My Blackburn air tower 3 pump won"t work.When attached to the Presta side air leaks out the schrader side and when attached to the schrader side air leaks out the presta side. What can I do?

There are two kinds of valve on bicycle tubes, Presta and Schrader. You are probably more familiar with Schrader because this is the type used on cars and most bikes. And I am guessing that you have Presta on this bike (Presta is skinnier than Schrader, and it has a little nut that you unscrew, where Schrader has a spring inside it. Google images for "Presta Schrader" and you will see both kinds, and you will also see a little screw-on adaptor that you can use on a Presta to make it fit your pump or air-hose like a Schrader. You can buy these adapters on-line or at any bike store. Good luck!

Look at the last page for how the two styles of valves work. You have to unscrew the center knurled nut on the presta and tape in it momentarily to break the seal.

http://blackburndesign.com/manuals/3xPumpsManual2010_v2.pdf

Do you have a presta or schrader valve on you bike tube? A schrader is a standard valve, presta has a little nut that has to be loosened to add air. Your pump has both heads or adaptors (I don't know which model you have). You should have instructions with your pump to explain how to use it, if not go to www.ehow.com and you can read all of the instructions, no use me repeating what you can read on your own.

Before putting the pump on the valve turn the attachment so you can observe inside it. Move the lever back and forth. Observe at what position the lever causes the fitting to constrict and hold on to the valve. That is the position it should be in when you attach to the valve. I'm not certain but I think you will find that the fitting is able to be used for both presta and schrader valves without adjustment. Just put it on and fasten with the lever. The seal is then established.

They should be designed to fit both styles of valve, but you need to reverse the seal.
you should be able to unscrew the end, remove the sealing rubber and a plastic fitting that pushes on the valve, replace them the opposite way around ,and they will fit the presta.

http://www.blackburndesign.com/manuals/3xPumpsManual2010_v2.pdf


see the last page

Ensure the side lever on the valve attachment is turned towards the wheel

Its probably the fact that there are two separate holes for presta anad schrader, if so put your finger over the one you want to use and give small pump to vent it then attach, if not then you have to screw off the cover and invert the inner rubber core for presta or schrader, can you give me more details or pic...

You will find conversion instructions in the following PDF:
http://www.blackburndesign.com/manuals/blackburn_pump_manual.pdf

Dear Doug, to lock a hand pump onto the valve stem: 1.depending on valve type-loosen the valve lock for presta, twist off valve cap for schrader. 2.unlock the pumping handle from the pump so that you can actually "pump" the pump... 3. put the pump head on the valve of the tire, then pull up on the thumb tightening lever. This should squeeze toghether the internal rubber gasket of the pump, and lock on to your valve. 4. Begin pumping. 5. when desired pressure has been reached, push down on the thumb lever to unlock the pump. Remove it. Good Luck Fellow bicyclist!