Posted by Jim on March 04, 1998 at 17:58:45:
In Reply to: Re: Re: Questions re 'antifreeze' in tires posted by Indian Guy on March 04, 1998 at 08:01:31:
: : : Hello all:
: : : I have a few questions concerning filling rear tractor tires that I hope some people may be able to address and hopefully the answers will be of interest to others also.
: : : Let me preface my questions by explaining that I live in East-Central Pennsylvania (Schuylkill County) and therefore need to protect the water in
: : : my tires from freezing. (There is no water in them at this time and I probably would not have needed any 'antifreeze' this year because of the warm winter we have had.) Also, I live in an area locally known as Locust Valley and believe me it did not get this name for the number of apple trees present here. You will understand why I mention this as you read myquestions.
: : : I was planning on putting calcium in the tires but I know that this will do major damage to the rims should even a tiny leak develop. Using automotive antifreeze is not an option because of its environmental disadvantages.
: : : Someone told me that he (Jr. Tucker of Tucker Tires) uses methanol as the 'antifreeze' in his tires (he lives in TN) but could not tell me the
: : : proportions of methanol/water that would prevent freezing in my area. (If I remember correctly, he uses a 15% solution.)
: : : Questions:
: : : 1) Has anyone else heard of using methanol as the 'antifreeze' agent?
: : : 2) If so, would you happen to know what the mix proportions of methanol/water would be necessary for my area? I would like to be overcautious and prevent freezing to at least -30 or -35 degrees.
: : : 3) Are there any problems associated with using a methanol/water solution in tires that I should be aware of? For example, rubber damage, environmental damage (should a leak occur), etc.?
: : : 4) Along the same vein, has anyone heard of mixing shredded newspapers in the solution (to the point it becomes a thin paste) used to fill tires in order to help seal small punctures in the tires (from, for example, locust thorns)?
: : : 5) Referrencing 4) above, my local Case/IH dealer sells a product called STS (I have no idea as to what the letters stand for, product name? company name?) that is supposed to do the same thing, but it is fairly expensive (5 gal/$70). Has anyone heard of/used this product?
: : : Thank you in advance for taking the time to read this post.
: : : Bob Petrey
: : : 1946 Farmall H
: : Those are good questions well thought. I'm afraid
: : I'm not much help with the details. Have you checked
: : with a truck/tractor tire center about this?? Also
: : I understand it is quit a difficult project that
: : the "pros" can do quicker. Let us know what you find out.
: I think Bill has a better answer than filling the tires with fluid. The calcium in the conventional mixes, as you have observed, tends to eat metal in a hurry. Methanol has a little problem with eating rubber and like materials. Used in automotive applications it eats seals and I'm sure it greatly reduce the useful life of your tires used in concentrations that would prevent freezing in your area. Ethylene Glycol, you know, is not "environmentally friendly" and so is probably not an option you'd consider, I don't know much about the "friendly" stuff, I haven't been around it... where it's used with aluminum and rubber components it might be considered. I still think weights would be a better option. Tractor tires are heavy and awkward enough (IMHO) without filling them with stuff. Hope this has not added to your confusion... Me
Rick, If your main concern is about punctures from those locust tree limbs then I think you'll be satisfied with STS or any number of different brands of sealer. Check with your local commercial tire dealers for prices. Good Luck.