Tires calcium in tires

EM_in_Ohio · Nov 9, 2002

Well, it just cost me $62 to have a new tube put in the rear tire of my ym2000b. The calcium completely dissolved the metal parts of the valve stem. I wouldn't let the tire shop refill it. I figured I would use Prestone instead. I have everything I need to do the job except the anti-freeze. At $5 dollars a gallon mixed 50/50, I'm looking at least another $50. OUCH !!. I was about to buy it when I saw windshield washer fluid for 97 cents a gallon. Now I'm thinking hey, that's only 20 bucks instead of 50. It's rated for -20 F. and has a pretty blue color. I know water weighs 8 lbs. per gallon and I believe calcium brings it up to around 10, so I don't think it wold be that much of a difference in weight. Has anyone used washer fluid before and what do you guys think about it? I'm getting scared running around with one loaded tire and one empty one, so let me know what you think before I get hurt. Thanks E.M.

Inspector507 · Nov 9, 2002

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.tractorbynet.com/cgi-bin/compact/showflat.pl?Cat=&Board=genoperating&Number=206829&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=0&fpart=>Read this thread</A>

DavesTractor · Nov 9, 2002

Great thread!

We sell Yanmars, and replace the coolant in each tractor. The Japanese put what appears to be 100% anti-freeze in the tractor before thet ship them. We drain each tractor when we flush the radiator and replace the belts and hoses. I don't feel right about putting the apparently new drained anti-freeze back into the engine, but it makes great tire ballast and I don't have to pay to get rid of it.

EM_in_Ohio · Nov 9, 2002

Thanks Inspector
I go right by K-Mart on my way home from work. I'll stop tomorrow and see if they still have it at that price. Talk about perfect timing. Thanks again

Anonymous Poster · Nov 10, 2002

If you know someone working in a heavy equipment shop, or fleet garage, you can generally get it for free.
Cat requires periodic changeouts, as do others, and the shops have to pay to have the stuff recycled.

Anonymous Poster · Nov 10, 2002

Is there any problem with putting Methanol based windshield washer fluid in tires? I have read a few complaints that Calcium Chloride may cause metal corrosion. My question is if Methanol does anything to the tire rubber. I don't think ethylene glycol based antifreeze would cause damage to either--it goes through rubber hoses and metal components in the cooling system. I guess the question is not which is the cheapest, but which is the cheapest and does no real damage.

Anonymous Poster · Nov 10, 2002

The only thing you can put in tires that will absolutely cause no damage is air.
I've had Calcium in mine for 20 years, and other than when I got a flat tire from a nail, no damage. I could sure tell a week later when the grass croaked where it had spilled as I made a run for the shop.
Alcohol based AF won't be trouble free either, just a different set of problems.
Glycol is poisonous to animals, os if you get a puncture, you better be prepared to flush the area.
Ain't No Free Lunch. Just pick the set of problems you're prepared to contend with, and have appropriate countermeasures available.

garytucker · Nov 11, 2002

OK...how do you load a tire? How much washer fluid would I need for the fronts and rears for a 1700? Gallons per front tire and gallons per rear I guess is what I am asking. I am new to the tractor realm...ASE auto technician...but I don't touch too many tractors!! LOL Thanks again guys!!! Gary