Odd Shaped Hole in Radial Tube

[shew01]

I replaced my tires and tubes last summer. The tires and tubes are radials, and I have maybe 3000 miles or so on them.

One tire started leaking a couple of weeks ago, and it progressively got worse. When I dismounted the tire, I found this odd shaped area in the tube, and that is where the leak is.

Has anyone seen anything like this?





I’m planning on patching it with a radial patch.

By the way, I considered a number of different ways to locate the leak, but this worked best for me. I was looking for a way to test the tube without making a mess. So, the bathtub was off my list. I figured I’d make a mess with the soapy water test too. So, I ended up finding this at Walmart for $10. It’s cheap, easy to clean, and I can store Model A parts in it later.




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[shew01]

Here is another picture. The hole is in the lower right corner of the image—the hole is in the lower sidewall of the tube. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a tube fail on a sidewall. I don’t recall hitting anything hard while driving.




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[Herb Concord Ca]

If you know the orientation of the tube with respect to the tire, check the inside of the tire for a flaw.
Years ago, I have a small thin label inside the tire than eventually worn thru on the side of tube.

[shew01]

A lable would make sense, but I ran my hand around both sides of the inside of the tire, and I didn’t feel anything.


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[shew01]

It’s just an odd shape. The “markings” around the leak don’t seem to line up with any flexing that I would expect from the tire and tube. Here is a closeup.




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[shew01]

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By the way, how long do you need to wait for a radial patch to cure? The package doesn’t say.


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[rotorwrench]

It might have been a bad batch of synthetic rubber that didn't set right during the vulcanizing process. I would replace that tube. It may continue to break down in other areas.

[shew01]

Originally Posted by rotorwrench

It might have been a bad batch of synthetic rubber that didn't set right during the vulcanizing process. I would replace that tube. It may continue to break down in other areas.

You may be right. However, this is the first time I’ve patched a Model A tube, and I’d like to see if I did it right and will hold air.

If the tube leaks again, I have a new l spare radial tube on hand that I keep light pressure in so that spare tube will not get creases in it that will turn into future leaks.


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[LeonardS]

It looks like it was repaired when it was made.

[Dan/Kzo]

You are not alone. I have a Coker radial tube off my A right now with the same blemish and pinhole leak. And not caused by the inside of the tire.

[TMarsh]

One of your pictures shows a faint circular outline around the damaged area. I would suspect this is a bad repair from the vender.

[shew01]

Originally Posted by TMarsh

One of your pictures shows a faint circular outline around the damaged area. I would suspect this is a bad repair from the vender.

Oops. That circle was from my ball point pen that didn’t want to write on the tire. Sorry, that was me.

I was trying to draw a “target” for where to put the patch.

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[shew01]

Originally Posted by Dan/Kzo

You are not alone. I have a Coker radial tube off my A right now with the same blemish and pinhole leak. And not caused by the inside of the tire.

Well, that’s interesting. I think these came indirectly from Coker via a Model A vendor.


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[nkaminar]

I am going to go with Rotorwrench on this one. I would replace the tube. Save the patches for a normal hole caused by a nail or other sharp object. It looks like a bad tube. Can you get it replaced under warranty?

[Ray in La Mesa]

The "A" oil pan w/o the dipper tray make a great tube dunking tub!

[burner31]

Originally Posted by LeonardS

It looks like it was repaired when it was made.

Sounds right, quality control/manufacturing issue, and I think it's safe to say not Made in the USA

[updraught]

Did you use talcom powder to stop the tube sticking?

[shew01]

Originally Posted by updraught

Did you use talcom powder to stop the tube sticking?

I did.


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[Oldbluoval]

My recollection is that tubes with metal stems had the stems installed aftermarket. Most (all?) tubes were made with rubber stems. Rubber stems removed,hole patched and metal stems installed.
Likely the patch of rubber stems??
Could be wrong…been awhile since dealing with tires!

[emf]

The red circles are pointing to possible damage from being pinched by a tire iron. I will agree that the rest of the blemish is a mystery...