Slow leak in tire

[Shimon]

One of my rear ag tires (size 11.2-24) has a slow leak. Need to add air about once month (looses about 4-5 psi per month). I've inspected the tire (which is in good condition..about 5 years old no cracks, kept under cover) and can't find any punctures. The tires are filled with Rim Guard. I sprayed the tire down with soapy water to help locate any leaks and slowly rotated the tire looking for bubbles at the 12 o'clock position (since that's where the air is). Also sprayed down the beads and valve but can't locate any leaks.

Any other suggestions to help locate slow leaks?

 

[Soundguy]

if you can't get the entire tire into a bath ( kiddie pool ), then it will be hard to see a 4psi per month leak.. even with soapy water. I'd be inclined to think valve.. try one with a metal cap with an oring and see what you get.. or heck.. just replac ethe core and use the tool that renews the seat and use a new core and see what it gets you.. cheak for a try and may be the cause..

soundguy

 

[Shimon]

I don't think the kiddie pool idea would work since the tire is filled. All the air would be at the top of the tire so you won't see bubbles down low. I've never seen any stains from leaking Rim Guard. I have a metal cap on the valve but I don't know if there is an o-ring in there. I sprayed the valve down but didn't see any bubbles. I may replace the core anyway since I have the tool and spare valve cores around here somewhere.

 

[slagmaker]

All the air would be at the top of the tire,,,,,, Hmmm, I'm still trying to figure this one out,,,,, I thought my tires had air on the bottom and sides also,,,,,,,,, guess you could turn the tire over so the air would be on the bottom,,,,

 

[Shimon]

The tire is filled with liquid for ballast so the air would be at the top of the tire when it sits. Have you figured it out now?

 

[Ken]

Do you have the metal type of valve stems. the nut to tighten on wheel some times will leak if side pressure is applied. Don't over tighten just check if it turns easily and make snug. just repaired a tire then discovered something had bent the valve stem no leakage until small pressure applied to stem side ways.
ken

 

[Cat_Driver]

Pump the tire up with MORE than the required air and you will find the leak.
My wife took her car in three times to goodyear and three times they told her thee is no leak.

I told her I would go the next time and they told me the same thing and I said Prove it.....they filled it and no leak while in a bath of water. I told them put 90 lbs in it and lets do it again. There it was the bubbles came out between the sipes in the tire.

 

[Soundguy]

The tire is filled with liquid for ballast so the air would be at the top of the tire when it sits. Have you figured it out now?

And havn't you figured out that you can lay the tire on it SIDE in the kiddie pool so that air is around the bead?

soundguy

 

[Shimon]

Pump the tire up with MORE than the required air and you will find the leak.

Good idea. Simple. Thanks.

the nut to tighten on wheel some times will leak if side pressure is applied

I'll check that. Thanks.

And havn't you figured out that you can lay the tire on it SIDE in the kiddie pool so that air is around the bead?

I don't want to tip over a filled tire since I don't know if I'll be able to lift it again without my front loader. Plus, I don't have a kiddie pool. No kiddies. No pool.

 

[texasjohn]

guess there is only one solution....drive tractor down to local boat ramp at the lake and completely immerse the rear tires under water, then dive right in with snorkel gear and hunt for the leak... of course take the tire to maybe 30 lbs and use tractor jack to lift tire so you can rotate it to get air to where the leak is.

 

[Soundguy]

with a leak this slow.. I doubt he will find it easilly.. I think I might unload the tire than air it then look for the leak.. I bet that rimguard don't move thru a small hole as easy as air would...

tire would be easy to manage then too.. after leak found and fixed, reload tire.

soundguy

 

[chetorba]

I have the same problem and found this (I have not tried it):

Hydro-Seal is a flat preventative specifically formulated for water-filled tires. The same time-proven technology used in MULTI-SEAL Heavy Duty is used in Hydro-Seal to prevent 90-95 % of job stopping flats in ballast-filled tires. Hydro-Seal is compatible with calcium chloride, anti-freeze or water-filled tires and will prevent air loss from slow leaks in the bead and rim areas of the tires. Additionally, Hydro-Seal will protect against flats due to multiple punctures in equipment utilizing ballast tires

Web Site

MULTI-SEAL CORPORATION Hydro Seal Tire Sealant

 

[Craig Clayton]

Dear Sir
I presume you have liquid filled tires, so the actual volume of air is alot less than a regular tire. So any loss of air is going to be amplified. I supported the axle and with the valve at 12 oclock I replaced my valve stems with stainless spring valves. Silly idea try parking with the valve stems down and check, also get a gauge that can handle liquid fill as it is very hard on regular gauges.
Craig Clayton

 

[Soundguy]

heck.. even the 'wet' gauges don't wast long if your ballast is corosive..

soundguy