Topeak Road Morph no blow

[matticus]

No air comes out of the end where it used to. Pumping seems too easy, so I'm guessing the seal on the plunger is the chief suspect?

I attempted disassembly and failed at that stage! (So you can mock me ... but go easy, as it was 1am and my brain was 390km old... )

Tell an idiot how to fix my old friend - he's helped me out on many dark nights, I don't want this relationship to end now

 

[yello]

I've not had a need to disassemble my Road Morph, other than replacing the end bits with the Topeak kit TRK-RP01 that is, and that's a doddle - simple unscrew the end bit and swap in the replacement parts.

Tbh, It's not a pump I use a great deal now. Too big to carry on the bike and not really up to it as a pukka floor pump either (the gauge is, um, 'indicative' to be kind) It fell out of favour for me after I bought a JoeBlow many years back.

However, assuming it's not the end bits/seal (and it doesn't sound like it), I have read of internal o-rings that do degrade and require replacing and/or re-greasing with silicone grease. Some people do that as a matter of course every year. As to HOW one accesses them, AI tells me....

To access the internal O-rings on a Topeak Road Morph G, unscrew the black plastic cap located at the top of the pump barrel, just above the hose attachment clip. This cap is thin and may require needle-nose pliers or fingers to grip and twist counterclockwise. Once removed, the plunger assembly can be pulled out, exposing the main O-ring on the shaft. Some users report that the handle base can also be used to help unscrew the cap if pliers aren't available.

Be cautious not to lose small internal parts during disassembly. After cleaning or replacing the O-ring, reassemble in reverse and apply heavy grease to ensure smooth operation. If the cap is stuck, Topeak’s customer service often provides support and replacement parts upon request.

Some/a lot of the above is from a thread on Bike Forums, you'll need to subscribe to view it....

https://www.bikeforums.net/touring/321857-topeak-road-morph-maintenance.html

 

[matticus]

@yello this is the key:
Some users report that the handle base can also be used to help unscrew the cap if pliers aren't available.

Amazing design. Topeak are even clevererer than I thought!!

 

[ColinJ]

If needed, rebuild kits are available, £3.99 HERE for example.

 

[Paulus]

@yello this is the key:
Some users report that the handle base can also be used to help unscrew the cap if pliers aren't available.

Amazing design. Topeak are even clevererer than I thought!!

I can report that this is the case.
Unscrew the handle with it in situ and the top comes off including the plunger.
This is a Mini Morph pump, but the procedure is the same.

 

[matticus]

@yello this is the key:
Some users report that the handle base can also be used to help unscrew the cap if pliers aren't available.

Amazing design. Topeak are even clevererer than I thought!!

UPDate: using yello's info I had the end off about 30seconds after reading this!

Sadly there's not a lot visibly wrong with the O-ring, but this is still invaluable info. (the barrel isn't dry either). I kinda wish it was clearly fubar-ed, as I'd just order a rebuild kit ...

Instead, a couple of us faffed with the thing for a few minutes, and magically achieved some kind of blow (with repeated strokes - oo-er!). So the situation is ... fluid at the moment. I certainly can't trust old Morphy in the field, but I feel he still has hope!

Maybe something has gotten worn/dirty/loose in the hose and/or chuck? Might disassemble and look further. It might even be worth trying a rebuild kit (for a fiver!) and see how it goes. The general build quality of these things seems admirable, it's survived strapped to the side of my down-tube for 1000s of km.

 

[matticus]

This is a Mini Morph pump, but the procedure is the same.

I've realised I have something similar (it's a topeak pump with a shorter barrel than the Road Morph): if the hoses are exactly the same, I may attempt a transplant experiment ...

 

[ColinJ]

I have a vague memory of greasing a Topeak pump o-ring years ago to restore pumping action.

 

[Ming the Merciless]

I have a vague memory of greasing a Topeak pump o-ring years ago to restore pumping action.

Orings do need periodic grease to keep them supple oand effective.

 

[matticus]

Orings do need periodic grease to keep them supple oand effective.

The Internet is adamant you need "special silicon grease" for this. I shall use this stuff I've had lying around for years, it says
"O-ring compatible"