To Tube or not to Tube

[Bob McElwee]

Recently my daughter got a real good deal on a set of 185/70 X 15 tires to replace a very old set of 195/70 X 15 mounted on 72 spoke Dayton wheels.

Some time in the past I had changed the wheels to be tubeless by sealing the spokes. At the time we had trouble when mounting the tire the sealant would be ‘pulled off’ the outside rim when the tire was seated. We figured out if we really ‘soaped’ up the bead and rim they would seat without leaking.

One tire is leaking a lot while the other 3 have slow leaks. I plan on identifying which spokes are leaking on the worst tire and reseal it. Then run a strip of black duct tape around the inside of the rim to ‘protect’ the spokes. If I can get the worst tire fixed I figure the rest should be easier.

My questions are:
1. Recommendations on sealant to use. I don’t remember what was used the first time but it is a light tan color. I’m planning on using clear silicone this time.
2. Will the black duct tape work? If not, any recommendations on what to use.
3. Chuck it and go with tubes. If so what should be done with the old sealant in the rims. I don’t think it is tube friendly with flexing.
4. Are the rubber bands that originally were use still available?

(when I tried to change one word in my previewed first try I lost the whole post – what did I do wrong?)

Thanks for you help,

 

[Keoke]

Recently my daughter got a real good deal on a set of 185/70 X 15 tires to replace a very old set of 195/70 X 15 mounted on 72 spoke Dayton wheels.

Some time in the past I had changed the wheels to be tubeless by sealing the spokes. At the time we had trouble when mounting the tire the sealant would be ‘pulled off’ the outside rim when the tire was seated. We figured out if we really ‘soaped’ up the bead and rim they would seat without leaking.

One tire is leaking a lot while the other 3 have slow leaks. I plan on identifying which spokes are leaking on the worst tire and reseal it. Then run a strip of black duct tape around the inside of the rim to ‘protect’ the spokes. If I can get the worst tire fixed I figure the rest should be easier.

My questions are:

1. Recommendations on sealant to use. I don’t remember what was used the first time but it is a light tan color. I’m planning on using clear silicone this time.

Forget it one loose spoke and you are back to square one.

2. Will the black duct tape work?

NO the heat build up in the tire will cause the tape's adhesive to mess up. Additionally the tape can complicate tire removal during a puncture.


If not, any
recommendations on what to use.----SEE ITEM 4

3. Chuck it and go with tubes.
YES!!!----YES----YES.

If so what should be done with the old sealant in the rims.

Wire brush off all you can.

I don’t think it is tube friendly with flexing.
It is OK the tubes will not mind it at all.

4. Are the rubber bands that originally were use still available?

Yes and IMOP that is the best protecton for the tubes.

(when I tried to change one word in my previewed first try I lost the whole post – what did I do wrong?)

Hit the wrong button Probably the "Backspace"----

Thanks for you help,

------------------------------------Keoke--

 

[elrey]

And also have a question. Many use silicone to seal the hub to prevent antiseize/grease transfer through the hub and down the spokes. Have any of you suffered any fisheye upon repainting because of it? Is this a problem, and or is there another product to use besides silicone? -- elrey

 

[Keoke]

I do it but I have SS spoke wheels the material should not penetrate to the outside of the hub ???---Keoke

 

[elrey]

Just idle ruminatin. --elrey

 

[John Turney]

British Wire Wheel (now defunct) used clear silicone in both the rim and hub. That was almost 20 years and a change of tires ago. They still don't leak.

Sorry elraey, I also have SS spokes.

 

[Johnny]

HI Bob, sometime ago I had painted WW and used the clear silicone, never had a problem with grease coming through or paint deteriation.

British WW sold me some black electrical tape that was wider and much "thicker" than regular tape, really heavy duty. I used about half the role per wheel and never had a problem. The bands would be better if you can find them somewhere, just make sure they're tight.

As you may know I've always used tubes, and never had a problem. Until now of course since I said so. :hammer:

 

[Bob_Spidell]

I've been running tubeless for years with success. I saw the sealing process done once; the wheel was on a balancer-like machine and the goop was applied with a spatula while the wheel rotated. Only the inner portion of the rim was sealed; the sealant shouldn't get anywhere near the bead.

I had the wheels re-sealed by a one-man shop a few years ago. He tried to get the product that Dayton used to seal their wheels, but they wouldn't divulge it. He tried a bunch of store-bought sealers, and settled on a urethane; unfortunately, I don't know the brand.

 

[Bob McElwee]

Thanks for the replies. Both Moss and Vicky B have the rubber rim bands. Since I will need them regardless of which way I go, I'll start there. Their tubes are $24 - $25 each. It has been a long, long time since I've bought tubes - is that price about right?

 

[tahoe healey]

All tubes are not the same. And the start deteriorating as soon as manufactured as do tires. Get good ones, your life depends on it.

 

[Keoke]

Yes Bob, get the ones from Moss. As I have said earlier they are the best tubes I have owned and yes that is the correct price those that rot are from Korea and are thin as a kids balloon--Keoke--

 

[Bob McElwee]

Thanks TH and Keoke. Will order all from Moss.

 

[John_Progess]

I too have tubeless Dayton WW and had a pinhole leak in one spoke of a rim. I was told from British Wire Wheel to repair the leak with the black stuff windshield installers use to seal the new modern windshields. I got a small amount from a local windshield repair shop and it did the trick. Hope this helps and have a good day!

John

 

[Bob McElwee]

An update. When I was trying to order the rim bands and tubes from Moss online there was a problem with the order process and i couldn't complete the order. So I went to Vicky B and just ordered the rim bands (slight hope that I could stay tubless). Next day, said the heck with it and called Moss to order the tubes.
Today I had the tires removed from the rims. The orginal sealer isn't in too bad a shape. One rim in particular had the outer rim 'patched' with silicone and duct tape. When I removed the duct tape the silicone was surprisely loose so I removed all of it.
Later the rim bands arrived from Vicky B. There were 5 of them. They fit the outside of the rim just fine.
Super dumb question - are there suppose to be rim bands for the center set of spokes? The original sealer seems to be in pretty good shape there and is very firm. If i make sure it is smooth all the way around the rim will that work? If not, where and how do I order the center rim bands?
Tubes should be here Tuesday so would like to be ready for them when they arrive.
Again, thanks for your help.

 

[elrey]

The rim band should fit the center of the rim , the spokes near the edge of the rim are covered by the tire itself. --elrey

 

[Bob McElwee]

Thank you.