On the 2nd of Jan, 08, I bought the Jump-Start System because it provides emergency starting power and a way to pump up a flat or low tire.

After charging the unit, I tried to fill a tire. I couldn't get the air chuck to work.  Photo 2 is the fitting that goes on the valve stem.  No matter which tire I tried, I couldn't get the chuck to work.

I took the chuck apart to find the dimensions of the chuck were such I would have never been able to get the chuck to work.  I had to remove over 1/8" of material from the rubber insert, item #1, and elongate a slot, item #2,  and glue a washer to item #3 make up for the change in dimension I created.

I finally got the unit to work but it was very difficult to get the chuck on the valve stem and to remove it.  In some cases, I had to hold the chuck on the stem in order for the air to pass into the tire.

This simply would not work for my wife.  Especially on a cold, dark Winter evening.  The purpose of buying this unit was to help my wife with a problem, not create yet another one.

The air chuck wasn't depressing the valve core so no air was entering the tire.  The pressure was reading just over 100psi because the pump was dead-heading into a closed valve.  The literature states the pump will produce 260psi.  Mine didn't ....!

I visited the local Tractor Supply and purchased a female air chuck with clip and a 1/4" pipe to hose adapter, photo #3.  The hose on the unit is 3/16"ID but the adapter is 1/4"ID.  It was a bit hard to get the hose on the adapter but I used Silicon spray and kept twisting the hose to get it mounted.  As the photo shows, I didn't get it all the way on.  I couldn't find an adapter for 1/4" pipe to 3/16" ID hose but that's what you need.

The new air fitting makes the process very simple and easy.  Depress the lever, place the air chuck on the valve stem and release the lever.  You are in business.

Why didn't the manufacturer use this type air chuck?  I'll give you three guesses .... (Money)(Money)(Money)

I purchased my unit from Sam's Club in Beavercreek, Ohio.

Would I recommend this unit to my friends?  No! Not unless they are mechanical in nature and wouldn't mind buying a new item only to modify it in order to use it ...!!!

Yes, I know I voided my warranty but I decided to go with a sure thing.  How many units would I have to test to get one that works?

Just before packing the unit, you would think someone at the factory would try it ...., oh well. I keep thinking of the good ole days when QA meant Quality Assurance.

Update: 17 Feb 08

The unit stopped pumping air after about 6 weeks.  The new unit only produced 100psi into a closed valve while the literature said it would produce 260psi.  So that was a flag but I just didn't know it at the time.

After taking the unit apart, photos #4-7, it was easy to see what happened.  The piston ring, a flat Teflon washer shown in photo #7, was deformed with tearing as seen in photo #6. 

The ring was held in place with a press-on brass ring.  I managed to pry off the ring and will be able to reuse it. I had to break the Teflon washer in order to pry off the brass ring.  Now, all I need is a new piston ring.  Anyone have a sheet of Teflon lying around?

I also found that one of the drive teeth on the large plastic gear is missing.  That could be a problem down the road.

What do I think of this unit?  Don't ask.  Make up your own mind.

I did some checking trying to find some way to contact Vector Products.  Their website isn't working.  The unit is made in China!  Turns out Black and Decker now owns Vector Products. 

Update: 19 Feb 08

I made my own piston ring from a nylon washer.  It was 4 times as thick as it should be so I spent hours filing and scraping the washer into a thinner one.  The final washer was about double the thickness and was rigid, unlike the Teflon washer originally used.

The new ring fit snug and would bog down the motor once the unit warmed but it sure pumped.  It seems to be working better with time so I'll assume the nylon washer is wearing in.

I also sent a message to Black and Decker asking them to view this site so they can see what type of product they are selling.  I also asked for a new piston ring but probably won't need it now.

Update: 26 Feb 08

I sent an email to Black and Decker and did receive a reply.  However, they use a silly method of responding and I didn't do it correctly.  I attempted to communicate another time and finally gave up.

An employee of Black and Decker did look at the site but I've never heard from the company about their product.  That says volumes to me ....

Update: 12 Sept 09

The air pump stopped working while filling a tire.  Opened the case and found the inline fuse was blown.  Poor quality solder joint caused a short circuit that took out the fuse.

Go back up to photo 4 to see fuse location.  Really not convenient to replace this fuse.  It's a 15 amp.

I used an automotive 15 amp fuse to replace the inline fuse that used to be mounted inside the case.  It's a Jeri-rig but it works ....

Update: 25 March, 2010

I've since purchased an inline fuse holder from O'reilly Auto Parts for another project but it would work well here.  The same type fuse shown at the right is used in the holder.

Update: 30 June 2011

I will say the unit, after it's modification, has proven useful.  It's still going strong and I've used it a number of times to jump autos but moreover, to jump start aircraft.  If only it had worked out of the box I wouldn't be so critical of this manufacturer.

Allen M. Schultheiss

1381 Fudge Dr.

Beavercreek, Ohio 45434

450@graceallen.net