Latching on my Track Pump

Dizeee

I have a Park Tool Track Pump, had it for years - it has proved to be robust and stood the test of time but I have always struggled to get it to latch onto the valve correctly. It usually takes around 4 attempts of attachment per valve before I get a connection and even then, it only clicks and connects after repeated depressions with air blowing out the side of the valve.

Is it just this make of pump that is awkward? I unsrew the nipple to maximum out, then place the valve over the top, push it down and lift the lever - usually when I start pumping you just get air pissing out the side of the valve, after repeated attempts you eventually get lucky and it will click and connect.

cougie

I never unscrew it all the way. I do it a bit. Press to release a bit of air and then attach the pump head. Seems to work for me.

Matthewfalle

how much valve is there for the pump head to cling onto?

length does matter in this case.

Dizeee

Huge amounts, its a 60mm valve on a 35mm wheel

Matthewfalle

Bit strange then - I used a Park Tools one at work for a couple of years before someone stole it and it was fine.

Could be that that the rubber that forms the seal on the end of the head has worn and no longer grips properly - new universal heads are available from places like CRC for a tenner or so if this is the case.

gimpl

Mine stopped working properly after nearly 5 years of use too. Like yours it wouldn't stay sealed on the valve properly and leaked air as I was trying to pump so I bought a new one like this https://www.cyclesuk.com/en/gb/Bontrager-Pump-Head-Auto-Select-wHose/m-52046.aspx?PartnerID=136&utm_source=google&utm_medium=shopping&utm_campaign=UnitedKingdom&gclid=EAIaIQobChMImsTqy6GP2QIVzbDtCh3rQAd4EAQYASABEgIujPD_BwE

All good again ! Just like new and cheap.