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-   -   Tale of two tires. New Tires for my RV-12! (https://vansairforce.net/community/showthread.php?t=121154)

RFSchaller 01-01-2015 01:36 PM

Walt,

Piper recommends 24 or 26 psi (would have to check my POH for which) for my Cherokee 180, so I never gave the RV-12 reassure a second thought. What was it that made you think that too low? I agree that in two months they'll be lower.

Rich

Walt 01-01-2015 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RFSchaller (Post 946359)
Walt,

Piper recommends 24 or 26 psi (would have to check my POH for which) for my Cherokee 180, so I never gave the RV-12 reassure a second thought. What was it that made you think that too low? I agree that in two months they'll be lower.

Rich

Well maybe just my experience, I can't think of a single flat I've seen/repaired that was caused by a puncture, its always some type of split in the tube which is "generally" caused by excessive flexing of the sidewall which can be attributed to low tire pressure. I have no objection to the manufacturers recommendation, but one must be diligent about maintaining specified pressures if you want to avoid problems (flats). If you get into that 15-20 range you are just begging for trouble.

On another note I wonder how many folks actually check their tire pressures every 30 days?

DonFromTX 01-01-2015 04:49 PM

Why do they leak down so bad? My unfinished plane has never been out of the garage, and they lose air regularly, still have the stickers on them.

Sam Buchanan 01-01-2015 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Walt (Post 946386)
....If you get into that 15-20 range you are just begging for trouble......
On another note I wonder how many folks actually check their tire pressures every 30 days?

With our little 5.00x5 tires 15-20lbs looks FLAT! You would have to be very inattentive to let them get that low. Looking at the tires is part of the pre-flight, and it's possible to get pretty good at sensing low pressure once we have learned the plane. I keep 26-35 lbs in the RV-6 and (knocking on wood....) haven't had a flat in 16 years. More than 35 on the RV-6's springy gear is more harsh than I can stand.

My experience with leak-stop tubes has been that air needs to be added about every two months to keep pressure within 2-3 lbs of target pressure.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DonFromTX (Post 946420)
Why do they leak down so bad? My unfinished plane has never been out of the garage, and they lose air regularly, still have the stickers on them.

Don, you are probably seeing leakage from the original, natural rubber kit tubes which are quite porous. The "leak-stop" tubes are made of some sort of synthetic rubber (like auto and motorsickle tubes) which maintains pressure much better. You will want those tubes once you start flying.

PCHunt 01-01-2015 05:43 PM

In addition to the already-mentioned leak-stop tubes, fill with Nitrogen instead of compressed air. It is alleged that the Nitrogen won't leak as much as plain air.

tboyett 01-01-2015 06:00 PM

Quote:

Don, you are probably seeing leakage from the original, natural rubber kit tubes which are quite porous. The "leak-stop" tubes are made of some sort of synthetic rubber (like auto and motorsickle tubes) which maintains pressure much better. You will want those tubes once you start flying.
Are you referring to the LeakGuard tubes found at Aircraft Spruce or something else?

Thanks,
Tom

PCHunt 01-01-2015 06:10 PM

Leak guard, leak stop, also found a Desser Tire.

http://www.desser.com/products_airtubes.php

rvbuilder2002 01-01-2015 06:42 PM

Leak guard style tubes have been standard in RV finish kits for quite a few years now.

Sam Buchanan 01-01-2015 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rvbuilder2002 (Post 946451)
Leak guard style tubes have been standard in RV finish kits for quite a few years now.

Thanks, Scott, glad to know they are part of the kit.

Another common cause of slow leaks is a valve core that is either not tight enough or defective. I've had to replace a couple over the years.

RFSchaller 01-01-2015 09:40 PM

I wonder if the tire spec for pressure is just the max they are rated for by the tire manufacturer as opposed to the recommended working pressure.

I had a bad stem valve on one tire that created a slow leak until I replaced the valve stem - saved some money and hassle there!

Maybe it's just me, but I find it tough to judge the tire pressure state by sight with the wheel pants installed.

Rich


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