Silca frame pump rebuild advice
08-06-22, 01:27 PM
#1
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Silca frame pump rebuild advice
I recently got a hold of an old Silca (Impero?) frame pump that probably needs a rebuild. It seals at the stem, and the plunger seems to seal well, but the check valve isn't working.
I've had absolutely no luck finding any sort of documentation on the things, aside from some Silca Youtube videos that seem to only apply to their modern pumps. While I'm sure that the basic mechanics of the pumps are the same, the differences are enough that I'm not comfortable trying to disassemble the pump, because I'm afraid of boogering up something I couldn't replace like the nylon(?) end caps. I didn't pay a lot for the pump, so the actual risk is minimal, but I'd prefer not to mess it up if possible.
Is there any sort of documentation available on these things? Is it possible it's not an Impero pump, and I'm looking for the wrong documentation?
I've had absolutely no luck finding any sort of documentation on the things, aside from some Silca Youtube videos that seem to only apply to their modern pumps. While I'm sure that the basic mechanics of the pumps are the same, the differences are enough that I'm not comfortable trying to disassemble the pump, because I'm afraid of boogering up something I couldn't replace like the nylon(?) end caps. I didn't pay a lot for the pump, so the actual risk is minimal, but I'd prefer not to mess it up if possible.
Is there any sort of documentation available on these things? Is it possible it's not an Impero pump, and I'm looking for the wrong documentation?
08-06-22, 01:56 PM
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We don't need no stinkin' check valve....
honestly, there isn't a check valve on the Impero. That's part of it's "charm" and folklore.
The assumption is that the valve in the tube will stop air from getting out, which is generally true, until you bump the valve stem and release air into the pump, potentially firing the pump's plunger with great force.
Steve in Peoria (and knows better than to let a friend borrow my Impero pumps)
08-06-22, 02:08 PM
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I recently got a hold of an old Silca (Impero?) frame pump that probably needs a rebuild. It seals at the stem, and the plunger seems to seal well, but the check valve isn't working.
I've had absolutely no luck finding any sort of documentation on the things, aside from some Silca Youtube videos that seem to only apply to their modern pumps. While I'm sure that the basic mechanics of the pumps are the same, the differences are enough that I'm not comfortable trying to disassemble the pump, because I'm afraid of boogering up something I couldn't replace like the nylon(?) end caps. I didn't pay a lot for the pump, so the actual risk is minimal, but I'd prefer not to mess it up if possible.
Is there any sort of documentation available on these things? Is it possible it's not an Impero pump, and I'm looking for the wrong documentation?
I've had absolutely no luck finding any sort of documentation on the things, aside from some Silca Youtube videos that seem to only apply to their modern pumps. While I'm sure that the basic mechanics of the pumps are the same, the differences are enough that I'm not comfortable trying to disassemble the pump, because I'm afraid of boogering up something I couldn't replace like the nylon(?) end caps. I didn't pay a lot for the pump, so the actual risk is minimal, but I'd prefer not to mess it up if possible.
Is there any sort of documentation available on these things? Is it possible it's not an Impero pump, and I'm looking for the wrong documentation?
You really can't hurt these any more than it may already be, especially with the amount of trepidation (not a bad thing) already onboard.
As already said, the valve core is the check valve and the pump head needs to be fully engaged and held steadily, squarely inline with the stem while pumping.
I always apply a pinch of spit for lube, sealing and tap the valve core pintle to make sure it moves freely.
Most of them will come around with some lube on the leather plunger after cleaning it by wiping with a rag
08-06-22, 11:39 PM
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So, pics or it didn't happen and so we can be sure of what it is.
You really can't hurt these any more than it may already be, especially with the amount of trepidation (not a bad thing) already onboard.
As already said, the valve core is the check valve and the pump head needs to be fully engaged and held steadily, squarely inline with the stem while pumping.
I always apply a pinch of spit for lube, sealing and tap the valve core pintle to make sure it moves freely.
Most of them will come around with some lube on the leather plunger after cleaning it by wiping with a rag
You really can't hurt these any more than it may already be, especially with the amount of trepidation (not a bad thing) already onboard.
As already said, the valve core is the check valve and the pump head needs to be fully engaged and held steadily, squarely inline with the stem while pumping.
I always apply a pinch of spit for lube, sealing and tap the valve core pintle to make sure it moves freely.
Most of them will come around with some lube on the leather plunger after cleaning it by wiping with a rag
08-06-22, 11:40 PM
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check valve??
We don't need no stinkin' check valve....
honestly, there isn't a check valve on the Impero. That's part of it's "charm" and folklore.
The assumption is that the valve in the tube will stop air from getting out, which is generally true, until you bump the valve stem and release air into the pump, potentially firing the pump's plunger with great force.
Steve in Peoria (and knows better than to let a friend borrow my Impero pumps)
We don't need no stinkin' check valve....
honestly, there isn't a check valve on the Impero. That's part of it's "charm" and folklore.
The assumption is that the valve in the tube will stop air from getting out, which is generally true, until you bump the valve stem and release air into the pump, potentially firing the pump's plunger with great force.
Steve in Peoria (and knows better than to let a friend borrow my Impero pumps)
08-07-22, 06:05 AM
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My advice would be put it on the shelf and get a Zefal HPx that fits your frame. Silica pumps are nice classic pumps that come in lots of pretty colors but if you want to ride home get a Zefal
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08-07-22, 05:51 PM
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08-07-22, 06:04 PM
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I'm recalling that, though rare, there were Shrader-valve heads available for this style of pump, ...assuming that those included a check valve in them(?).
I'm somehow thinking that Primus made those(?).
I'm somehow thinking that Primus made those(?).
08-07-22, 06:09 PM
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I've never not gotten home with a Silca, every one I have will get you there.
08-07-22, 06:36 PM
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Any Silca that works will get you there once you get the hang of it, simpler more complicated times.
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08-07-22, 07:45 PM
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While I agree that Zefals are slightly better than Silca pumps in that they have a check valve, a Silca with a metal Campy head as 90% as good as a Zefal, and looks a darn sight better on most vintage bikes. On the other hand, Silcas with either Silca or Campy plastic heads are nowhere near as good, though they are lighter.
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