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Tire patches
Since changing to tubeless 4 years ago, I had my first ever puncture today. The Stans sealed it - momentarily, before more spurting, and more sealing, and so on.
After having a 15min sit down to let the Stans dry, it seemed to hold for the rest of the ride. Upon getting home, I noticed that the tire isn't holding pressure. I pulled the tire off to see if there was any rock/stone/thorn stuck in the tire. No is the answer. The cut is only 3mm long. It seems to hold up to 20psi, but then any rough riding or higher pressure seems to blow the Stans plug again. The flex of the rubber just dislodges the Stans.
So - my question is, can I use a patch internally? I've heard rumors that you can 'patch' a tire. Is this using a regular tube patch?
The tire is only about 100km old!
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I heard a $5 note works in emergencys
Many many years ago before mountain bikes were invented I was on a cycle tour from Sydney to Brisbane and developed a hole in my tyre. I saw an old boot on the side of the road and cut the leather tongue out of it and used it to patch the tyre. Worked well.
Locate the hole
Sand the interior of the tyre where the hole is so it is cleaned off for the patch.
Put rubber cement around the hole inside tyre and let dry.
Place rubber cement on the back of the patch and put it on the hole. Allow the patch time to dry before trying to install it back on the rim.
Replace the tyre on the rim and inflate. The tyre should hold air.
But see also:-
http://www.bikerumor.com/2010/11/23/reviewhow-to...
http://www.utahmountainbiking.com/fix/tubeless-f...
http://www.ehow.com/how_7678164_patch-tubeless-b...
and many others
I have patched tubed MTB tyres with a cut inner tube that was stitched into the sidewall with dental floss worked well but had one go on me when was stitching wasn't great
I'd be surprised if Stan's couldn't seal a 3mm cut. I'd drop another load or 2 in, inflate and angle the wheel so the fluid drops into your crack.
You can buy tyre boot repair kits from auto shops that are super tough, but Ives always just stuck a regular bike patch on the inside of the tube - only happened a couple of times, and have lasted the life of the tyre. Sometimes a sliced tyre however has been used as an excuse to get a new one.....
Oldernslower - many thanks. I thought I'd heard of repairs.
I really did think that the Stan's would seal such a small gash. I've since re inflated the tire to 25psi & the Stan's plug blew again.
I'm thinking I'll plug it with Stan's as per usual - at a lower psi, then pull the tire off & install a patch on the inside of the tire carcass.
If the tire was old - I'd replace it. But it's basically brand new!
Internal patches work well. The $5 note thing is good for tubed tyres, totally useless without tubes.
There are also thicker sealants that might seal better. Slime does a car/truck sealant with little rubber bits that I find patches bigger holes better. You can get it a repco or supercheap auto
Seems to be holding well with the patch on. Test ride on the weekend.
I also cracked open my front tire to check the Stan's & found a huge rubber conglomerate. I don't use co2... Strange. The heat maybe?
Thanks for the tip Flynny. Upon reexamination tonight, the cut is closer to 5mm, still, I thought the Stan's was meant to seal that.
Stan's isn't the best for sealing cut tyres, they once tested a few sealants and FROM MEMORY(!) Slime was better at slits in the tyre. I carry a spare tube and a $10 note just in case I get a split tyre that sealant can't handle.
The rubber misshaped lump is common - Last amoeba like one i took out was about 75mm long with multiple arms - so replace stans every so often.
Incidentally if you remove your chain and turn bike upside down and spin the wheels slowly, you may find you get a rattling noise like pebbles from the rim. That is often dried sealant that has got into the rims insides.
BTW the 'sanding inside the tyre' mentioned earlier is to clean the sealant off the inside of the tyre nothing more - try not to take any rubber off the inside.
Hope you got a second life out of your tyre
The 'sanding inside the tyre' was very minimal, and was followed by a quick wipe with alcohol to clean the surface.
I always carry a spare tube & a cut down margarine lid. I cut it down to the shape of a credit card - but a little rounded on the edges. This should be able to hold a decent gash if I ever need it.
I do replace my Stan's every so often, usually between 2-3 months depending on winter/summer. I'm just surprised at my front tyre because it hasn't been there very long. Live and learn...
On a second note - my Lezyne Dirt floor pump arrived! I don't have an air compressor, and don't usually have too many troubles getting tyres to seal up. But this floor pump has a huge barrell compared to others and sealed up my tyres extremely easily. Only goes to 70psi as it's designed for MTB's - so roadies need something else.
Chris Chris , see ghetto compressor for lots of options for seating tyres.
$10 note has heaps of advantages, though I have since found a $20 note is twice as useful, especially if you have a mate that never comes prepared........
Always seem to get used on fizzy rather than flat.