joe blow track pump problem

snig
snig Posts: 428
edited August 2014 in Commuting general
I have a Topeak joe blow track pump, I'm having a hard time trying to fit it to a presta value, sometimes it works fine other times it will not pump air into the tyre, the handle is impossible to push down after one pump, any idea what I'm doing wrong? I pull the yellow level to the opposite side to block the air coming out the other side, or is it a faulty pump? as the joe blow seems to get mixed reviews.

(I'm opening the presta value)

Comments

  • cookie56
    cookie56 Posts: 19
    I have a joe blow which I experienced similar issues with. Now I always "tap" the presta valve before affixing the pump and ensure the pump adaptor seats properly and everything works fine.
  • snig
    snig Posts: 428
    cheers...yeah i did loads of googling last night as I just couldn't get it to work, came up with the tapping thing and also the pressure in the line has to max what's in the tyre before it will add any more air to the tyre, as the tyre was already half pumped up, I guess I needed to really force the air in, so had to get the air in the line to around 50psi before it would carry on pumping, seemed to work fine after i read that.

    was trying out a new mini pump, must say I was really surprised at how fast it pumped up the tyre, was considering buying co2 for flats but no need now.
  • drlodge
    drlodge Posts: 4,826
    snig wrote:
    the pressure in the line has to max what's in the tyre before it will add any more air to the tyre

    This...also I find the amount you "push" the thing on can make a difference, sometimes no amount of pressure will put air into the tyre and I have to undo/redo the thing to make sure its on the right amount. Don't know if I'm pushing it on too far or not enough...I suspect too far.
    WyndyMilla Massive Attack | Rourke 953 | Condor Italia 531 Pro | Boardman CX Pro | DT Swiss RR440 Tubeless Wheels
    Find me on Strava
  • slowbike
    slowbike Posts: 8,498
    tap ...

    I press it down and let a little bit of air out - that way I know it's free, otherwise the valve usually gets stuck and no amount of pressure in the pump will open it (well - no amount I'm prepared to try anyway)
  • snig
    snig Posts: 428
    cheers all, glad to know it's not just me that had problems.

    I just thought it was either me not fitting it on the valve correctly or a duff pump.
  • markhewitt1978
    markhewitt1978 Posts: 7,614
    Been having similar issues with mine. Just wouldn't connect with the valve. Eventually had to push it home really hard.
  • Pepperoni Man
    Pepperoni Man Posts: 41
    I've had this problem with every track pump I've had - tapping the valve does appear to be the solution

Categories