videoarizona Posted February 21, 2015 #1 Posted February 21, 2015 My 89 VR has the metal stems with dual nuts on both wheels. The manual says the "lock nut" should be tightened to 1 ftpound (some such). That's fine and dandy, but how tight is the lower/inner/first nut supposed to be? My front tire is leaking air when it has less than 40 pounds in it and when I checked the valve stem...the nuts were finger loose. Looks like the stem has an "O" ring or similar on inside that is compressed with first nut into the rim. The second nut locks first in place. I read up on the rim surface being pitted, etc., but this just happened...came out one morning and tire flat. Guess I should not have let some air out to try the ride at 38 pounds! Not enough pressure to seal the valve stem I guess.... And I don't know if they changed the stem when the new tires were put on last month... Suggestions? david
RedRider Posted February 21, 2015 #2 Posted February 21, 2015 Have you checked to see if that is where the leak is occurring? Spray some soapy water (or just spit) around the base and see. It may be the valve inside the stem leaking. When folks change tires, they remove the inner valve to deflate the tire (quicker than just pressing it down) and they may have not reseated the replacement valve. If you find it leaking around the base of the stem, tighten the outer nut with a wrench and check again. Normally, if you have metal stems, they will not get replaced when a tire is changed unless you ask. I had mine changed when the wheel bearings were replaced (at 80k miles). Other than that, never. Let us know what you find. RR
Venturous Randy Posted February 21, 2015 #3 Posted February 21, 2015 Just snug the nuts down and refill with air and I suspect you will be ok. As suggested, spray some soapy water around it and confirm it is not leaking. I had this problem many years ago before I found a very slow leak. Randy
videoarizona Posted February 21, 2015 Author #4 Posted February 21, 2015 Thanks guys.....I spent a good deal of yesterday with soapy spray....never could find any leak at all. Concentrated on tread areas, then the sidewall areas then the seat area....using spray. Nothing. The valve stem idea was one of desperation...and did find the nuts loose on the valve stem. Didn't hold at all yesterday despite the numerous times I tried reseating the valve stem. So took it very loose this morning, moved it around a little gently and then snugged up the first nut. Tightened the 2nd nut a tad more while holding the first. So far it's holding at 32 pounds. Understand about not replacing...makes sense. Rubber stems get replaced but not usually metal. So that tells me the "O" ring or whatever is on the bottom of the stem is tough enough to handle some wear. Since I'm at 39K miles and on third tire set that I know of....they should still be good. BTW, the rear valve stem was snug....and holds pressure so the tech who mounted the tires did get that one right. Thanks for confirmation! I'll keep her up on the stand a while longer and see how she holds with 42 pounds. Held for two hours at 32...maybe I got it this time! david
videoarizona Posted February 21, 2015 Author #5 Posted February 21, 2015 Update: Nope. leaked out after 45 minutes at 42lbs. So jumped on VStar 950T and headed to Eloy to meet a friend for a lunch visit. Going to take the front wheel off tomorrow before the Daytona 500, and then Monday...drop it off to shop and say "Fix". Beyond me.... Thanks anyway!
djh3 Posted February 22, 2015 #6 Posted February 22, 2015 The inner core will leak if not tight. Also by chance are you runnig the balance beads? I do and every once in awhile when I check the pressure one them buggers will get caught and make it leak. Hope the shop get it fixed for you.
videoarizona Posted February 23, 2015 Author #7 Posted February 23, 2015 The inner core will leak if not tight. Also by chance are you runnig the balance beads? I do and every once in awhile when I check the pressure one them buggers will get caught and make it leak. Hope the shop get it fixed for you. Dion, No beads...good thought though. I kept thinking maybe I had some dirt in there stopping the valve from closing, but that can't be it as sometimes it holds pressure then let's go. I hope so too. They installed the tire!
djh3 Posted February 23, 2015 #8 Posted February 23, 2015 You know, maybe the spring on the valve core is weak?
Condor Posted February 23, 2015 #9 Posted February 23, 2015 Yeah That.... I'm thinking it's a bad Schrader valve....
videoarizona Posted February 24, 2015 Author #10 Posted February 24, 2015 Well the wheel is off to the shop that installed the tires. They said they would look into the problem for me. They have a new valve seat that may work well with our wheels...They will check it out for me. Better seal and still made of metal. Thanks all.....I'll let you know what they find... david
BlueSky Posted February 24, 2015 #11 Posted February 24, 2015 Cowpuc did a utube video on valve stem installation.
videoarizona Posted March 2, 2015 Author #12 Posted March 2, 2015 Final Update: Picked up tire on Thursday evening. 42 pounds of air. I spent weekend in Phoenix, came back and tire still holding 42! So guess the valve stem was the culprit. Looks like it was leaking on the inside of seal.... Thanks for your ideas!
tilloster Posted March 8, 2018 #13 Posted March 8, 2018 Can someone tell me what SIZE valve stem to buy as a replacement?(diameter AND length) Im about to change the rear tire(shinko 777) on my '83 VR.saw cowpucs vid , but he didnt say WHAT SIZE was needed esp for the rear tire. Went to "car parts" store,they had 1 pack of the metal valve stems, but believe they are waaayy to short for our bikes. Do I HAVE to GO to the dealer for this special size valve stem?
BlueSky Posted March 8, 2018 #14 Posted March 8, 2018 partzilla.com or many other motorcycle parts houses
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