brickzone Posted December 18, 2009 Posted December 18, 2009 I was just wondering if anyone had any suggestions about getting a Technic pneumatic pump to work? It seems to be blocked, that is, there is resistance to pressing the pump, no air comes out the bottom, and if you push it hard the air just escapes out the top. I have no experience with Technic pneumatics - so I'm just kind of hoping that this isn't a situation where a replacement is needed (those pumps aren't so cheap for a single element). The pump is from 2006 and a dusty model - perhaps dust has blocked the nozzle? (although the pipe was still firmly attached when I got the model). Quote
Milan Posted December 18, 2009 Posted December 18, 2009 Is that pump yours from the beginning or you got it as a part of second hand deal? I cant understand that from your post. The last resort is to open it and see what is the problem, some guidelines can be seen HERE and HERE This links are about Pneumatic Cylinders, not pumps, but you may get the general idea, if you decide to open them. Quote
brickzone Posted December 18, 2009 Author Posted December 18, 2009 (edited) Milan: Second-hand, and I figured it could be opened (plus my Dad is a mechanical expert so he'd understand the innards) but I wanted to avoid that if it was some kind of ordinary issue there is a simple fix for. Thanks for the links! Edited December 18, 2009 by brickzone Quote
Milan Posted December 18, 2009 Posted December 18, 2009 Well, good luck with that piece. I have 3 pumps (much) older than yours, never had any problems with them. Quote
Brickthus Posted December 19, 2009 Posted December 19, 2009 Milan:Second-hand, and I figured it could be opened (plus my Dad is a mechanical expert so he'd understand the innards) but I wanted to avoid that if it was some kind of ordinary issue there is a simple fix for. Thanks for the links! Look into the nozzle at the bottom. If it isn't clear, use a 1.4mm screwdriver to bore it out. Be gentle! That should unblock any air blockage problem. I've bored out some cylinder nozzles to improve performance. Bottom ones are fine but with top ones you have to ensure not damaging the cylinder top seal. Anything else might be a stuck piston, which would require opening as above. Not done it myself! Mark Quote
Jetro Posted December 20, 2009 Posted December 20, 2009 I've opened several pistons and it is quite easy to do. The top part (black) is a lot more flexible then might seem at first sight and if you use a pair of thin flat screwdrivers it can be pried apart without breaking it. Quote
deAraujo Posted January 26, 2010 Posted January 26, 2010 Hey! I had that exact same problem with two old pumps (more than 10 yrs). I pulverized both with WD40 (spray used to lubricate gears and metal parts), then moved several times up and down, and voilá! Like new! It also cleaned some dirt it had. Until now both pumps are in great working order Give it a try Quote
Enilder Posted January 27, 2010 Posted January 27, 2010 (edited) Hey! I had that exact same problem with two old pumps (more than 10 yrs).I pulverized both with WD40 (spray used to lubricate gears and metal parts), then moved several times up and down, and voilá! Like new! It also cleaned some dirt it had. Until now both pumps are in great working order Give it a try correct me if i am wrong but doesnt WD40 attracts lots of dusts? i've been recommended to stay away from WD40 if i dont want any dusts built up. i forgot what the alternative was but i was just wondering. [edit] yes, teflon lubricant: http://www.lowes.com/pd_213197-39963-D0011...36;y=0$x=0 just my 2cents. Edited January 27, 2010 by Enilder Quote
deAraujo Posted January 27, 2010 Posted January 27, 2010 (edited) Until now I haven´t got any problems with WD40. After I sprayed both pumps I left them closed down until they were dry. Now they are mounted in my backhoe and the metal still shines, they have no more dust than the rest of the set has. No problems Edited January 27, 2010 by deAraujo Quote
Enilder Posted January 27, 2010 Posted January 27, 2010 Until now I haven´t got any problems with WD40.After I sprayed both pumps I left them closed down until they were dry. Now they are mounted in my backhoe and the metal still shines, they have no more dust than the rest of the set has. No problems good to know. dont have pnematic system yet but planning to buy one (hopefully from ebay/BL in future). thanks! Quote
allanp Posted January 27, 2010 Posted January 27, 2010 WD40 ay? I'm sure WD40 works wonders but will it affect the seals over time? The only reason I say this is because I only have one leaking cylinder and it's the only cylinder I lubricated with 3in1 oil when I was about 10 Quote
Brickthus Posted January 27, 2010 Posted January 27, 2010 WD40 ay? I'm sure WD40 works wonders but will it affect the seals over time? The only reason I say this is because I only have one leaking cylinder and it's the only cylinder I lubricated with 3in1 oil when I was about 10 Yes, there is a type of grease in pneumatic parts. I wish TLG would say which type. Any cylinder that's had oil of any type in it will need cleaning and then grease re-applying in order to restore the seals. The grease can be seen in the clear cylinder that was available a few years ago in a Mindstorms accessory pack. Mark Quote
brickzone Posted January 27, 2010 Author Posted January 27, 2010 Thanks for the suggestions. I may try WD40, although getting the pump working would now just provide me with a second pump - I already went and bricklinked a replacement. Quote
Enilder Posted January 27, 2010 Posted January 27, 2010 Thanks for the suggestions. I may try WD40, although getting the pump working would now just provide me with a second pump - I already went and bricklinked a replacement. i may want to get my hands on those pneumatics. i hope prices go down on BL... Quote
allanp Posted January 28, 2010 Posted January 28, 2010 i may want to get my hands on those pneumatics. i hope prices go down on BL... They should come down in time now that a new set with pneumatics has been released, at least I hope so Quote
allanp Posted January 28, 2010 Posted January 28, 2010 Yes, there is a type of grease in pneumatic parts. I wish TLG would say which type.Any cylinder that's had oil of any type in it will need cleaning and then grease re-applying in order to restore the seals. The grease can be seen in the clear cylinder that was available a few years ago in a Mindstorms accessory pack. Mark After a brief search on the internet i've found that any product which contains petrolium distillates is NOT TOTALLY SAFE to use on rubber seals which is unfortunate as both 3in1 oil and WD40 use a petrolium distillate as it's main base ingredient. Maybe a silicone based grease would be better, like this one: http://www.alibaba.com/product-free/101625...ing_Grease.html Quote
B-Lister Posted January 28, 2010 Posted January 28, 2010 don't laugh, but the best non-petroleum distillate lubricant is KY Jelly. Quote
Enilder Posted January 28, 2010 Posted January 28, 2010 don't laugh, but the best non-petroleum distillate lubricant is KY Jelly. i couldnt resist! hahaha Quote
allanp Posted January 29, 2010 Posted January 29, 2010 (edited) don't laugh, but the best non-petroleum distillate lubricant is KY Jelly. You know you're an AFOL when your first thought upon seein KY jelly is "hmmmmm, I could lubricate the rubber seal on my pneumatic ram with that!" But yeah, good thinking, I never thought of using that. Hmmmmm! Edited January 29, 2010 by allanp Quote
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