Flat in loaded tire, do I need to change the tube?

[Von]

I got picked up a nail with the rear tire today while cutting the grass. I know not the best way to find them! I got all of the CaCl. pumped out into a plastic barrel, and removed the tire from the rim. Cleaned everything and removed any spilled CaCl. Now do I need to replace the tube or can I just patch it? Also how do I get the CaCl. back into the tire? Short of paying someone to do it for me that is! I hate to not replace the tube and have to do it all over again, but if it will hold a patch I'll save $20 bucks. Let me know the best way to fix this one guys. Thanks, Von

 

[MarkV]

Von,

I don't know if the CaCl would effect a patch, my guess is that you will be OK. As far as refilling the tire, I did my tires with water and antifreeze without problem. I bought a little bleeder valve at a dealer that screws onto the valve stem and has a hose fitting on the other end. ($5.95) To put the antifreeze in, or CaCl in your case, I used one of those cheap ($10) drill pumps. Hose from bucket to pump, hose from pump to valve, hit the drill, bleed off the air in the tire every now and then top off with air.

Someone posted a link to a company that sells those valves, but I can't find it right now. Maybe someone will remember the link.

MarkV

 

[Bird]

Von, the neighbor who bought a used tractor from Minnesota and found it had calcium in the tires, when he had his first flat, had no problem just patching the tube.

Bird

 

[Von]

Re: Flat in loaded tire, do I need to change the t

Mark, Bird,
Thanks, I got a new tube this morning ($25) and I think I figured out a way to get the CaCl back in. Since it is in the 35 gal. poly barrel already, I am going to try to pressureize the barrel and pump it right from there into the tire. I have it figured out how to do it, I'll take some photos and post them later. (if it works!) don't want to embarrass myself! Thanks for your help. Von