WTF? Air compressor and tire inflation issues

[ExtraSlow]

So, I'm having a problem that is really confusing and infuriating me. I can't seem to inflate bike tires with my air compressor. This should be the simplest activity, but I'm failing. Hoping someone can shed some light, and if not, maybe folks can at least enjoy my failure.

Backstory: I have a shitty cheap Cambell Hausfeld 2 gall compressor. One of the oil-less types. Bought it used for $40. It runs, and holds pressure and works fine with the air-gun attachment. Doesn't appear to leak. As per pic:

» Click image for larger version

I have a Princess Auto air chuck, which came as part of an accessory kit. As per pic:

» Click image for larger version

Now, when I attach everything together, and the air compressor is up to pressure, I have no leaks, and things seem good. At this point I feel pretty confident and cool.

When I press the air chuck onto the bike tire valve, I get the "normal" air leakage when it is on part way, and then there is a slight "thunk" sound as it's pressed fully onto the valve. After that thunk, no air goes anywhere. The tire does not fill. I have tried multiple angles, and both sides of the dual-head air chuck. Always the same. Just in case I'm totally inept, I have had other people try too. Nobody can make it work.

The first time this happened, I assumed that the tire valve was faulty, so I removed and replaced it with a spare valve core I had in my toolbox. Same result. Tired this on six other bike tires, always same result.

Assumed the issue was the cheapo air-chuck, so borrowed one that is "known good" from a relative, and lo and behold, same result. Now I'm getting angry.

Borrowed a different air compressor, and lo and behold, it works fine with either air chuck. All six bike tires seem to inflate fine from other compressors.

This makes no sense to me. If my compressor is getting up to pressure just fine (about 100 PSI), how the hell can the air chuck or the valve somehow be effected by the compressor?

What's the guess? Is this a problem with the compressor, the air chuck, the bike valves, or am I just an idiot?

I can for sure buy a better quality air chuck, and I actually might be buying a new compressor soon anyway, but if I can put that off, I'd like to wait.

Anyone have any idea what the fuck is happening here?

[revelations]

Dumb question, can you blow air with the nozzle?

[lilmira]

dumb question, did you adjust the regulator?

[ExtraSlow]

A good place to start, and yes, I can blow air with the air gun, no issues, and with the tire chuck, if I depress the valve in it with a tool, it blows air just fine.

[ExtraSlow]

I adjusted the regulator down to around 45 PSI (since that was what I wanted the bike tires to get to), and I also tried it up around 90 PSI.

[lilmira]

any chance that the pressure in the bike tire is already way higher?

what kind of bike tire is that? shrader valve or presta valve?

[birdman86]

Hate to be the guy to ask the dumb question, but have you threaded the valve core out (if it's a presta)?

[C_Dave45]

Originally posted by birdman86
Hate to be the guy to ask the dumb question, but have you threaded the valve core out (if it's a presta)?

That's what I was gonna say.

[ExtraSlow]

It's what I would call a "regular" air valve. I have the same kind on every car I've ever owned, plus my trailer, about ten bikes I've had in my life, and even a bike trailer.

So I guess by those pictures, it's a schraeder? I'm not willing to rule anything out at this point, but I do feel somewhat confident this isn't a presta valve.

And to the multiple posters that "hate to ask a dumb question" don't worry about it. It's hgard to be dumber than the guy who can't put air in his bike tires.

[ExtraSlow]

Originally posted by lilmira
any chance that the pressure in the bike tire is already way higher?

Pressure inside tire is 10 PSI or lower. I can squish the tire to the rim with my thumb, and I'm not strong.

[JustinL]

Can you get a pressure gauge on the tire? If you can't get a reading with a pressure gauge, then it might narrow down the problem to the valve.

[suntan]

Leaky tube?

[blitz]

If everything works fine when used with another compressor, than it has to be your compressor that's fucked. I'm guessing the regulator is toast and not even putting out the 10psi that the tire has in it at the moment.

[ExtraSlow]

Have had this issue on more than one bike tire, and have had no issues getting an air pressure reading on each. Strongly suspect this isn't a valve issue, but not willing to rule anything out yet.

[ExtraSlow]

Originally posted by suntan
Leaky tube?

Not sure how that would cause the issues I'm describing.

Originally posted by blitz
If everything works fine when used with another compressor, than it has to be your compressor that's fucked. I'm guessing the regulator is toast and not even putting out the 10psi that the tire has in it at the moment.

Yeah, somehow maybe it is the compressor that is fucked. Seems to have plenty of pressure when used with a blow guy. I feel like I'd notice if it wasn't putting out pressure, wouldn't I?

[YamahaV8]

Originally posted by ExtraSlow
Pressure inside tire is 10 PSI or lower. I can squish the tire to the rim with my thumb, and I'm not strong.

If the pressure in the tire is too low then you may be compressing the valve in the tire but not off seating the valve in the chuck. If the pressure is 10psi in the tire try setting your compressor regulator to 20psi and see if it takes some air then. If it does then work your way up from there. I have this problem on aircraft tires sometimes. Sounds like a shitty chuck to me but if it works on other compressors then

[16hypen3sp]

I had a similar issue! What I do to get around it is, take your air chuck and lightly press it against the valve on the stem. Try a quiet environment so you can hear if the air is going in and you will find the sweet spot.

I would always press hard with the chuck and each and every time I did, air wouldn't go in. I would hear a 'click' like the chuck valve was slipping off the stem valve. But when I fill my bicycle tires now, I just lightly press, find the sweet spot and BOOM! tire inflates!

[suntan]

ExtraSlow is fast becoming the new Mar.

[The_Penguin]

Originally posted by suntan
ExtraSlow is fast becoming the new Mar.

ouch.

[ExtraSlow]

Originally posted by suntan
ExtraSlow is fast becoming the new Mar.

I like that! If I could afford a veloster with a trailer hitch, I'd be there!