tire valve core fouling

[erkmann]

We had an interesting complication recently, related to the use of tire beads. We were in rural Ontario when my riding partner chose to check his tire pressure and found that he'd caught a DynaBead up in the valve stem in the process. This is usually not a problem if you have shop air available but our little 12v compressors wouldn't blow it out. We removed the valve core and no amount of pressing/blowing/etc would clear it. Finally, we were able to fashion a staple to retrieve the errant bead after several attempts. I now carry a few extra cores and a removal tool in case this happens in the future. And, if you are going to check your tire pressure while using beads you'd best have a source of compressed air available in order to refill if one gets stuck in there as your tire is going to go absolutely flat while you're trying to figure out a solution.

[GoldWingrGreg]

That's one of many reasons why beads should not be used inside of a tire. However, I've heard that they make special valve stem cores with filters on them to keep the bead out of the core.

https://www.amazon.com/TyreBeads-Tire-B ... B00LTCL0H0

Find This Item on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LTCL0H0?tag=goldwingdocs-20

[MikeB]

That's one of many reasons why beads should not be used inside of a tire. However, I've heard that they make special valve stem cores with filters on them to keep the bead out of the core.

https://www.amazon.com/TyreBeads-Tire-B ... B00LTCL0H0

Before considering a new valve core, keep in mind that the valve stems of the GL1500 and early GL1800's have an 80 degree bend in it. The longer valve cores will not work.

Its a good idea to use a metal sealing cap on the stem. Usually the caps are provided in the package when you buy the balance beads. If you use an FOBO or similar TPMS monitoring sensor, that cap does seal the stem and will prevent air leakage in case of valve core fouling.

Also, if and/or when the valve core gets fouled with a bead, simply refill the tire with air and install the metal cap or sensor. That will keep the air from escaping. Of course, replacing the core will work just as well. Remember to always carry a small compressor in your saddlebag to fill your tires along with your tire puncture repair kit.

In my opinion, a fouled valve core is the only downside to using balance beads.

Find This Item on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LTCL0H0?tag=goldwingdocs-20

[GoldWingrGreg]

Before considering a new valve core, keep in mind that the valve stems of the GL1500 and early GL1800's have an 80 degree bend in it. The longer valve cores will not work.

Filtered valve cores come in shorter versions.

[MikeB]

Before considering a new valve core, keep in mind that the valve stems of the GL1500 and early GL1800's have an 80 degree bend in it. The longer valve cores will not work.

Filtered valve cores come in shorter versions.

Can you provide a link for the shorter versions? I've never found a shorter version that would work in the 80 degree valve stems.

[GoldWingrGreg]

Can you provide a link for the shorter versions? I've never found a shorter version that would work in the 80 degree valve stems.

You might be correct. I was thinking these would work, but at almost 1" in length, I doubt they will.

[Andy Cote]

Had this happen to me once or twice. When checking pressures on tires with beads, I will tap the stem first. On a straight stem, obviously when it's at the 6:00 position. But for angled stems, I start at 3:00 or 9:00 and then rotate down to the bottom. If near a compressor, a little blast of air first before using a separate gauge.