Had my BB checked out $$$$

[Wayne Kotila]

I think you are correct that the valve cores have a nylon apron seal around the outside of the core and they have another seal on the inside of the core that seals the small passage up the center of the core that opens up when you push the little center pin in with your tire chuck to add air or check the pressure. That is the seal that the silicone lubricates and helps seal.

How long have you owned the 1995 PT42? Do you like the coach?

Wayne

1985 PT40

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From: Pete Masterson
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Thursday, April 9, 2009 12:22:52 PM
Subject: Re: [WanderlodgeForum] Had my BB checked out $$$$

That's a good idea that hadn't occurred to me. I note, however, that the schrader valve cores seem to have a thin plastic "apron" that makes the final seal. I've noticed that some of the leakers seem to get a crease or partial tear in the plastic.

I also suspect debris of some sort, as simply adding an extra pulse of air (without any lubricant) will sometimes stop a leaker.

The last line of defense is a good cap on the valve stem. Of course, if you get a leak down where the stem connects to the wheel, then you're out of luck. You just have to pull the wheel and tire and replace the stem.

Pete Masterson

'95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42

El Sobrante CA

"aeonix1@mac.com"

On Apr 8, 2009, at 8:26 PM, Wayne Kotila wrote:

Hi, high pressure tires and valve cores leaking after you check your pressure or add air is a frequent problem. When I need to check or add air I always have a can of silicone spray with me. After I take a tire pressure reading if the valve core starts leaking, I spray some silicone on the end of the tire chuck from my air compressor hose and then put it on the valve stem with the leaking valve core and put a shot of air mixed with silicone in. This lubricates the valve seal and it stops leaking, then if the tire was a little lowI can add air and the valve core will seal afterI am done adding air. Silicone is good for rubber seals inside the valve cores and doing thisI haven't replaced a valve core on my 1985 PT40 in allmost 10 years, andmy tires hold their air pressure very well, I have 2 tires that over the winter might loose up to 10 psi.The valve core seals just need a little lubrication.

Wayne

1985 PT40

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From:Pete Masterson <"aeonix1@mac.com">
To:"WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com"
Sent:Wednesday, April 8, 2009 9:57:45 PM
Subject:Re: [WanderlodgeForum] Had my BB checked out $$$$

Between the higher pressure in the bus tires and debris that might be involved, I've found that the schrader valves have a tendency to not completely seal some times.

1. Get some metal valve caps with rubber seals inside. Check the seals regularly to ensure that they are still there and not damaged.

2. Get a valve wrench and a bunch of the valve cores. Replace the leakers.

I found a vendor on the Internet that seemed to have "good quality" valve cores (they were described as "high temperature" ) and some metal valve caps. They were packaged in bags of 100, but weren't terribly expensive. I bought a bag of each.

I've probably gone through a twenty or more of the valve cores over the past couple of years -- and it's handy when a dropped valve cap disappears far under the coach to just get another one out of the tool box.

Be especially careful of the pass-through valve caps (the ones where you can put air in through the cap). They're usually a recipe for leaks. (Previous owner had them on all tires. I suppose he used 'em because they were also an extension which on my coach is a plus for the steer axle.)

Pete Masterson

'95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42

El Sobrante CA

"aeonix1@mac.com"

On Apr 8, 2009, at 5:16 PM, jburgessx2 wrote:

<snip>
I also took it to the tire shop because I had the valve stems leaking on three of the tires (one front, one inner dual, one tag). They were all fine and had air on Saturday. By Tuesday, those three were leaking. I worry when my tires aren't quite right since my life depends on it. But, that was a cheap, easy fix anyways.

<snip>