OEM valve stem question

[amazngrace]

Just found my front stock stem leaking last week, and replaced with Kurveygirl 3/4" straight
stem. Had to take the wheel off to break the bead as I didn't have a wide enough clamp.

It sealed up nicely,  and stem access is good on the front.


...ED

[Brian]

I sure like that spark plug pump. I hate to admit it but I always wondered if these pumped gas vapors into your tires and why would anyone do that?

I believe the c-clamp I use for front brake work on the cars is an 8 inch, if not I will get one this week. I plan to call Jake Wilson tomorrow to order the valves stems. I agree that I would like to have the nuts exposed. I had this type years ago on a Yamaha Virago and never had any issues.

I still can't believe that I overlooked not replacing that rear stem last year when the tire was replaced.

We have a local poker run this Saturday for charity and plan to take it easy till I get the new stems.

Thanks everyone.

[Daniel Meyer]

I sure like that spark plug pump. I hate to admit it but I always wondered if these pumped gas vapors into your tires and why would anyone do that?

I've used one, and they will seat a tire bead effectively...done it beside the road. Still carry an electric pump for more convenient use in "less dramatic" situations than a complete unseating.

And just to confirm...they have their own fresh air intake to suck fresh air into the cylinder...seems to work...anyway, output air is safe...I've played.

[hubcapsc]

I believe the c-clamp I use for front brake work on the cars is an 8 inch, if not I

On this day, we struggled with a couple of 6-inch clamps that Joe bought
at a nearby Sears...



It is hard to get two boards and a Valkyrie tire in the jaws of a 6-inch clamp,
and leaving out the boards puts such a point load on on the tire it makes
you think you're going to punch a hole in the sidewall before the bead
pops off... 6-inch clamps are usually the biggest you can find at Lowes
or Sears or ... I ordered the 8-inch clamp from Amazon...

-Mike

[Hotrodwing]

I use the stock stems with a tip i got from the goldwing riders.  You put a small zip tie between the stem and the holder to hold it in place.  Never had an issue, but I also change my stems every tire change. Just cheap insurance.  Just changed my front tire with 19000 miles on it.   Avon Cobra and i run Ride on in my tires and run 40 psi.   Ps   I also carry a few metal stems with me at all times just in case.   

[hubcapsc]

Never had an issue, but I also change my stems every tire change. Just cheap insurance.

I bet what you are doing will keep you trouble free. But cheap? Don't OEM stems cost $20 a pop?

-Mike

[Brian]

Never had an issue, but I also change my stems every tire change. Just cheap insurance.

I bet what you are doing will keep you trouble free. But cheap? Don't OEM stems cost $20 a pop?

-Mike

The dealer that mounted my new tire charged me $12 extra for the OEM stem and $15 for the tire work and balancing.

[salty1]

Not to shabby for cost overall. I usually get a tire mounted and balanced for $20.

[pancho]

Dang it!!!!  Now I have one more thing to check out!!! 

Do you really carry around that C clamp and two boards Mike??

Yep... I've been on two rides where people's OEM valve stems failed, and a couple of
other rides where there were flats...

I have the clamp and two boards in my saddlebags, a spark-plug pump (supposedly they
can spew out enough air to rebead a tire) and some tire plugs. And Ride-on in my tires.

Here's the spark-plug pump:

http://www.aerostich.com/tools/tire-repair/pumps-air-compressors/engineair-power-pump.html

I've got two good valve stems in my tool box... I need to remember to throw them in the
saddlebag too...

A flat tire shouldn't be a show stopper...



-Mike "well..."

You da man Mike........