valve stem clogs when using counteract beads

kevinshea

kevinshea

Senior Member
On my 35 with wires, I chose to add beads on the new tires.. I had used them in previous set. Trouble is, the beads clogged the stem.. I had to use a thin wire to break up the clog. Happened when the tire was on the car and when I had it flat on the ground and even tipped to set the stem at a 90 to the ground. Not sure if it is due to the stem being used?? could the stem narrow at the end? any experiences?

Photos shows the type of stem.
 

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Yes it is a long process. My tubes which came from Coker’s had a small rubber flap just below the valve stem, inside the tube. I used a twist drill which just cleared the inside of the valve stem and cleared a path for the beads. I used a short length of Nylex hose attached to the valve stem and a small funnel on top of the hose. I had the valve stem vertical. Pour the beads very slowly into the funnel and keep tapping the funnel and hose. Take it very slowly to avoid compacting the beads in the valve stem. Each tube about 1 hour for 1 pack of beads.
 
Now I understand why a lot of people don't use them. One hour per corner? No thanks. I'm inpatient enough as is.:D
 
My experience is the same; there seems to be a rubber flap at base of valve stem. Remove it with a drill, I use a length of plastic hose attached to the valve stem. Put required weight of beads into a ketchup bottle or similar; something with a tapered spout...affix the hose onto the nozzle and pour some beads into the plastic tube. Holding hose in a manner to prevent the beads from pouring out, remove the bottle. use compressed air to blow beads into the tube. I find that little split second puffs from the airgun to be better than a solid blast. Repeat until the desired weight of beads is in each tube. Once you get the hang of it, it really only takes about 5-10 minutes each tire.
 
I have taped and engraver to valve stem let it vibrate the beeds in. I wont use the junk napa sells.Takes about 5-8 mins per tire. Been using the in cars.. Peterbilts. Motorcycles.trailers for many years. But if your not using an air dryer on your compressor forget it. It needs to be dry air . Like the damn things alot. They work.
 
I have used Brian's method wth one addition - I tap the valve stem as the beads flow in. I also use the special valve stem insert afterwards for tires with beads. I like Dynamic Balancing's stuff myself ....
 
I tape a small funnel to the valve stem and use a vibrating tooth brush on the side of it and they just go down easily. I second zero moisture. I recently took apart two no tube radials that one had all the beads stuck to the whole inside of the tire. They had lots of miles before I added the beads. Use no lube when mounting the tires on too for radials with no tubes.
 
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