Valve stem core size Ford 3000 Front Tire

I need to replace my rotted/broken valve stem core (the little metal post that pushes in to open the valve for filling/emptying broke) on my 6.00 - 16 3-rib front tire inner tube. Inner tube is full of calcium chloride ballast. The tire was low and I removed the little rubber valve cover/cap and instantly fluid started coming out from inside the valve (not leaking from around the stem where it meets the wheel, it's definitely coming out of the valve stem core inside where you put the air in). The little metal post inside that gets depressed to open the valve was just barely hanging inside and at a wild angle. I barely touched it and it fell out (water flowing the entire time so it was lots of fun). Yes, I had the valve at the top 12 o'clock position but still lots of fluid coming out. I did not have the trailer jacked up so yes, there was plenty of weight on the front tires and that's probably why I was getting lots of liquid even with the valve up at the top. Anyways, I spun the rubber cap back on nice and tight and it's managing to keep the fluid from leaking for now. But I need to find the core size and I assume the kind that does not corrode to death from the calcium chloride. I see lots of posts about the rear tire valve cores but nothing about front tires?

Thanks!
-George

the little inside core is standard on all tires. they only last 3-4 years then time to replace them. its called preventative maintenance.plus calcium tires should only be 3/4 full or to the top of the rim.

What you are describing is simply known as a Valve Core.

Depending on how old your tube is. It may be either a long type or a short one. The long type is not very common now days and the shorter ones will work just fine in older tire and tubes

You can buy them at any auto parts store. Usually comes in a kit that includes the tool needed to change them.



[b:81b33b172e]First time in my life hearing that valve cores needs to be replaced every 3 to 4 years. And I have been around tire shops nearly my entire life.[/b:81b33b172e]

A good time to do that is when you are changing the air in your tires.

Loaded tires will eat the cores in about 3-5 years so yes they go bad in about that time if loaded. I don't see them bad in that time if just air in there. I'm sure we have some more like 75-80 years old still holding fine. Even in Cotton or old Rayon tires. Yup they are that old. Under the black tread layer the rubber is white/grayish color.

The valve stem cores are pretty much standard size for all USA tires. As far as I know.

The outer part the entire stem has many different sizes and configurations possible.

The part you need is standard. As others have pictured. There are different quality; but its difficult to go to a store and get anything but what is on the shelf......

Jack the axle up so there is no weight on the tire at all. When you take the cap off with the stem at 12:00, you should not get much fluid out as long as there is no weight on the tire. With the tractor sitting on the tire, it is pushing the tire down and fluid will indeed come out as you had happen.

Paul

then u do know that calcium eats them up. some last longer some not. and i have been around tires nearly all my life also.

There is some odd ball valve stem out there. I'd have to go look at the box to see what the name of it is, but the wire bought a new tube for my bicycle and it had a stem like nothing I ever saw before. I have no idea how you even air it up. It has to have some special air chuck, that's for certain.

That said, I'm sure yours is just a run of the mill valve stem.

Especially if you use the brass valve
cores. I think I've had maybe 1 or 2 valve
cores fail on my loaded tires in the past
40 years.

Some bicycles use a smaller valve stem. Don't ask me why.

Thanks everyone for your input. I'll be picking up a couple new cores and put the front up in the air and getting my broken valve core replaced. Funny, I've done it many times on car tires and even once or twice on bicycle tires but I worried having the calcium chloride ballast in the tire tubes, I worried I was dealing with a different kind of beast. Looking forward to getting this fixed. Thanks again! -George

They make stainless steel valve cores for use in tires that contain Calcium. I always carried a box or two on my tire service truck. You might have to go to a NAPA store or a shop that services farm tires to get them.

> Some bicycles use a smaller valve stem. Don't ask me why.

It's called a 'Presta' valve stem (as opposed to the Schrader automotive stem). The Presta stem is smaller in diameter than Schrader, which makes it a better choice for narrow rims; the smaller hole doesn't weaken the rim as much as the larger hole a Schrader stem requires.
Presta valve

That valve core is original to the tube and has been in there for decades. Any replacement will last at least that long.

Why is there fluid in the FRONT tires??? They only hold a few gallons, 40-50lbs each. When you need front weight you need 500+lbs. Just not worth the negatives of having fluid in the tires.

I am glad you posted this picture. Wonder how many people know the other sides on the tool is (1) Remove a good intact valve stem (2) Pointed side is to remove a broken-Falling apart Valve stem (3) Threaded
side to chase & Clean up internal threads and (4) Chase & clean up outside of valve core. I would never use Fluid in a tube that did not have a removable & Replaceable valve stem like all big - Back tubes
come with??Cleddy

Our '53 A.C. WD front tires came loaded.

(quoted from post at 09:10:27 05/31/23) Our '53 A.C. WD front tires came loaded.

Click to expand...

I understand that they do, but WHY? It doesn't add enough weight to be worth the effort.