Tires Flat tire problem

Bob_Trevithick · Mar 6, 2002

I have a weird situation. My 4300 with R4's developed a flat left front tire the other day. I didn't even notice it until someone asked me if I knew it was flat. I hadn't driven the tractor for at least a week, and it was fine, I think, the last time I parked it.

I inflated the tire, and it's been at least 4 days now and it's staying inflated just fine.. although I haven't had occassion to drive it.

I wonder.. do I have a *very* slow leak, or could I have possible broken the bead while horsing around in the mud and rocks, and then somehow gotten lucky and resealed it when I inflated it?

I was running all four tires at 12 PSI. Perhaps that makes it easier to break a bead? Would I be well-advised to run a bit higher pressure from now on?

I'll have to take it out and drive it a bit to make sure it doesn't go flat again, but I would think 4 days of slow leak would flatten it out again, if it was in fact a leak?

Thanks for any thoughts,
Bob

Golfgar4 · Mar 6, 2002

What's the temp been like there latey? It does happen that when temps drop, and a tire that is just sitting can have the bead break loose as the tire contracts from the cold. This usually only happens with tires that aren't moved for a few days, and obviously doesn't happen to all tires. You might want to have the tire checked just to make sure the bead hasn't been damaged and that contributed to your flat. Best thing during the cold weather is to just go out frequently and drive it around to keep the tires loose.

Darn, now you have to go drive your tractor some more /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif.

Bird · Mar 6, 2002

do I have a *very* slow leak, or could I have possible broken the bead 

Either one is possible, but a spray bottle with a little soapy water usually lets you find leaks pretty easily.

running all four tires at 12 PSI

Just guessing, since I'm not familiar with your tractor, but that sounds low for the front ones and about right for the rear to me. I run 12 in the rear and 16 in the front unless I'm going to be using the FEL, then I boost the front to 24 and leave the rear alone.

Bob_Trevithick · Mar 6, 2002

...What's the temp been like there latey? It does happen that when temps drop, and a tire that is just sitting can have the bead break loose as the tire contracts from the cold.

The temp has been all over the place lately.. from the teens to the high 60's! This is the weirdest winter I can remember. Maybe running a bit higher pressures would be a good idea.. and to be honest, I hadn't checked the pressures for a while except by eyeball.

Thanks,
Bob

Bob_Trevithick · Mar 6, 2002

Hi Bird,

...but that sounds low for the front ones and about right for the rear to me. I run 12 in the rear and 16 in the front...

Ahah.. yes, 16 in the fronts sounds better. I'll keep a close eye on things for a while, and see if it goes down again. I keep looking for one of those low-pressure tire guages people recommend for low-pressure tires, but haven't found one yet. In any event, I'll try 16 in the fronts. Thanks!

RoyJackson · Mar 6, 2002

Bob, you might want to check or replace the valve core as well. They'll go bad (or can be bad from new).

Also, cold weather can cause air loss. Used to have that problem on F4's at NAS Oceana (VA) during the winter months. Part of the daily routine in the morning was to check all tires and pnuematic canisters of the birds on the ramp area, then "air up" as required. Sure was cold out on that ramp...reckon those boys stationed at higher latitudes had it worse.

MossRoad · Mar 6, 2002

I’d suspect a tractorless jealous neighbor sneaking over and letting the air out. /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif.

I have a van that a tire occasionally goes flat on for no apparent reason. It has happened maybe 3 times over the past few years. Even with different sets of tires. I check the tire pressure about every other week and especially during wide temperature changes. Sure enough, if it goes from warm to cold for a few days, the tire loses about 10 PSI. If I don't fill it, it will go flat in a few days. The strange thing is, if the temperature rises rapidly, the tire pressure doesn't change much. Anyway, I took the tire and rim to the garage and they pulled the tire off. Found some corrosion around the seat area. Cleaned it up and it doesn't do it as much any more. But it still loses some pressure during cold spells. I'd recommend checking the tire pressure weekly and keep a log of the temps when doing it.

Golfgar4 · Mar 6, 2002

Man, I haven't heard anything about F4's in ages! We flew A6's and A4's out of NAF Washington D.C., and yes, it could get MIGHTY cold there too! I use to love it when a transient with a large exhaust stack came in at night when I was standing a mid watch. I'd crawl into the warm exhaust stack and sit there watching my area of concern all warm and toasty/w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif. Of course, when the SP's came around checking on all the watches and didn't see me, they'd get a little upset /w3tcompact/icons/mad.gif until they saw this flashlight blinking at them from inside the exhaust stack/w3tcompact/icons/shocked.gif! Generally, they'd laugh their - - - off - once they realized I really could see everything from where I was sitting /w3tcompact/icons/grin.gif.

bky · Mar 6, 2002

Bob are you looking for a low pressure tire gauge?
if so go to your local atv/motorcycle shop they should have one becaus atv use low pressure also

Bob_Trevithick · Mar 6, 2002

Bob are you looking for a low pressure tire gauge?
if so go to your local atv/motorcycle shop they should have one becaus atv use low pressure also 

Oh, good idea.. yes, I haven't been able to find one yet. I'll try that. Thanks!