Leaking tire valves

[149owner]

I started out blaming the neighbors cat for coming over and relieving himself on the tractor's rear wheels. I cleaned them off and then parked it in the garage and when I went back out a few days later the wheels were wet again. I knew nothing could have gotten into the garage so I knew it was coming out of the valve stem. I moved the tractor until the stem was at the top, removed the schrader valve, sprayed a q-tip with brake cleaner and swabbed inside the stem. I then replaced the schrader valve with a new one but it still seeps antifreeze. I hate to have to take it to the dealer to have the tire broken down to replace the valve stem and install new antifreeze. $$$
Any suggestions on how to stop the seeping and still be able to check tire pressure?

 

[woodchuckie]

I've never had one that wouldn't stop leaking by just blowing it out with air and tightening it up a little more. You could have a deep scratch on one of the sealing surfaces. If so you might could smooth it out a enough to get it to seal with some sand paper or grinding compound etc.

 

[DieselPower]

Try to find some good quality valve caps. The all metal kind that have rubber gaskets in them. They might stop your dribble.

 

[guyrj33]

If it is the core that's leaking try replacing the core.
I like the suggestion for good valve caps also.

 

[Billy_S]

The valve cap is actually the primary sealing device. The valve core is for convenience when adding air. Put valve caps on.

 

[Jay4200]

Any suggestions on how to stop the seeping and still be able to check tire pressure?

Replace the valve stems - that's where the seal is. You should be able to get a set for a dollar at a local auto parts store, or stop by your closest tire shop and grab a handful of recently pulled out valves and take the stems out of them (free option).

Jay

 

[Jay4200]

The valve cap is actually the primary sealing device. The valve core is for convenience when adding air. Put valve caps on.

That is just SO wrong.

Jay

 

[Billy_S]

That is just SO wrong.

Jay

LOL. Yeah, okay. I haven't been doing this for very long. Only 28 years. And I have never spoken to a tire engineer or been to any training seminars. Thanks for sitting me straight.

ETA: I am talking here about valve caps, not dust covers like you see on a lot of passenger tire valve stems. Tires filled with fluid should have valve caps, not dust covers. Valve caps are metal and have a rubber sealing device contained within. Dust caps are usually plastic and, IMO, should not be used on any type of valve stem.

 

[DieselPower]

If it is the core that's leaking try replacing the core.
I like the suggestion for good valve caps also.

He mentioned that he has already replaced the schrader valves and they still leak. Like I said, good quality valve caps should fix your problem.

 

[149owner]

Thanks for your replies. I couldn't find metal valve caps with rubber gaskets inside at the local auto supply stores so asked a friend of mine who is a plumber if he had anything like that. He had a jar full and gave me some to try. With luck that will solve my problem. I hope Santa was good to everyone and that you have a happy and healthy new year!

 

[DieselPower]

If they don't work shoot me a PM with your address and I'll drop a couple good ones in the mail for you. The ones I buy are made by Schrader. Solid brass and chrome plated with a good long lasting gasket seal.

Something else you might want to inspect is the end of the valve stem. The part that would seal against the gasket in the valve cap. Make sure there are no gouges in the end of it or even a good valve cap may not fix your problem. If it does have a nick in it you could carefully file it to a nice flat sealing surface.

 

[149owner]

Thanks DieselPower, I'll know it a day or two if they are working!

 

[Egon]

Use a little grease on the valve core threads, thread in snuggly, air tire to maximum presure and place a film of spit over end of valve stem to check for air leaking.

 

[149owner]

I had put pipe dope on the new schrader valve threads and did the "spit test" at that time and they seemed ok. A few days later there was a small amout of antifreeze on the rim again. I've put the new caps on and have to wait a few days to see if it is still leaking the antifreeze.

 

[Egon]

Could it be the actual valve stem seal inside the rim is leaking?

This would mean replacing the complete valve stem. This can be done with the tire on the rim and full of fluid.


Tire Tech, Larry Carley, Tire Review, February 2001

 

[149owner]

Well, it's been a few days since I put the caps with gaskets on the valve stems and the rims are still dry!
Egon, If I had to replace the whole stem I would take it to the dealer. If there was no antifreeze in the tire I would do it myself but with my luck the bottom bead would break along with the top bead and dump antifreeze all over the place! Thanks to everyone for their inputs. Have a healthy and Happy New Year!

 

[Egon]

Good show.