Schrader valve/mini pump problem

Very embarrassing question. I have a Fuji mini-pump that I haven't used before. It's one of those pumps that reverses to presta or schrader. The instructions are just some illustrations. I have it set for a Schrader valve but what do I do now, lol! After I reversed it, I assume I should screw back that cap before inserting it on top of the valve. That didn't work. I took it off and placed it on top of the valve but that doesn't seem right either. I put it on top of the valve, air comes out and I don't even know how it's supposed to "lock into place."

I'd like to avoid driving to the LBS. I'm too mortified to explain the problem.

If you have it set for schrader, the big fat valve, push down on the pump firmly, then lift the lever (if it has one) to lock it into place. Then carefully pump air into it and try not to jiggle the pump too much so that you don't break off the valve. Just one of those dumb things I've done in the past.

If you have a floor pump, that is the ideal way to pump up your tires because you're more likely to get it fully inflated.

Sundial,
Thanks for this ultra-speedy reply. Should the screw on cap (For the pump of course) be removed while inserting it on top of the valve. When I try pushing it on top of the valve, it just retreats into the tire:(

I tried finding a picture of a Fuji mini-pump online and couldn't find it. So let me go get my mini pump and I'll be right back. Stay tuned.

You're too kind Sundial. To complicate matters. I just went back to try again, found my valve under the tire, sort of crooked in there and I couldn't pop it out without risking further damage. When I tried to pump it in that position, all I succeeded in doing was making the schrader pump adapter damaged. I'm disgusted. Quite frankly, I agree about the floor pump.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y18...crew/pump1.jpg

Here's the mini pump. This head is set for a presta (skinny) valve, so I need to change it for schrader.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y18...crew/pump2.jpg

I unscrewed the outer black ring and pulled out the presta adapter.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y18...crew/pump3.jpg

This is the presta adapter and I'll need to reverse it for the schrader.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y18...crew/pump4.jpg

I've set it for schrader and I need to screw the black ring back on the pump at this point.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y18...crew/pump5.jpg

Now I'm attaching it to my valve. Notice the lever is in the down position. Press the pump down firmly until you feel it "give".

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y18...crew/pump6.jpg

Now pull up the lever and it should lock it into place. Now you can start pumping up your tire. :) Be very careful to not jiggle the valve too much so as not to break it. ;)

What an excellent pictorial :)

Note that the Presta valve has a small screw on it that keeps it from disappearing into the rim as you attach the pump.

Well Sundial,
You're a treasure. What incredible photos! Due to this great pictorial, I was able to confirm that I had been doing everything correctly and still no luck. I got the confidence to go to my LBS a whiel ago and sure enough----defective pump!! I was thrilled to hear it. Shook my confidence. They changed it on the spot.:D

Many many thanks for the generous time you took in getting this information to me!!

Best regards.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by sundial

Then carefully pump air into it and try not to jiggle the pump too much so that you don't break off the valve. Just one of those dumb things I've done in the past.

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I've done this more times than I care to admit.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Cloudymoor

I got the confidence to go to my LBS a whiel ago and sure enough----defective pump!! They changed it on the spot.:D

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You're more than welcome! What kind of pump did you get? Any pictures? ;) :D

No photos Sundial (tee hee), but it's a "Planet Bike" pump. They gave it to me already out of the package, but it's very similar to the Fuji pump---same gauge. More substantial feel to it however.

Did you test it in the comfort and safety of your home? ;)