Re: Very Slow Leaks.

On Tue, 06 May 2025 10:42:54 -0700, Jeff Liebermann <jeffl@cruzio.com>
wrote:

On Tue, 06 May 2025 10:19:59 -0700, Jeff Liebermann <jeffl@cruzio.com>
wrote:
>

I once bought some inner tubes that seem to have come from the factory
with leaks. (...)

>
A bit more.  I didn't have enough patches handy, so I used a small
blob of automotive "gasket maker" to plug the hole. 
<https://www.permatex.com/products/gasketing/black-gasket-makers/permatex-ultra-black-rtv-silicone-gasket-maker-5-oz/>
I didn't ride enough to determine how many months or miles the black
goo was going to last, but it seems like it would work on small pin
holes.  I don't recommend it for large punctures, long cuts or cracks.
>
Also, I had some slow leaks that were difficult to find using soapy
water.  (At the time, I didn't think to try the ultrasonic leak
detector).  So, I over-inflated the inner tube.  I think it's probably
26 x 1 3/8:
<https://www.learnbydestroying.com/jeffl/crud/inflated-tube.jpg>
Not only did the soapy water detect the leaks, I could hear the air
leak and also feel the air with my fingers.  Also, the normal size of
the tire is the mounted tire located behind the over-inflated tire.
>
If I ever get around to buying a IR camera, I could try heating the
over-inflated tube, and possibly see the air leak because of the
temperature difference. 

Finding a small leak when outdoors with lots of noise and no puddles
around is trickier. When I can't hear the leak, or feel it against my
skin, I have another trick. I remove the tire from the wheel, stand it
upright against something, pour some water from my water bottles into
the bottom of it, and rotate the half inflated leaky tube through it.
It works even better if you have some soap to put in the water. I
always carry a small bar of soap.

--
C'est bon
Soloman