Specialized Smart Head Pump Issue
01-06-09, 06:58 PM
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Specialized Smart Head Pump Issue
My brand new Specialized floor pump has a Smart Head. Apparently I am not smart enough to use it. It is almost impossible to get the head on a presta valve where it will seal and let air into the valve. It either leaks or it somehow blocks air from getting into the valve.The sealing washer in the Smart Head seems very picky. Has anybody else had this problem and solved it?
01-06-09, 07:19 PM
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As far as the formal name of a product is concerned, I am aware of Topeak SmartHead but not Specialized. In any case, for Topeak you push the head down onto a valve with the lever closed. After the head is seated, you open the lever to seal the grip.
01-06-09, 11:59 PM
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make sure the outside plastic ring (cap?) is screwed on the air chuck all the way. If it's unscrewed..even just a little, it will mess up the workings...not permanently, but it won't work right until it's screwed all the way on.
01-07-09, 11:30 AM
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do a search on this forum. if i remember correctly when the specialize smart head is new there is a switching valve inside that sometimes sticks and needs a little persuasion to work, like stick a pencil in it, and then it works great. the specialized air tool pro has been highly rated on this and other forums.
01-08-09, 02:49 PM
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Okay, I have better information. The pump is a Specialized Air Tool Pro (the pretty aluminum one) and the head is called the "Switch Hitter" because the single valve can inflate both a schreader and a presta valve. THe problem is that when the Switch Hittier is installed and clamped on to either type of valve, the pump will build plenty of pressure but no air will pass through the valve. If I loosen anything, like the rubber seal/washer, then the pump just leaks. I went to a bike shop and they said that it works better when the tire valve is pointing straight up and the pump valve is pointing straight down. I tried this and it does actually work, but I have to push with a lot of force just to get 10-20 psi into the tire. Apparently these pumps are considered finicky. Anybody have a clue what is going on?
