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Is my K-pump broken?

2388 Views 11 Replies 10 Participants Last post by  BoilermakerU
I was using my K-pump mini yesterday to top off our IK's and my new river tube. While I was pumping (not violently or anything), the pump handle came right out the rear end of the top cap.

Is it broken? Do any of you know how the pump handle and the plunger are attached? Is it glued? I tried to look at the K-pump website, but it is down for maintenance.
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They come with a two year warranty.
I know, I just wanted to check here before calling them.


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If the plunger came out with the cap and the rubber o ring is still attached to the plunger (or can be put back on, it's not broke. There is a small screw the goes through the end cap and in to the body holding everything together. This allow you to disassemble and clean then replace the grease when the pump starts to get hard to depress the plunger. This is caused from water and dirt getting in the grease.
K-pump is a family-owned and run business and in my experience, provide outstanding product support and customer service. I needed some new O-rings and grease for a couple of different pumps when I was in Ecuador, sent them an email asking for prices, and they sent me the parts gratis and even paid the postage (APO address). Can't ask for more than that!
If the plunger came out with the cap and the rubber o ring is still attached to the plunger (or can be put back on, it's not broke. There is a small screw the goes through the end cap and in to the body holding everything together. This allow you to disassemble and clean then replace the grease when the pump starts to get hard to depress the plunger. This is caused from water and dirt getting in the grease.
No the cap didn't come off. It is screwed on. The piece that actually pushes the air with the o ring separated from the rest of the center piece of PVC, allowing it to slide out while the end cap is still screwed on.
Without seeing the pump. I'd say it's broken. Had the set screw come loose before but nothing like you are describing. Warranty still in effect?
I believe you can clean the pump by taking it apart. you should watch the video on the NRS website 'How to maintain/replace the o ring on a K pump" called something like that before assuming it's broke
Can you tell if it was a glue joint that came unglued, or are the edges rough and broken?
This happened to my pump (different brand). I unscrewed the top, reached in and pulled the plunger disc out. under that was the screw that holds it together. I just screwed it back on, put some super glue on it to keep it on, and put it all back together.
I will second their customer service. They have been very responsive on a couple occasions for me. Quick turnaround, nice peeps. If you cannot determine an easy fix, contact them for insight for a fix, or to send it back.
Or send them pics of what's left. Maybe they can asses whether it is broken or not and send you parts needed to repair it - faster than sending it to them and waiting to get it back.
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