I have a 25+ y.o. Silca that's been fine till the 125 degrees in the garage killed its leather washer last year. Where you guys buying the replacement washers?
I've been anxiously and carefully using my air compressor to fill my presta tubes.
But I picked up an identical used Silca last week for cheap.
Not much help, since an old Silca isn't going to be available on every corner. Just that these Silcas were so well made and repairable, some of us have no good reason to buy replacements.