MTFCA Forum

I have a model T with three tires with the same problem a leak in the valve stem where the rubber joins the brass threaded top section with the Schrader valve. The tubes are about five years old rubber on valve stems looks good on all of them. not cracked. last one started leaking after I aired it up to pressure. Had gone down over the last few months sitting.

Are there any fixes short of replacing the tube which may be the only answer. Seems like the right epoxy mix or other
sealer. using a o-ring and sealer to stop rubber to metal leak ? might work. Have not tried any repair yet. wanted to check with the old heads who have been there and done that to see what is recommended .

Thanks
Novice

Yes there is a simple repair. Lots of older posts about cutting off a valve stem and installing an original clamp on stem on an inner tube.

Have seen that a lot on tubes in past. Think there was a batch of bad ones.
To get by you can put a small hose clamp on the stem just below the metal. Sometimes that will work as a temporary fix.

This is a common problem the tube valve stems are rubbish, the stems are not capable of dealing with the 60psi pressure .
Here is a photo of one cut open to show what the problem is.
Note there is no contact with the rubber except at the very end where the rubber is vulcanised to the metal stem by only about a millimeter of rubber. The white stuff is powder, it can go right up to the end of the metal stem.
On the road use a piece of wire, wrap it around the stem and twist it which will squeese the rubber tightly stopping the leak. Or use a small screw clamp for rubber hose to clamp the rubber.
When at home, get the correct metal valve stems and install them.
I had this problem when driving to Richmond for the 2008 centenial, I has soft wire in the tool box which I used until I went to an auto store and purchased the screw clamps. I still have one tire with the hose clamp on the valve stem now. So 14 years and the valve stem is still not leaking.

I've had that happen on old stems and some not so old. I used the soft wire method with good results.

It worked !

Many Thanks to all for the advice. Hose clamp fix worked on three of my four flats. last one was on a 26 wire wheel that was leaking by the valve stem under the rim. New tube time for it. I Greatly appreciate all the advice.
NOVICE

It may not be necessary to replace the wire wheel tube if you can find an original brass stem to replace it. Just follow the procedure shown in a few previous posts on the subject.

Allan from down under.

Sometimes a loss of pressure is caused by a leaking valve (core). Before leaping to more extreme measures, try a new core.

The bottom tool (core wrench) is what you need to remove and install valve cores.

Thanks Jeff. Valve core checked. Used kids bubble solution from walmart in a syringe to check for leaks. I like the flexible valve stem remover in Your photo. I have Never seen one before. looks great for tight valve stem locations and not having to get on your knees as much. Are these flex valve stem tools still being made.

Novice

If you search for Tire Valve Fishing Tool, you should be able to find one pretty easily at auto parts stores, tractor supply, etc. Slime is a common brand.

That tool is also useful for getting things things lined up when installing a tube in a split rim.