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-   -   tire air valve extension (https://vansairforce.net/community/showthread.php?t=129001)

jacksel 08-26-2015 11:29 AM

tire air valve extension
 
I lost the tire air valve extension I've been using for years on my RV-6. It always made servicing the tires a lot easier. It's about 5" long and eliminates having to remove part of the wheel fairing. Does anyone remember who sells them?

rolivi 08-26-2015 11:51 AM

Haven't lost one yet... but will likely need one.

Who's selling these?

Thanks,

Rob

tomkk 08-26-2015 11:52 AM

Here's where I got mine recently ... http://www.cleavelandtool.com/5-Valv.../#.Vd38wfRZWPU

LifeofReiley 08-26-2015 12:04 PM

Even better... LOVE it!!!

http://www.cleavelandtool.com/Cleave.../#.Vd3_h42FOUk

CATPart 08-26-2015 12:06 PM

I found them on the rack at Napa. Sorry no part number for you. watch out, some have an extra deep thread on them, I guess for use with heavy trucks or something.

f14av8r 08-26-2015 02:46 PM

Inflator Tool is best
 
I agree with Reiley, the inflator tool is a superior solution. If you want the cheaper / simpler valve stem extensions you can get them at any truck stop or auto parts store.

If you get the inflator from Cleaveland you should also consider adding the nickel plated buttons to cover the hole in the pants and the nice little valve cap remover / replacer they sell for $14. Just do a search on their site for "tire inflation" and you'll see all these products.


jpowell13 08-26-2015 03:42 PM

Aircraft Extras
 
If you want a simple, flexible, valve extension I like mine from Aircraft Extras. It has no fill valve or gauge built-in, but it's small enough to fit easily in your flight bag and it's low cost. It's rubberized and about 5" long. John

Dorfie 08-27-2015 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tomkk (Post 1009094)
Here's where I got mine recently ... http://www.cleavelandtool.com/5-Valv.../#.Vd38wfRZWPU

I have this one. It has a Schrader valve at the end with a shaft down the center that is supposed to open the valve at the tire when depressed by inflator.....which it does not do. It is as if the shaft is just too short.
I also have the cap removal tool that you can buy with it. The cap removal tool does not fit over the hexagonal caps that are generally used in aviation.
I bought this combination set. http://www.cleavelandtool.com/Valve-.../#.Vd8i0E3luUk
Just a heads up!!
Johan

sglynn 08-27-2015 08:55 AM

Hole to fill tires
 
So, I'm just now finishing my wheel pants. Are you saying with these 2 tools, the removal tool and extension, you can put air in the RV tires without taking off the wheel pants? If so, what size and location hole do you recommend?

rleffler 08-27-2015 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sglynn (Post 1009376)
So, I'm just now finishing my wheel pants. Are you saying with these 2 tools, the removal tool and extension, you can put air in the RV tires without taking off the wheel pants? If so, what size and location hole do you recommend?

3/4". You can buy a plug at most hardware stores if you don't want to leave the hole open

n816kc 08-27-2015 11:10 AM

extension
 
good timing, I just ordered one this morning from Aircraft Extras for my go bag:

http://www.aircraftextras.com/Valve-ext.htm

CATPart 08-27-2015 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by n816kc (Post 1009423)
good timing, I just ordered one this morning from Aircraft Extras for my go bag:

http://www.aircraftextras.com/Valve-ext.htm

whew 23 bucks, think I paid 9 at napa.

clevtool 09-02-2015 09:08 AM

Just FYI the Valve Inflation Tools (the one shown above with the gauge) went crazy at OSH and we are out until the middle of October. We can still take backorders and send when available.

krw5927 09-02-2015 09:18 AM

Mike, I too have the same problem that Dorfie above did with your inflator extension (not the full inflator with gauge). The shaft inside doesn't depress the valve stem, as if it's too short. Any recommendations for a field fix?

gnuse 09-03-2015 07:24 AM

I got mine at a local NAPA store. They have multiple lengths and chrome or brass :eek: finish. Don't leave home without one!

Of course the other part of this item is painting a white dot on the bottom of the tire when the valve is lined up with the fairing hole.

flightlogic 09-03-2015 06:51 PM

Darn, I tried painting the bottom of my tire with a white rattle can.
Maybe I need a picture or something... the paint is everywhere but on the bottom....

Seriously though, when I see simple solutions like this I just smack my head and say, "why did I take all those screws out last time the tire looked low, but turned out to be just fine?"

I am headed for NAPA.

rightrudder 09-04-2015 10:25 PM

I like using a tire crayon on the sidewall. You can get 'em at O'Reilly's or Pep Boys. Stays put for a long time, but you'll want to touch it up occasionally.


CATPart 09-07-2015 09:57 AM

Here is the one I got at Napa for under 10 bucks. Works great.

http://www.napaonline.com/Catalog/Ca...314_0215254749


gasman 09-07-2015 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rightrudder (Post 1011698)
I like using a tire crayon on the sidewall. You can get 'em at O'Reilly's or Pep Boys. Stays put for a long time, but you'll want to touch it up occasionally.


White-out (remember typing errors?) will stay on the tire.........:D

N427EF 09-07-2015 10:37 AM

RV-10
 
Anyone found a way to use one of these on an RV-10?

The valve stem protrudes at such an awkward angle it takes 2 hands to attach a
Inflator tool.
No way I could do this with the wheel pants on.
At about 2 month inflation intervals,I am taking a look at the wheel and brake assembly while the nose cone of the wheel pants are off, so it offers opportunity
While a bit inconvenient

clevtool 09-30-2015 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dorfie (Post 1009374)
I have this one. It has a Schrader valve at the end with a shaft down the center that is supposed to open the valve at the tire when depressed by inflator.....which it does not do. It is as if the shaft is just too short.
I also have the cap removal tool that you can buy with it. The cap removal tool does not fit over the hexagonal caps that are generally used in aviation.
I bought this combination set. http://www.cleavelandtool.com/Valve-.../#.Vd8i0E3luUk
Just a heads up!!
Johan

Jeez, let us know! I am happy to replace it. We have had a decent number or rejects on these. We make sure that the 'core' is threaded all the way in and not partially out. Then we use the end of a caliper to check the distance up from the end of the tool to the end of the brass core extender. We saw some problems with them a year or more ago, but I have not heard lately (except the two here today). I had thought that we were measuring 100% of these that came in, but will check on that, and on the required dimension.

On the 'hex caps' with the removal tool, we send the tool with three round caps with rubber backup seals in the end of them to replace the hex caps. Did you not receive these? Anything is returnable to us, if you are not happy we want to hear from you.

Mike

clevtool 09-30-2015 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by krw5927 (Post 1010988)
Mike, I too have the same problem that Dorfie above did with your inflator extension (not the full inflator with gauge). The shaft inside doesn't depress the valve stem, as if it's too short. Any recommendations for a field fix?

Sorry for no reply, I just found out that Gmail was filtering notifications as spam.

Dorfie 09-30-2015 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clevtool (Post 1018088)
Jeez, let us know! I am happy to replace it. We have had a decent number or rejects on these. We make sure that the 'core' is threaded all the way in and not partially out. Then we use the end of a caliper to check the distance up from the end of the tool to the end of the brass core extender. We saw some problems with them a year or more ago, but I have not heard lately (except the two here today). I had thought that we were measuring 100% of these that came in, but will check on that, and on the required dimension.

On the 'hex caps' with the removal tool, we send the tool with three round caps with rubber backup seals in the end of them to replace the hex caps. Did you not receive these? Anything is returnable to us, if you are not happy we want to hear from you.

Mike

Hi Mike,
Thanks for the reply. I bought mine more than 2 years ago. I did not receive any non-hexagonal caps with it. I would really like to get this working.
I will PM you.
Thanks.
Johan

clevtool 10-06-2015 02:26 PM

For those following the last few replies...

After a ton of digging it seems that the spec. for the valve core is 0.010" to 0.030" recessed from the face of the valve stem.

The company that makes the extensions say that due to thread variations, length of core and tube, and difficulty in measuring, they test each one on a valve stem that is .030 recessed to make sure it works.

I have tested 100% of our stock (as did the mfg.) and they all work. We will be replacing the two customers that we have discovered through this thread that don't work. If anyone else if having trouble, please let us know.

Thanks,
Mike

hevansrv7a 10-06-2015 04:54 PM

But what about the valve cap?
 
My problem was that my SJ wheel fairings are so close to the tire that I can't get my fingers up in there to remove the valve cover (the little black rubber dingus to keep dirt out). I made one out of some metal tubing, split it with a saw and again at perpendicular to the first cut. I made the cuts long enough to allow me to bend the tabs outward enough that I can put the "tool" through the hole to grasp, twist and even remove the cap through the hole. Usually, it stays in the tool and can be reinserted by reversing the process.

I didn't see this in the OP but I can't be the only one with the problem, can I?

Rodney 10-06-2015 06:39 PM

Cleveland tool
 
Ordered 2 extensions. One for the hangar and one for a travel kit.
Modified the main wheel pants w small door. Used a laser pointer to mark the spot to drill. Works wonderful. Airing tires takes way less time.
I remove the wheel pants every 3rd or 4th time to visually check the break.
Plan on changing to a sturdier liner when these finally fail. I'm frugal that way

Rodney

RV-7A

gasman 03-16-2016 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CATPart (Post 1012197)
Here is the one I got at Napa for under 10 bucks. Works great.

http://www.napaonline.com/Catalog/Ca...314_0215254749


If you dig a little at the NAPA store, you will find a rubber (flexible) one just like this one.... It really helps if you can't get a straight on shot at the stem.


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