[[email protected]]

i was all stoked to pick up an '06 prophet 600, but when i got to my lbs, they had a demo model 1000 for nearly the same price--not to worry, the shop has "gone through it" and it is "ready to ride" SAWEET!...seemed like a no-brainer at the time...

so i started reading up on the spv features and yesterday i took my first shot at setting the suspension up (it's cold outside and i'm suck in here with this sweet "new" bike)...anyhoo, the swinger setup went fine, but when i moved on to setting the spv valve pressure in the lefty, i couldn't get my shock pump to register the air pressure no matter how far i screwed it onto the valve. worried that i was going to damage the valve, stopped and removed the shock pump. once i got it off, the small hose on my pump was filled with oil? so now i'm a little confuzzled and worried, so i tweak the stem of the shrader valve just to hear that there is air in there--no rush of air, just a steady drip of oil. it is clean, clear, new smelling oil, but that doesn't seem right does it?

after (frantically) cleaning the brake rotor with rubbing alcohol and praying that the pads haven't been contaminated, i put the bike up--admittedly i am a complete newb when it comes to suspension as this is my first squishy bike ever (this is why i was gonna go w/ the 600 and work up to the more advanced shock technology.) my hope is that it is something i can take care of myself, but if not, can you guys help give me some trouble shooting ideas so that when i take it back to the shop i won't sound like a complete dweeb and might actually be able to point the shop guys in the right direction right off the bat to save us all some time (and me some $$)...i don't know the mechanics at this shop, but i feel i should give them the benefit of the doubt, however, i would like to do my own maintenance on this bike in the future...(i'm not comfortable with nor do i have the tools and facilities for dismantling a fork, however)...soooooo.....mendon? dan? anyone? lil' help?

thanks!

 

[wv_rider]

First off, the SPV valve at the bottom of the fok is a Manitou design. I have found that some pumps just don't fit this valve. Manitou does make a nice red pump that work great with there SPV valves. (Just one more way they get you.) Any shop should be able to get this for you.

Secondly, try again to get air in the valve. 50 psi is a good starting point. Now compress the fork several times while noticiing the rebound fell. Make adjustments to the rebound knob and see if there is any difference to the rebound feel. If you notice changes in the rebound feel then chances are that you are fine and the oil is just residual fluid that is used during the buildup.

If there is no change, then you will want someone to take a look at it. Possible issues could be:
The SPV bladder slipped off the valve. It is easy to reattach and bleed the fork.

The SPV bladder could have a hole in it. Rare but possible. Replacement of hte bladder is necessary.

I hope this helps.

 

[[email protected]]

thank you...

...i'll try again to get some air into the fork (i have to assume that there was at least 50 psi in there when i started since it was a demo bike.)

i'll try again, and if i can't get it to register, i may have to replace the pump (it worked fine on the rear shock, so it's not a pump issue just a "fit" issue-right?

...i had been messing with the rebound knob and couldn't really tell a difference from standing next to the bike and compressing the fork, but i assumed that i'd need to get the bike out on the trails to really make a value judgement about the return rate, although i feel like i should be able to notice a difference without actually "riding" the bike-true?

thank you very much for you diagnosis...i'll follow through and have the shop guys check the status of the spv valve should it be necessary...i'll keep you posted...

 

[MendonCycleSmith]

...i'll try again to get some air into the fork (i have to assume that there was at least 50 psi in there when i started since it was a demo bike.)

i'll try again, and if i can't get it to register, i may have to replace the pump (it worked fine on the rear shock, so it's not a pump issue just a "fit" issue-right?

...i had been messing with the rebound knob and couldn't really tell a difference from standing next to the bike and compressing the fork, but i assumed that i'd need to get the bike out on the trails to really make a value judgement about the return rate, although i feel like i should be able to notice a difference without actually "riding" the bike-true?

thank you very much for you diagnosis...i'll follow through and have the shop guys check the status of the spv valve should it be necessary...i'll keep you posted...

VW pretty much summed it up for you. The only additional thing I would do is, take a small poker of some flavor, and with the wheel off, or rotor covered, let the air out of the SPV completely. Hopefully, this will purge most of the oil out. As WV said, it's most likely just residual fluid, no biggy. If oil comes out, I would inflate deflate a few times, just to get it all out. If it works fine then, you're good to go. If it get's fixed, and then continues to refill itself, you have an issue, document it with the shop now, so they won't blame you for it 3 months down the road. If there is an issue, it should not cost you a dime, as you just got it, haven't ridden it, and all you have done, would be inconsequential to what is happening. If they are a good shop, you'll be fine=

 

[CdaleTony]

Every time I read an MCS or DanG post I think to myself ---
"Self, the internet needs some sort of email-a-beer button " or something !!!!
Like all our bars are hooked up via the web and I can electronically slide a cold one through the ether, out onto these guys local bar.....
CDT

 

[[email protected]]

i'll second that!

i couldn't agree more--big round of digital beers (or your cocktail of choice) for everyone who takes the time to contribute to the smooth operation of bicycles everywhere...

i have to admit that a big reason that i decided to "take the plunge" with some new bike technology is the healthy amount of constructive input and sharing of expertise that i've seen unselfishly distributed on these boards...

please accept my gratitude in lieu of digital libation until such time as i am in a position to repay the favor...

you guys must have some serious bike karma built up...

 

[edge]

I third that..

Mendon has saved me from a swirling torrent of pain with no promise of beers. Megathanks.

 

[MendonCycleSmith]

You guys are all too kind, may I return it with a wish of happy New Year, and many happy trails! Keep the questions coming, someday, the world will end Lefty discrimination =