Pneumatic Pump Issue

I need your help to troubleshoot an issue that I am having with a LEGO Pneumatic Pump.
The pump is from set 9641 (LEGO Education Mechanisms Pneumatics Add-On Set) and has the BrickLink ID x191c01 (www.bricklink.c....
If you have experienced a similar problem, or have a solution, please leave a message in the comments of this video.
Thanks in advance.
Update 1:
I have taken some close-up macro photos of the pneumatic pump, and it appears that there is a crack rather than a round pin-hole. I'm not sure if the crack continues all of the way to the edge of the black section or not.
www.brickshelf....
www.brickshelf....
Update 2:
Thank you to everyone that has provided comments and suggestions.
Please watch my follow-up video to see the solution that I implemented.
• Pneumatic Pump Issue -...
Music:
"Thinking Music" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
creativecommons...

[@slfroden]

Update 2: Thank you to everyone that has provided comments and suggestions. Please watch my follow-up video to see the solution that I implemented. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bpyqZKNti7uboLs Update 1: I have taken some close-up macro photos of the pneumatic pump, and it appears that there is a crack rather than a round pin-hole. I'm not sure if the crack continues all of the way to the edge of the black section or not. www.brickshelf.com/gallery/slfroden/ForumPic/00000067.jpg www.brickshelf.com/gallery/slfroden/ForumPic/00000068.jpg

[@saiswervo]

slfroden use tape to fix the hole

[@slfroden]

+Strategy Studios - Thanks. I don't think that tape would be able to handle the pressure of Lego Pneumatics though (up to about 45psi).

[@norbertkelemen9985]

I think that a little bit of super glue would fix it. You just need to cover the crack with a thin layer of glue and it sould work ;)

[@slfroden]

+Norbert Kelemen - Thanks. That seems to be a popular suggestion.

[@casperborn8474]

yeah the plastic cracked on a couple of mine, you know that mold line i believe it's called. put a dab of superglue on it and you're good to go

[@daniilrayu1911]

flex tape! fixing all that damage! or hot glue?

[@CreepyMonkeyHeadGame]

Just put some epoxy or glue in the hole

[@BenItBuhner]

I had the same issue! On BOTH of my little pumps, they had leaks in that place. I even have the same type of pneumatic set you do! But, weirdest part, it went away on its own when I didn't use it for a while.

[@kerbalspaceprogramenjoyer2084]

I put some electrical tape across it starting at the bottom going up from the other side of the air ports about half way up.

[@slfroden]

Thank you for the suggestion. Please watch my follow-up video to see the solution that I implemented. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bpyqZKNti7uboLs

[@Dave-bp6ju]

Isn't it a safety measure to prevent a motor-powered pump to build up too much of a pressure? You know, a motor powered pump keeps going for longer periods of time, and such "safety valve" somewhat stabilises the pressure on a certain level despite the pump going on.

[@slfroden]

I understand what you are saying, and it is true that the seal around the piston is designed to leak air when the cylinder is over-pressurised, however in this case there was a crack in the plastic which was leaking air. Check out my follow-up video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bpyqZKNti7uboLs

[@fly72j]

Never seen that issue in my pumps. Try a dot of superglue over the hole.

[@slfroden]

+John Hart - Thanks. Superglue seems to be a popular suggestion.

[@thumat2002]

First question I have, is do you have another small blue pump like this one? Does it do the same thing? Next thing I would like to point out, is that this might be intentional. Of course, I thought that until I read that you photographed it and it looks like a crack. The reason I think it might be intentional is due to the nature of this pump. It is typically used with a motorized way of pneumatically charging a system with air. At least whenever I have seen LEGO put it into their builds. I suspect this is because once the motor drives the pump, you could easily overcharge the system with pressure, enough to damage the small pump (i suspect). Did LEGO engineer the pump in a way to put pressure into the system, but then allow it to escape again so as not to over pressurize the system. Alternatively, the crack could be the result of this pump being overdriven by a motor until the housing cracked due to the over pressure. When I find my pump, I will test to see if my pump behaves as yours.

[@slfroden]

+Todd Thuma - Thanks for your comment. I only have this one trans light blue small pump, so I don't have anything to directly compare this faulty pump to. I do have other small pumps that don't have this issue at all. I was trying to build a model that uses this pneumatic pump, and it was the first time that I had used the pump at all. In my model I have a pressure cut-off so that the system stops being pressurized once it reaches about 30psi, so the system should never over-pressurize. Having said that, while building/testing I have had this pump to a point where it can no longer add any more pressure to the system. I guess there would be a certain point where the pump could no longer deal with the pressure in the system, and that could cause the inner workings and/or housing of the pump to fail. I have not used any modified pneumatic parts or third-party air compressors to get to any extreme pressures at all, and the maximum pressure that I have reached is about 45psi. I would think that the pump would have been designed to handle the pressure that it (or other Lego pumps) could add to the system without failing. My close-up macro photo definitely shows a crack, so I don't think that this failure is an intentional design feature. Typically (with a working pump) if the pressure in the system gets too high and you try to add more air, the excess air will leak past the rubber piston head and vent into the surrounding environment. This can easily be seen with these trans light blue pneumatic pumps (when they are working properly).

[@henrychan720]

Just tape the hole?

[@jacksonvanderkooy]

you could order some epoxy sculpt and use a tiny bit of that to fill the hole and then wait a day for it to dry. This is a better plan than using heat as you may warm the surrounding parts and cease the pump

[@slfroden]

+Jackson Vanderkooy - If I was to try and apply heat to melt the plastic and close the hole, it would not be direct heat and it would be very localized and for a very short time. I don't think that it would warm the surrounding parts, but I understand your concern.

[@jacksonvanderkooy]

fair enough. I have a feeling you probably know more than me in this field anyway

[@27000ants]

Looks intentional given how the small pump is supposed to be use in conjunction with a motor, so this could be a safety mechanism to prevent over-pressurization.

[@slfroden]

+27000ants - I don't think this is intentional as none of my other pneumatic pumps exhibit this behavior. Typically when there is too much pressure in the system, and you try to pump more in, the air will leak past the piston head.

[@DarkstarthenightwingSUBSCRIBE]

air could be moving around the one way valve, see if you can pull air into the system with your finger over the leak.

[@slfroden]

+Darkstar the nightwing - Thank you for the suggestion. The Lego Pneumatic system works on positive air pressure, so it is difficult to 'pull air into the system' which would require negative air pressure. As shown in the video, if I cover the hole pressure is maintained in the system, so I think the one way valve is working ok. Please watch my follow-up video to see the solution that I implemented. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bpyqZKNti7uboLs

[@XevianLight]

You should always be able to pull air into the system because of the one way valve, right?

[@legomachines5970]

Mine leakes between the black and blue part.

[@slfroden]

I'm sorry to hear that you are having trouble with your pneumatic pump. I found a solution to my issue, which you can see in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bpyqZKNti7uboLs

[@legotechnicmastery]

Never experienced that before ! even if I have a lot of pneumatic elements ! My small pumps can't stop whisteling when pumping out air :) Horrible noise !

[@slfroden]

+Lego Technic Mastery - My small pumps whistle too, if they aren't connected to anything. I think that that is normal...?

[@babascustomlegocreations8837]

yes it is, all my 3 pumps wistle when not connected to anything, its the air rushing out of the hole where the tube attaches

[@camdflage]

I just built the AROCS and now joy with the pump. I'm new to mechanics and pnumatics, so have no idea how to test the system. The piston pump seems woefully small for such a big job - it's one of Lego's biggest ever kits afterall. PM or public message me if you found a solution. Thanks for the video

[@slfroden]

I found a solution to the issue with my pump, which you can see in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bpyqZKNti7uboLs The pump used in the Arocs is sufficient to operate the pneumatic functions, although it may seem slow at times. If you suspect the pump isn't working properly, isolate it by removing it from the model, and then use your finger to block the port and try pumping the pump several times. You should feel the pressure on your finger, and the pump should become more difficult to pump as the pressure builds up. When you remove your finger you should hear the air escape as the pressure inside the pump equalises with the air outside. If this is all working as described above, then the pump is working, and you may have an issue somewhere else in the system.

[@alexandermay861]

There might be a crack, try a drop of super glue

[@SNOMSEPLAY]

Warm up a soldering iron. Then slightly touch the area with the hole, so the surrounding ABS melts together.

[@slfroden]

+SNOMS - Thanks. Someone else mentioned using a lighter to do something similar, but I think your idea of using a soldering iron is better.

[@SNOMSEPLAY]

No problem.

[@phantommedia9964]

Try pumping with the hole plugged up, will it still work? Just in case you plug up the hole with superglue and it turns out air gets sucked in thru that hole too.

[@slfroden]

+Phantom Driven - Cars, RCs, and Lego Technic - Thank you for suggesting another troubleshooting technique. At the end of the video I use the big pump and cover the hole with my finger and that stops the leak. I have also used the small pump and covered the hole with my finger (not shown in the video), and that also stops the leak. I don't think that it is any of the moving parts in the pump causing the leak, just the hole/crack in the casing.

[@phantommedia9964]

***** have u tried pumping with the hole blocked?

[@slfroden]

+Phantom Driven - Cars, RCs, and Lego Technic - Yes. Pumping with either the big pump or the small pump with the hole blocked by my finger stops the leak.

[@phantommedia9964]

***** it might stop the leak, but if u plug the holes up will it be able to still pump air? It might not be able to pump anymore because the hole is blocked. It won't be leaking anymore, but it won't be able to pump and suck air in either since the hole is plugged.

[@slfroden]

+Phantom Driven - Cars, RCs, and Lego Technic - Oh, I see what you are asking now. In the video I just stop the leak. But in my testing (not shown in the video), I have blocked the hole with my finger and also used the small (faulty) pump to add air/pressure into the system, and that does work. I can get up to about 30psi before my finger can't hold the pressure anymore.

[@infectedzombieguy]

could it be that all of that pressure cracked the piece, or do you think that it was a manufacturing error?

[@slfroden]

+infectedzombieguy - I hadn't used this pneumatic pump before, and I didn't use any excessive pressure, but who can say for sure...?

[@ilovebmxboi3930]

I am pretty sure that it was just faulty. 😁😁😁😁😂😃

[@cmelton.photography]

id just superglue it mabey.

[@slfroden]

+Shastarocks OI - Thank you for the suggestion. Please watch my follow-up video to see the solution that I implemented. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bpyqZKNti7uboLs

[@HardwareHoehle]

Just glue it Thight

[@LevStart]

I think there-s only one solution - cover this place with good amount of superglue (or how is it called in english?)

[@slfroden]

+Lev Start - Thanks. It seems that most people are recommending to use some sort of glue (such as superglue).

[@camaroiowaguy23]

just get some clear super glue and put a dab on and ur fine

[@slfroden]

+camaroiowaguy23 - Thanks. Super glue seems to be a popular suggestion.

[@craigallen7835]

Use epoxy it should definitely withstand that pressure

[@slfroden]

+Craig Allen - Thanks Craig. At this stage I'm thinking either superglue or epoxy, or maybe a combination of both - superglue first to get in the crack, then epoxy to cover it.

[@gammalikker]

i have the same issue but not a solution....

[@slfroden]

+GaMMaLiKKeR - I'm still gathering data, but I'll post a message once I have implemented a solution.

[@HawxAnimator]

maybe apply some really strong glue to the hole

[@slfroden]

+Hawx Animator - Thanks. Most people are suggesting that I use superglue.

[@HawxAnimator]

as long as it can survive pressure

[@slfroden]

+Hawx Animator - Yeah, that's what I'm worried about.

[@mrono1910]

you`re voice makes my bass go crazy i think you need to fix the sound...

[@slfroden]

+MR ONO - Sorry. I'm still trying to work out the best way to do audio. I don't have a very good microphone, and I know the audio on this video isn't the best. I used Audacity to try and clean up the audio without distorting it too much and to make sure there was no clipping, but I am still learning. Unfortunately KZbin won't let me do anything to the audio apart from deleting this video and uploading a new video, but then I'd lose all of the helpful comments that people have left. Do you have any suggestions on how I can make the audio better?

[@charlesleland5946]

i woudl say take a small hot glue gun and press a small amount of hot glue in it see if that works... if not you could also do supper glue + a lil bit of plastic wrap to create a barrier film

[@slfroden]

+charles lelenad - Thanks. I was thinking about using some two-part epoxy, but I don't know if it would seep in and block the air flow completely, making the pump completely useless...?

[@charlesleland5946]

well depends on how big the hole is and how thick the epoxy is... if your concerned about the epoxy seeping you could wait till its partly cured to like a play-doe like consistency and try that... but i would try it first with hot glue to see if that will block it because you can adjust how mush pressure in gets applied and it can seep in a little bit... or you could go with a dab of supper glue like just a supper thin layer over where the hole is... let that cure see if it seals and then just build up layers and you can always sand it down flush... but then you run into the issue that it might just pop out... all in all I would suggest doing hot-glue first because you can always add a small bit of pressure into the system and experiment with that ( low risk) ( can always be easily removed if needed) on a side note most epoxies heat up as they cure ... and if it heats up too much it could damage it... as for superglue I know that there is hobbyist glue that is water proof that is used on model cars ( i have experience with this using it to glue together standard lego bricks and it ended up creating a water tight hull... however when large amounts were used it gave the appearance of it being partially melted but not deformed ( could have just been the light reflecting off of it)

[@slfroden]

+charles lelenad - Thanks again, all good advice.

[@babascustomlegocreations8837]

maybe try hot glue and see if it works (giving it about 10 minutes to fully dry) before trying supergue or epoxey!

[@charlesleland5946]

i major in mechanical engineering so this kinda thing is my shits

[@lukasresare3367]

thanks

[@carsonmcnamer5321]

Glue

[@slfroden]

+Carson Mcnamer - Thanks. Is there a particular type of glue that you recommend?

[@nicalister]

Maybe tape or glue

[@slfroden]

+Da GeckoGaming - Thanks. I don't think that tape would be able to handle the pressure of Lego Pneumatics (up to about 45psi), but some sort of glue might work.

[@Timo.krebss]

take some epoxy glue or silicone

[@slfroden]

+Timo Timo - Thanks. I think silicone might get a bit messy, but epoxy glue might work.

[@tristonius8557]

put silicon were the hole is

[@slfroden]

Thank you for the suggestion. Please watch my follow-up video to see the solution that I implemented. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bpyqZKNti7uboLs

[@GreenGeckoLegoTechnicWorkshop]

just put a drop of super glue over the hole, works for me with my pneumatic's.

[@slfroden]

+Green Gecko Lego Technic Creations - Thanks for your input. Is superglue enough, or should I put some epoxy over the top of that too?

[@GreenGeckoLegoTechnicWorkshop]

just super glue is fine but make sure the surface is clean before gluing.

[@slfroden]

+Green Gecko Lego Technic Creations - Ok. Thanks for the advice.

[@beBe-zr8ld]

use sugre to fill the leak

[@slfroden]

+be nguyen - I'm sorry, I don't know what 'surge' is. Is that a type of glue, or a brand name, or some other type of filler/adhesive?

[@RafiX7415953]

he probably think about sugru it's like plasticine then it hardens to gum.

[@slfroden]

+RafiX7415953 - Thanks for the clarification. I've never used Sugru before. It looks fairly thick, so I'm not sure that it would fit in the tiny hole/crack that I have with this pneumatic pump.

[@babascustomlegocreations8837]

superglue might work

[@slfroden]

+Baba's Custom Lego Creations - Thanks for your input. Superglue seems to be a popular suggestion.

[@babascustomlegocreations8837]

***** yes

[@mocraft0536]

If nothing works you could get a new one.

[@slfroden]

+mocraft05 - Thanks. Lego Pneumatics can be quite expensive, so I want to see if I can save this one before I resort to getting a new one.

[@mocraft0536]

slfroden sticky tape or duct tape might work.

[@slfroden]

+mocraft05 - Thanks. I don't think tape can handle the pressure of Lego Pneumatics (up to about 45psi) and it wouldn't look too good. I'm thinking some sort of glue might be best. If you have any other ideas please let me know, they are all appreciated.

[@mocraft0536]

Maybe you could melt the plastic together with a lighter. Of course being careful not to melt to much of it.

[@slfroden]

+mocraft05 - Hmm, that could work. I think it might be better to heat up a piece of metal and use that to melt the plastic so that I'm not using any direct heat from the lighter. I'll keep this in mind. Thanks.

[@jemvalexander]

Putt a hot mettle rod on the howl and that make usher that the rod is hot Enid to melt the plastic just a smidge!😹😄😅😅😉

[@matsjosefsson4921]

illuminati comfirmd

[@lukasresare3367]

ruber and glu.

[@slfroden]

+Lukas Resare - Do you mean like a bicycle inner-tube repair using rubber cement and a rubber patch? I'm not sure that the rubber cement will stick to the smooth plastic of the pneumatic pump. Or do you mean something else?

[@lukasresare3367]

Take a sand paper skrub de sörfes for 2 sec and den use fin or midium tube and glue the in side pull upp so it can cuver and let the glue harden.

[@slfroden]

+Lukas Resare - Thanks. That technique might make the pneumatic pump functional again. I'm not sure where I'd get a small piece of rubber tube that fits on the outside of the pneumatic pump from though.

[@lukasresare3367]

Your wellcom

[@lukasresare3367]

And if i tipe safing rong is di cos a am a swed.

[@beBe-zr8ld]

um buy a new one

[@slfroden]

+be nguyen - Yes, that is one solution. But, what should I do with the existing one? Throw it away so that it ends up in landfill? For the sake of the environment, shouldn't I at least try to fix the existing one first?

[@slfroden]

+Auzzie Brickz! - If you had trouble with all of your pumps from this set, and I'm also having trouble, maybe there is an issue with the manufacture of this piece?

[@Skeke-qh3sm]

tape simple electric tape

[@slfroden]

+Enderdragon 1910 - Thanks. Do you think that electrical tape would be able to withstand the pressure of Lego Pneumatics (up to about 45psi)?

[@Skeke-qh3sm]

***** well kinda worked for me one time

[@blueberry847]

DUCT TAPE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!FTW