Presta valve problem

[Ming the Merciless]

Zefal recommend to periodically add a small amount of light oil to the pump head rubber seal on their HPX frame fit to stop it drying out. You might want to try it on some of these other pumps.

 

[mjr]

Zefal recommend to periodically add a small amount of light oil to the pump head rubber seal on their HPX frame fit to stop it drying out. You might want to try it on some of these other pumps.

I have both light and oil. What ratio should I mix them in? 🤡

 

[sebinho]

Zefal recommend to periodically add a small amount of light oil to the pump head rubber seal on their HPX frame fit to stop it drying out. You might want to try it on some of these other pumps.

Thanks, I tried a drop of singer oil - didn't help unfortunately, probably too far gone.

Has anyone tried the Shimano Pro Snaplock pump heads? I can get these locally but not the SKS heads.

 

[classic33]

Try a Schrader-Presta adaptor.

 

[CharleyFarley]

On previous bikes, I've had clinchers with presta valves and have never had a problem using my "Beto" floor pump to inflate the tyres. On a new bike, I put on wheels with tubular rims and tyres (Vittoria Rally). The problem is, after loosening the nut on the valve and pressing it quickly to let out a jet of air, when I attach the pump to the valve and close the latch, air escapes as I pump. I can fill the tube with air only if I push the pump nozzle onto the valve with one hand as I pump with the other. It's really inconvenient! It's as if the pump nozzle has nothing to grip onto when its lever is fastened.

I notice that the valve is a removable one (two flat sides on the threaded section). I have tried tightening the valve with a pair of pliers (i don't have the correct tool) but it doesn't seem to help.

Might it be the pump that's the problem? Is there something else I can try?

Thanks,

A spoke tool would be better for checking the valve for tightness. Perhaps a new valve is needed. Just because it's new doesn't mean it's good.

I put Presta to Schrader adapters on my fat bike because I carry an electric pump when I go on long runs, and it won't fit a Presta valve. Filling a fat tire, using a hand pump, doesn't appeal to me. I had a flat four miles from home, and although I had a patch kit, the pumping up on a hot day wasn't going to be done by me. Although some recommend removing the adapters after pumping up the tire, I leave mine on, with the Presta screw thing undone, and it doesn't leak.

 

[Biker BoB]

Zefal recommend to periodically add a small amount of light oil to the pump head rubber seal on their HPX frame fit to stop it drying out. You might want to try it on some of these other pumps.

Oil will nacker the nylon inserts .
It's better to use silicone

 

[youngoldbloke]

If you use tubes with a smooth-barrel Presta valve the pump chuck will last much longer, and the whole process is easier.

 

[oldwheels]

Zefal recommend to periodically add a small amount of light oil to the pump head rubber seal on their HPX frame fit to stop it drying out. You might want to try it on some of these other pumps.

I prefer silicone lubricant as ordinary oil will perish the rubber. At least that was that we were told with reference to dry suit seals for scuba.

 

[Roadrat77]

Hello,

On previous bikes, I've had clinchers with presta valves and have never had a problem using my "Beto" floor pump to inflate the tyres. On a new bike, I put on wheels with tubular rims and tyres (Vittoria Rally). The problem is, after loosening the nut on the valve and pressing it quickly to let out a jet of air, when I attach the pump to the valve and close the latch, air escapes as I pump. I can fill the tube with air only if I push the pump nozzle onto the valve with one hand as I pump with the other. It's really inconvenient! It's as if the pump nozzle has nothing to grip onto when its lever is fastened.

I notice that the valve is a removable one (two flat sides on the threaded section). I have tried tightening the valve with a pair of pliers (i don't have the correct tool) but it doesn't seem to help.

Might it be the pump that's the problem? Is there something else I can try?

Thanks,

Is the rubber seal inside the pump head beginning to leak? Try it on another valve and see if it works okay - if it doesn't you know its the seal going tits-up.

 

[froze]

Interesting post. I've been using Presta valves for about sixty years and only had an issue once when the whole valve core came out when I released the track pump head.
Obviously I've just been lucky - !

Lucky? You do have 10 years on me but in the 50 years I've been using Presta valves that whole time and never had a core come out, and I've used a lot of different pumps with different heads even screw-on heads.

The only reason I don't like screw-on heads is they don't last long about 4 years, just had my floor pump screw-on head fail and replaced the head with a Blackburn push-on and locked the lever in place, it works pretty well, I think once the head breaks in it might work better, right now it's a bit stiff and I have to put about 5 psi more than I need so when I disconnect it a bit of air comes out of the tube. But the head does make a positive connection regardless of whether it is a smooth or threaded valve.

 

[simongt]

Ref Presta valves. When I 'inherited my brother's Rudge Clubman in the mid 60s; I was about 14 at the time, after he'd joined the Royal Navy, only being used to Wood's valves, I couldn't work out how to pump up the Presta valved tyres on the Clubman. As he wasn't a cyclist, neither could my dad, but it was my mum who sussed out the wee release nut at the top of the valve - !
Useful folk mums - !