fixing pumps

Started by Billy Wiz, June 10, 2008, 06:55:21 AM

Previous topic - Next topic

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Billy Wiz

I use Qualatex purple pumps for walk-about. I'm finding they don't quite last as long as they used to. The only small problem I get is something to do with the washer inside. The pump just seems to stick, I can't open or close it, but I also can't work out how to fix it. Maybe it needs a new washer???

Any suggestions?
Have you had a similar problem with the pump??

YvonneH

#1
Yes!!! My first pump started doing this so I have just bought 3 new spares just in case  ;) Overkill maybe but I wanted one that could sit on my desk with a handful of balloons so I could have a go if the mood took me.

I did get advised to try a little WD40 in it so see if that made any difference (as with a little bit of brute force and ignorance it works again for a short while) but not tried it yet.
Yx
<a href=\"mailto:yvonne@loonyballoony.co.uk\">yvonne@loonyballoony.co.uk</a>
http://www.loonyballoony.co.uk

Smiggle

#2
My Qualatex pump sticks now and the but the brute force and iggerance has worked so far - because of this I generally use a faster blaster but the nozzle on these are a bit thick so it is fiddly to get a 260 fitted to it properly and that can be a bit of a nuisance if you're working quickly, I shall have to save the pennies and get a battery pump
C\'mon Let\'s twist again...

Professor T Wist

#3
After reading these posts I dismantled my pumps and had a look in them. Can't resist a bit of dismantle rebuild better. The washers, for want of a better word are lightly lubricated. I would suggest a light coating of silicon grease would be the best thing to use at reasonably regular intervals, or check and when it looks like it is drying out then lube it up.
As silicon grease isn't an every day item found in most peoples houses try usng vasaline, it is a very good for this sort of thing.

YvonneH

#4
DUMB FEMALE QUESTION ALERT!!!

How precisely are you supposed to apply the vaseline to the pump?
Yx
<a href=\"mailto:yvonne@loonyballoony.co.uk\">yvonne@loonyballoony.co.uk</a>
http://www.loonyballoony.co.uk

Professor T Wist

#5
You undo the pump, ie unscrew cap and pull out plunger. You then apply a small amout to the rubber washer or failing that a smear around the barrell of the pump.
Put pump back together.

This only works if you have a dismantlable pump of course  :shock:


Btw it wasn't a dumb question, some people are mechanically minded others aren't.  :)

YvonneH

#6
Oh I had just assumed the thing was glued / moulded together - didn't realise they could be opened lol Looks like my other pump can be saved  :D
Yx
<a href=\"mailto:yvonne@loonyballoony.co.uk\">yvonne@loonyballoony.co.uk</a>
http://www.loonyballoony.co.uk

nippy99

#7
For the sake of spending £2 i just buy a new one  :o
Darren Atkins
MagicWorks Ltd


Twitter :
@magicworksltd

Billy Wiz

#8
I use about 40,000 balloons a year, so I get through a few pumps. It's not just the £2, it's the inconvenience of when it stops working. I now have 2 or 3 in my van at all times just in case.

I've got about a dozen in my garage that have broken over the last few years, I'll try the silicon grease, thanks for tip Proffesor :)