Leaking tire valves

[149owner]

I started out blaming the neighbors cat for coming over and relieving himself on the tractor's rear wheels. I cleaned them off and then parked it in the garage and when I went back out a few days later the wheels were wet again. I knew nothing could have gotten into the garage so I knew it was coming out of the valve stem. I moved the tractor until the stem was at the top, removed the schrader valve, sprayed a q-tip with brake cleaner and swabbed inside the stem. I then replaced the schrader valve with a new one but it still seeps antifreeze. I hate to have to take it to the dealer to have the tire broken down to replace the valve stem and install new antifreeze. $$$
Any suggestions on how to stop the seeping and still be able to check tire pressure?

 

[woodchuckie]

I've never had one that wouldn't stop leaking by just blowing it out with air and tightening it up a little more. You could have a deep scratch on one of the sealing surfaces. If so you might could smooth it out a enough to get it to seal with some sand paper or grinding compound etc.

 

[DieselPower]

Try to find some good quality valve caps. The all metal kind that have rubber gaskets in them. They might stop your dribble.

 

[guyrj33]

If it is the core that's leaking try replacing the core.
I like the suggestion for good valve caps also.

 

[Billy_S]

The valve cap is actually the primary sealing device. The valve core is for convenience when adding air. Put valve caps on.

 

[Jay4200]

Any suggestions on how to stop the seeping and still be able to check tire pressure?

Replace the valve stems - that's where the seal is. You should be able to get a set for a dollar at a local auto parts store, or stop by your closest tire shop and grab a handful of recently pulled out valves and take the stems out of them (free option).

Jay

 

[Jay4200]

The valve cap is actually the primary sealing device. The valve core is for convenience when adding air. Put valve caps on.

That is just SO wrong.

Jay

 

[Billy_S]

That is just SO wrong.

Jay

LOL. Yeah, okay. I haven't been doing this for very long. Only 28 years. And I have never spoken to a tire engineer or been to any training seminars. Thanks for sitting me straight.

ETA: I am talking here about valve caps, not dust covers like you see on a lot of passenger tire valve stems. Tires filled with fluid should have valve caps, not dust covers. Valve caps are metal and have a rubber sealing device contained within. Dust caps are usually plastic and, IMO, should not be used on any type of valve stem.

 

[DieselPower]

If it is the core that's leaking try replacing the core.
I like the suggestion for good valve caps also.

He mentioned that he has already replaced the schrader valves and they still leak. Like I said, good quality valve caps should fix your problem.

 

[149owner]

Thanks for your replies. I couldn't find metal valve caps with rubber gaskets inside at the local auto supply stores so asked a friend of mine who is a plumber if he had anything like that. He had a jar full and gave me some to try. With luck that will solve my problem. I hope Santa was good to everyone and that you have a happy and healthy new year!