reading, however. Is it just a bad seal? Or should I invest in a new head? I've heard good things about the Silca 40.0 head.

Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

This is what the pump looks like:

noglider 

Bring it back. It's not working right.

Mansram01

That's a really, really nice pump. I thought about buying that one but instead went with the Lezyne Classic Floor Pump. Hoping that works out (as it's on backorder).

I may have to agree with Noglider. If it's new, you shouldn't have to buy/replace anything on it... Just my two cents...

HillRider

That doesn't make sense. You get a gauge reading when you block the head with your thumb but not when you attache it to the tube valve? Yet you say it does pump up the tire. Something isn't right.

Panthers007

Check all the connections on the pump. Mine loosened up where the rubber-hose is attached to the base. A quick screw-down solved this. So just go over any possible places it may be loose.

Still not registering? Return it. Mine is working fine - and really moves a high-volume of air. Wow! Don't worry - you'll get it sorted. SKS has excellent customer-care.

Dead_Ant

I've contacted SKS already, I'm just waiting for a reply. The only problem is that I ordered it from Amazon so I don't really know about returning it.

I've already checked and made sure that everything is tight. I'm pretty sure that the problem is in the head, I don't think that there is an adequate seal.

127.0.0.1

a working pump blows away a really really nice pump


25 bucks, joe blow, pumps my TT tires up to 180. no hassle.


anyhow, that is a nice pump and it must have bad seal somewhere.

Dead_Ant

It pumps up the tires very well. After a few easy pumps I felt the tire and was surprised at how much air had been pumped into it.

I don't want to return it because I know that it is going to be an excellent pump once it is working properly.

GeoLes

Make sure the presta valve is screwed all the way open (I am assuming you use Presta valves),that the chuck is fully pressed on the valve stem (Presta or Schreader), and the chuck lock is engaged after installation (Handle swung to the outward position. That means lock handle down, insert chuck on valve, press firmly, swing lock mechanism out to lock. Reverse to remove chuck). If all else fails:

Simple economic formula.
(Brand-spanking-new pump) + (Big $$$) + (not working properly) = Take it back.

If it is not working properly when it is new, how do you know it will be working properly after it has been kicked around a bit? If you continue to have probs, or you explode a tube because you don't know how much pressure you have, then return it much later, the shop may question wether or not you damaged the pump. Bounce it back now. The bike shop should honor an exchange on the spot. They will take your bad pump, give you another new one on the spot and return your defective pump the the manufacturer for credit. The econnomic system works well at keeping "duds" out of the system.

dwr1961

[QUOTE=GeoLes;8881767Simple economic formula.
(Brand-spanking-new pump) + (Big $$$) + (not working properly) = Take it back.
[/QUOTE]

I love that... +1

Amazon has excellent customer service. Make the call. You've got a nice pump there, and it ought to work perfectly right out of the box. I'm assume you've checked and double-checked everything.

Time to send it back.

Soil_Sampler

could be user error.

if air leaks past the valve and pump head, the gauge will not hold the pressure reading.

Dead_Ant

I've made sure that the head is securely mounted on the valve, and I've tried inflating the tire about a dozen times.

Then again I'm no expert

Soil_Sampler

these quotes make me think it is not the pump.

yrrej

Meh,

I have a Specialized pump and I generally have to 'fiddle' with head after
first 'burping' the Presta value and pressing the head all of the way on.

Generally the pressure gauge will then suddenly jump up to a reasonable
level and I then 'lock' the head and pumping will work ok.

If the gauge reads zero then pumping just pressurizes the hose...

Sometimes the gauge will only indicate about half of the real pressure,
in this case I can still fill the tire but it takes all of my 200+ pounds
to force the air into the tire.

Jerry

Dead_Ant

Well, I'll go try it again, but I don't know what I else I can do to get the pump head securely on the valve.

Soil_Sampler

loosen the ring on the pump head 1/4 of a turn and push the pump head further onto the valve.

try that.

mzeffex 

Probably can't fix. Guess on the PSI.

Dead_Ant

So the gauge is reading, but I can't tell if it is right.

I pump it up until the gauge hits 3.5 bars (~50 psi), which is only half of the 7 bars the tire needs, but the tire feels really full.

Is there an indication when the tires are full besides using a gauge? I mean how firm should they be?

Panthers007

One person cannot effectively operate the 75th Anniversary SKS pump. The chuck - bell-shaped - needs another person to push it down and keep it there. So I suggest a new chuck-head be installed. I did with mine - but went top-flight and got a Hirame. That would cost you as much as the Pump.

I'm sure others here can steer you to some other chucks.

Hirame:

https://www.benscycle.net/index.php?m...b8febe35e2e0fd

alancw3

i have the same pump. it takes awhile to get use to using the presta valve. loosen the head screw and push on valve stem about half way down. then tighen the head screw snugly. to get a good seal i have found that it is best the have the wheel so the valve stem is in the 12 o'clock position. as far as using the pump by yourself. not a problem once you figure it out. when you reach the seven bars hold the valve stem and pull head off by gentlely cocking it as you remove. i love my pump and at first thought i was gong to have to get another head also until i got the hang of it. practice makes perfect.

Soil_Sampler

Dead_Ant

I was going to get the Silca 40.0 pump head.

If anyone can recommend something else for about the same price, then let me know.

dwr1961

The coolest pump heard that I have used of late is the one on the Lezynes. It actually screws onto the threads of presta and schraeder valves for a very positive and fool-proof engagement.

I have a Lezyne Alloy floor pump and it is awesome. Look around on the net and you can get it for < $60. For those who haven't seen it, it's like an updated Silca (I have one of those, too).

Dead_Ant

What PSI does that get up to? On their site it says 220, but on another site it says 160.

I don't want to mess with the chuck if I'm just going to end up returning it.

EDIT: I think I'm going to just return the pump. I think it's a great pump, but I don't really want to sink any more time or money into it

Panthers007

Dead Ant -

Like all things with threads and nuts and so forth, after using the pump some things may come loose. This is a shakedown cruise and, like a bike or other, it needs adjustment. One place my SKS showed this I wasn't suspecting. The air-hose became loose at the base of the pump where is connects to the gauge. Pushed it and turned it - problem solved. So go over it and tighten up that which presents itself.

Ride On!