What else should I look for?

[EdC]

I was using my FEL to move some dirt and noticed that with a bucketful of dirt the front right looked a bit low, checked the pressure and it was 2 psi, just a bit down from the 39 specified in the JD manual . Tire pressure was normal when checked last week. I aired up the tire and it seems to be holding pressure fine. I looked and did not see any nails or screws or for that matter anything else that could cause a leak. There was also no evidence of damage on the sidewall. Even after I washed the tire the sidewall dried at the same rate as the rest of the tire. Of course I'll check pressure more often than the once a week I was checking prior to this but what else should I look for?

What are the chances that this tire is internally damaged and should I replace it? I am allergic to catastrophic failures and right now the tractor's main use is getting a loader full of dirt then driving about 600 ft to dump it and then back for another load.

 

[megotatractor]

make sure the schroeder valve is scewed in tight into the valve stem. Other than that I highly recomend adding a bottle of Slime to that tire and the others as well for peace of mind.

 

[RoyJackson]

make sure the schroeder valve is scewed in tight into the valve stem. Other than that I highly recomend adding a bottle of Slime to that tire and the others as well for peace of mind.

Yep...good idea checking the valve (which is actually called a Schrader Valve, BTW). The Valve core might be loose...or just worn out. You can buy replacements at NAPA or almost any parts shop. They're cheap.

One note...those cores can fly when you unscrew them. I suggest you wear goggles or safety glasses with side shields.

 

[prosperity]

Sometimes you can not visually see a problem puncture - happens to me once in a while getting multaflora rose thorns. I would have a leak, and not be able to see anything.

Take an old spray bottle, fill it up with water and a little dish soap, and slowly spray the entire face of the tire all the way around. While doing this, look for a steady stream of bubbles - that will be where your leak is.

As others have mentioned, it could be the valve stem or core - you can spray them also to look for bubbles.

 

[EdC]

Megotractor

I did check the valve, thanks for pointing it out. It was tight though, tire still is holding air about 9 hours after I aired it up. Slime does sound like a good idea, has anybody tried foam?

Prosperity; good idea on the soapy water. I will try that tomorrow.

Roy, I always wear safety glasses outside. Originally it was just a carryover from when I was in the AF, now, those little bifocal dodads on the bottom sure come in handy.

The valve should not be worn out; this was a new tractor in February 07 but if I cannot find anything else I'll pop the valve out just in case.