Valve stem issue

gmcinnes

Member
Hi all:

I replaced a valve core that had mysteriously gone missing, and caused a flat.

After I replaced the core, close inspection showed that there was still a small air leak where the stem comes through the rim. See image below - there are soapy bubbles at the rim.

1) I can assume from this stem arrangement that the tire has a tube, right?
2) The only correct fix would be to get a new tube, but does anyone have something that's worked successfully for a temporary fix? An O-ring or rubber band between the rim and the stem nut? A bead of silicone? Flex seal or something?

cvphoto4622.jpg
 

actual leak may not be at the stem. It may just be where it manifests itself.

In the days of real tubes, they used to glue new stems on rear tractor (and probably other) tubes . . . if that's where your problem is.
 
I've seen the stems blow right out, immediately releasing the ballast inside. Likely where the stem is attached at the tube, requiring breaking down this tire, replacing the tube. That's the only issue I ever had with CACL filled tires, you have to replace the valve cored periodically. The one stem I recall, literally just failed, blew out and made a mess. I had to immediately take it apart to avoid heavy rust action starting.
 
Yes, the plastic/nylon serrated nut is used on tubes to hold them in position. If it was a tubeless stem it would have a metal nut (to be tightened with a wrench) with washer under it and you might see the rubber seal under the washer. It appears you replaced the core housing which has the replaceable valve core in it. It is not uncommon for calcium chloride ballast to disolve cores over time.

Some have good luck with replacement stems, I have used them with some success. However I would not try gluing a new stem on, I replace the tube in cases like this. If it has started leaking around the stem the rest of the tube is likely deteriorating as well. If that has/had calcium ballast in it, it is compromising your rim every day this leak goes on. Get the tire off, blast, clean and paint the rim, clean the tire, put a new tube in it, and then put ballast back if needed. JMHO
 
Wait a day before you conclude there's a leak. It could just be air trapped between the tire and tube that's being squeezed out by the freshly-inflated tube. Assuming the tube continues to leak, it should be replaced. I assume the tire is ballasted with calcium chloride solution, but if there's no liquid in the tube you can try Slime.
 
It may be leaking there because its a place for air/fluid to come out from thorn or something penentrating tire carcuss and getting tube.
 
(quoted from post at 09:28:26 05/14/20) Wait a day before you conclude there's a leak. It could just be air trapped between the tire and tube that's being squeezed out by the freshly-inflated tube. Assuming the tube continues to leak, it should be replaced. I assume the tire is ballasted with calcium chloride solution, but if there's no liquid in the tube you can try Slime.

This is really important since you had no air. It will allow the tube to contract and suck air in around the tube and tire. When you air it up it takes a while to bleed the air out from between the tube and tire. Check after a few hours at least.
 
I can see part of the stem above the threaded portion closer to the rim. It looks pretty rusted. So it sounds like a good idea to replace the tube.

But fingers crossed it gets me through the spring first.

I doubt I'll be able to do it without a visit from the tire guy $$
 

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