Installing metal valve stems

[HalcyonDays]

Is there a trick to installing the metal valve stems on Model A tubes? I am 0 for two. I watched the video on You Tube and it appeared very straight forward. I installed the stems, checked for leaks then manually installed tube and tire on rim. Once installed leak happened between metal stem and tube. I did not apply any sealant as per video. Next step for me is to see if I can find tire shop to install tubes and tires on rim, perhaps they could do it with less stress on stem.



I was curious if anyone else ran into this issue and or if thy applied a little sealant.


Thanks for any suggestions.

[1931 flamingo]

Do a search here, there is detailed instructions. I'd probably use a sealant, Indiand Head. JMO
Paul in CT

[Mike Peters]

http://www.sheepisland.com/cars/tech/metal_stems/
Nice pictorial on installing stems. I've installed some metal stems and found that to avoid leaks, you need to tighten that bridge washer as tight as you can without stripping the threads on the valve stem or bridge washer nut.

[mhsprecher]

I followed this to a T, but two of the tubes developed tears when I was spreading the hole with needle nose pliers to install the metal stems. An expensive mistake, so be careful. These were with the Coker supplied tubes for the American Classic radial tires. Three went in fine, but two, not so good. :-(

[J Franklin]

Are you using some lubricant to ease installation? You shouldn't need any sealant as the rubber should make it airtight if the nut is drawn tight.

[jwilliams81]

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I'll be tackling this in a day or so for the first time since the metal steam 19" tubes are no longer available. Thanks for posting, I will be following the same steps as shown in the link from Mike Peters... hoping for a good outcome. I will post back

[ryanheacox]

I did 5 tubes back in January. I bought one extra but didn't end up needing it. I followed that guide but used a regular pair of needle nose pliers with a nice radius on the outside that wouldn't bite into the tube. It's now been 7 months, 1200 miles and no leaks.

[Kurt in NJ]

i have just done some, cleaned the anti stick powder off around the hole inside the tube, a dab of dish soap and just pushed the stem in sideways, nothing to expand the hole, no glue

[1crosscut]

If you noticed the air escaping between the valve stem and wheel right after filling that is normal (but it can alarm you) as the air trapped between the tube and the tire needs to escape. Let them sit for a while and recheck the air pressure. You may not have a problem.

Also I don't put the valve stems in right away. I fill them at least twice and immediately let the air out to allow the tubes to untwist and settle in before installing the valve stem for the final fill.

[Bob Bidonde]

My record is one leaker and 4 successes in my latest conversion to metal valve stems. I have learned the hard way that there must be 1/16" to 1/8" of the rubber valve stem left standing to make a seal.

[Richard in Anaheim CA]

I have installed several sets and do not use tools to insert the stems.

I dip the stems in soapy water and just push them into the tube with my thumbs, edgewise of course. I haven't used any sealant. A second set of hands is helpful too.

Richard
Anaheim CA

[HalcyonDays]

To follow up on my original post. It turned out the metal valve stems I had installed were not the cause of the leaking tube. While installing the tire on the rim I inadvertently ripped the tube. The rip was not close to the valve stem but when the tire was inflated the air was coming out around the valve stem. The big lesson for me was how to install tires on rims using a plastic bag and zip ties, much easier than what I had been doing. Metal valve stems now have been installed on new tubes and tire on rims no leaks.

[rackops]

Originally Posted by HalcyonDays

While installing the tire on the rim I inadvertently ripped the tube. The rip was not close to the valve stem but when the tire was inflated the air was coming out around the valve stem.

Exact same thing happened to me on two of my tubes. Very frustrating, for sure!

As far as installing the metal stems, I personally found that dish soap and elbow grease were the best way to get the stems in the holes. That was after I tore two tubes while installing the stems.