Installation of Schrader Valve Stems

[Bob Bidonde]

Of the last 5 inner tube mods I have made to install Schrader valve stems, one leaks so its air pressure drops below 25 psig overnight, and the other 4 tubes drop to 25 psig within a month. I need to do better!
If you have installed Schrader metal valve stems with better results, please share your technique.
Also, what is a good rubber cement I can buy to make air tight tube patches stick?

[wrndln]

I have installed 2 sets of metal valve stems. Only 1 has a very slow leak. I didn't use any cement. I did have USA made inner tubes. That may be part of your problem if you have foreign made inner tubes. I believe the key thing is to tighten the locking nuts firmly, but no excessive force. Ford did not use any sealer.

[1931 flamingo]

I thought there used to be a detailed instruction thrread here on the BARN??
Paul in CT

[Kurt in NJ]

I made a small L shaped scraper the clean the white powder inside the tube away from the area around where the stem seals, then a drop of dish soap on my finger rubbed on the base of the valve stem and pushed the stem flange into the tube sideways, 9 tubes, no leaks

[rackops]

I don't have any good advice...unfortunately I've lost one tube while installing the stem (the sides of the hole tore ever so slightly...enough for a slow leak) and lost a couple (not stem related) during installation.

I was going to replace the tubes on my Victoria with the pre-made metal stem ones, but alas, it seems they are not available (at least anywhere I've looked).

[redmodelt]

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Here ya go;
http://www.sheepisland.com/cars/tech/metal_stems/

[Bob Bidonde]

redmodelt, that article is excellent, and gives me the help I was looking for. Thanks for sharing it. Have a great day!

[bobbader]

Hi Bob. I've tried the method outlined in that tutorial. I don't know how far back in history these pictures go, but, given that even the best tubes available today are foreign made (as are the vulcanized valves in said tubes), that little brass tube does not pull out of the tube as easily as it looks here. I do not the top portion of the valve stem off when I do the job. I do use a razor knife to cut around the base of the valve, but I do it a little at a time around the circumference, at a 45 degree angle, until the entire stem comes out. The 45 degree angle of the blade allows that the hole made in the tube is not too big to seal around the metal stem once inserted. Next time you come to my shop I'll give you a demonstration. Good Luck. BB

[tucan31]

Thanks for the link! Just what I was looking for.

[Big hammer]

Thanks Redmodelt for the link!

[Bob Bidonde]

BB! Thanks for the reminder re that pesky brass stem.