Metal stems in tubes

shepsvettes

shepsvettes

Member
Im putting metal stems in a set of tubes, How tight do you tighten the nut? Do you put the bridge washer parallel with the tube? Do you use any sealer? Any hints appreciated. Thanks.
 
I'm putting metal stems in a set of tubes, How tight do you tighten the nut?

You don't have to kill it, just keep it from leaking.

Do you put the bridge washer parallel with the tube?

Yes.

Do you use any sealer?

No sealer needed.
 
I installed metal valve stems in five tires over a year ago and had the same question you do. I tightened the nuts moderately tight, but not over tight (squeezed the rubber too much). I used no sealer. The five tires are still at 35# of air, so I guess I tightened them OK. I put talcum powder in the tires before I installed the tubes to reduce chaffing.
Rusty Nelson
 
You got good answers. Washer parallel and no sealer. I tried sealer once and it acts as a lubricant making it easier for the tube to slip out of the clamping action. They need to be quite tight but I never checked the torque. If the stems are not tight enough they act as pressure regulators. If one always leaks down to the same pressure it is not tight enough.
 
A trick that I got from RockHill Will (Will Cronkrite) is to install the stems in the tubes and then air them up ....for a month or two before installing them in the tire. If after a month they are still holding air, then your in business. If one has deflated, then you can easily fix it w/o having to break-down a tire and chance scratching a rim.
 
I learned the hard way back in the 70's that rubber gaskets (and inner tube stems) are instally DRY. I had to redo the intake rear rubber 3 times in two days on a Chevy V8. It didn't leak running in the shop, but leaked bad on the road test. Finally an older experienced mechanic asked me if I was using any sealer on the rear runner gasket. I told him I was and he told me they must be dry. He was right!
 
Tom, you probably do/did this too, but on those I use a centering punch and go down the rail and hammering a dimple in the rail about ¼" apart where that rubber can squeeze into when it is compressed. They don't move then!!
 
Boy......going from metal valve stems to Chevy end seals.....LOL.
OK...I don't use end seal...just a bead of silicone....works great and never leaks!

Now, back to the Metal stems in tubes......
 
Wow what a timely thread! I had my coupe on jack stands to do some brake work but I had to move the car. I need to air up the tires at which time two of my rubber stems broke off. I decided to replace them with metal one. So this information was good timing. Thanks Richard/Ca.
 
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