Q: What do I do if my pump appears to be "leaking" air while pumping?
A: With the models K-100 and K-200 the likely cause is dirt and/or debris on the O-ring. Simply remove the "top-cap" by taking out the screw and pulling on the plunger. Note how the O-ring is positioned on the plunger assembly. Clean the O-ring and re-install and reassemble after applying a little "K-Pump Lube" from the tube in your stowage bag. You should be all set to go...

It has been rare but we've had a couple of calls regarding "air leakage" on the K-40/K-400 models. By doing the following steps you should easily remedy this problem:

1. Extend the webbing full length
2. Remove the two screws on the "large" cap that has the webbing attached
3. Withdraw the plunger assembly
4. Remove and clean the O-Ring
5. NOW!!! "Stretch" the O-ring approx. 1 to two inches (no more) beyond it's normal size
6. Reinstall and reassemble.

Please send us a message via our contact page with your name, address and telephone number and we will send you (free) some new specially designed O-rings.

Tip: Always give about 3-5 short strokes in the valve to blow off any excess water before inflating.

Q: How do I adjust the sling on my model K-40 and or K-400 pumps?
A: The slings on these pumps were installed for easier portability and to make them easier to hold when pumping. By employing the "buckle" on the sling you can adjust the sling so as to allow you to make the vinyl "handle" element of the sling more comfortable when pumping. Also, the webbing can be fully extended so that you can carry the pump over your shoulder while carrying other items. A little experimentation will quickly help you discover the flexibility of the design.

Q: How often do I need to lube my pumps?
A: As often as needed and then will be determined by usage. Commercial users will probably need it more often than casual recreational users. If the pump starts to show show unusual resistance when pumping or a "chattering" effect it would be good to check to see if a lube is necessary. Simply remove the stainless steel screw on the "top cap" and pull out the plunger. Look at the "O-ring carefully to see if it is dry or has some debris caught in it. Using "K-Pump Lube" synthetic great, we recommend applying a 1/4" bead fully around the topmost of the inside of the pump body. That way, when you reinsert the plunger assembly you will distribute the grease throughout the full length of the pump. Reassemble and you should be back in business.

Q: What do I do if I get sand in my pump?
A: You'll know you have sand in your pump as you'll likely be able to feel it when pumping. Simply disassemble the pump as directed in the "How often do we need to lube our pumps?" tip. If you are in the field, you need only rinse it out in the river and reassemble. Ideally, you will want to throughly clean the inside of the pump. This is easily done by using any dishwashing detergent to remove any of the exiting grease and then relube the pump with K-Pump Lube.

Q: What lubricants can/should I use to lube my pump?
A: We have found that most all lubricants work good but some better than others. Most will work for a short period and then something will usually affect them and they become compromised. In a pinch you can use motor oil, cooking oil, butter and even water if you have to. The O-rings are made of a special Nitrile based material which is compatible with most petroleum based lubes including silicone. We have found however that the brand "K-Pump Lube" seems to be the best of them all to date. K-Lube can be ordered from most of the dealers listed but in the event that your dealer doesn’t stock the lube, please contact us at K-Pump  (1-503-329-4165) and we will get you connected to someone who can help you.

Q: Where's the "spare O-ring"?
A: In the models K-100 and K-200 the spare is found in the bottom of the pump body...  Remove the retaining screw then the plunger.  A quick inspection down in the bottom of the bottom of the "pump body" and you should see the "spare O-ring"...  It is easily removed by inverting the pump body and tapping it on a solid surface with a couple of sharp "raps"...  It should fall out...  if not, find something to extract it with...  This would be a good time to apply some lube to the inner walls of the pump body before replacing the plunger assembly.

Q: When should I replace the O-ring?
A: Honestly don't know" We have professional outfitters who use the pumps many times per day and have yet to wear out the original O-ring that came installed on the plunger...  But, it can happen and the spare will be there for you should you ever need it.

Q: My  pump is difficult to pump, it "sticks" or "chatters" and doesn't pump air easily. How do I fix it?
A: This usually means that it's time to lube your pump...  Remove the set screw and take out the "plunger".  Check to see if the inner surface of the pump body is clean... if not, clean it with a cloth or a paper towel.  Then take the lube and spread it completely around the inside of the "pump body".   A bead about the size of a pencil should be more than enough...  The re-insert the plunger body and take a couple of strokes on the plunger.  This should solve the problem.. If not, check to make sure that the O-ring is in it's proper slot and clean, repeat the above lube process and you should have the problem solved.

A word of caution:  don't use too much lube grease... If the spaces created by the tabs are blocked the pump will not be able to transfer air to the main chamber  causing the pump to fail...