Ballast Filling BX rear tires

[GFB]

Thought I'd share the procedure I used to fill my rear tires with 10 Gal each of windshield washer fluid. I drilled a small hole in the cap and inserted plastic tubing, then used hot glue gun to seal. Plastic tubing runs to a metal tubing inserted into tire valve. Plastic jug is then inverted and a hole cut out the bottom and obviously must be higher than the tire. Make hole big enough to pour the fluid into this jug as it becomes empty. Metal tubing needs to be 1/8" outside diameter, plastic tubing just large enough to slip over the metal tube. Jack tractor up just enough to take weight off wheels. Takes about 25 minutes per gallon. Including the tool to remove the valve core the cost is about $3 plus washer fluid @ 84 cents/gallon. Gerry

 

[pro_tel]

Thanks for the great tip. It sounds easy enough, just takes a little time.

 

[pcmem]

Another method that fills faster but requires more work is to get a plastic tube that fits tightly over the valve stem. I heated it up with a match and threaded it over the valve stem where the cap goes on. Now jack up and block the axle, remove the core to let the air out, and thread the tube on the valve stem. If you have a tire bead seater it works great, if not use a ratchet strap, if not a rope and a stout hardword handle will do. Run the strap around the perimeter of the tire on the tread face and ratchet it down, squeasing the tire and air out. If you're using the rope you'll run it around the same way, tie it around the wood and twist the wood to tighten up the rope. Now place the other end of the tube in the top of the washer fluid bottle and release the strap/rope. It will suckup the fluid and you can add or swap bottles as needed. Remember to put the stem up to the 12 o'clock position when you quit and remove the tube so you can put the core back in and air up w/o loosing the fluid.

Alot faster but more work. The drill pump and fill adapter works well to. I've also seen it done by dismounting the tire and one bead but far to messy for my liking.

Good luck,
Michael