Can't Find Tire Leak

[JimP2014]

I did recommend a sealant on the big A and that's what I used and if the only thing I had to fix was a flat tire I would have probably reset it on the rim and see if there was some sort of issue after making sure the rim was cool and then if all else failed just get a new tire like 30 bucks 40 bucks , but last summer I was dealing with a carburetor problem a broken muffler problem a keyway problem twice at least a mower deck belt problem a battery problem and last but not least a tire problem regarding the tire problem I took the path of least resistance praying it would work and it did so that's the whole picture for me anyways in the sealant that I bought did work on my second attempt.

Jim

But only in this in the interest of completeness I had a Black& Decker weed wacker that I had for like 15 years the batteries didn't work and in less than 2 hours I bought a Craftsman with a battery and that thing is pretty amazing it took 2 hours because when I went to use the mobile app at the store it wouldn't work so I had to go back home order it online from a PC and then go back to the store and pick it up otherwise it's a 20-minute deal.

 

[schreib69]

ATF. Remove the valve stem and using a pump oil can, squirt enough to lightly coat the entire inside of the tire. I didn't believe it either, But It Works. I used ATF4 and other types probably work too. It does seal small holes, especially Weather Cracks on sidewall. Inflate immediately and drive for a while to evenly distribute, not too fast, don't want to sling it all to the center. May require a second treatment. I no longer have to fill old mower tires every week.

INTERESTING!
I wonder if the ATF partially softens and swells the leaking pore. Expansion inside swells it shut maybe?!

 

[TobyU]

Hey Everyone,

I am embarrased to ask this. I have a slow Leak in a Rear JD D130 Tire. It takes 2 days to go completly flat. I've taken it off the mower. I can't see anything in it and I have gone over it multple times w/ soapy water and I still can't find the Leak. I also soaped up the valve stem and bead but nothing. Tire is in great shape. If I find the leak y thought was to use a plug.

Any other ideas? All the lawn shops around here won't repair will only replace the tire. I thought about filling the bathtub up w/ water and checking it that way, pretty sure the wife wouldn't like it but I'm losing ideas.

My last resort, which I don't want to do is add slime. Any thoughts or ideas would be appreciated.

Thanks,

MIchael

I have found the best way to find a leak is to take the tire off and submerge it into a body of water. When I had my pool, I would often do this even though it looked kind of funny.
Regardless, I don't worry about finding the leaks now. I just use some of the green slime the thick stuff in the large gallon container and I buy it when it's on sale because the stuff went up $10 more per gallon a while back.
4 to 6 oz in the front smaller tire and 8 oz in a rear tire and then air it up and go ride it. A leak that takes all night long or longer delete down will be totally fixed by this and we'll even fix worse leaks than that but I won't bother with it on a tire that leaks down within a couple of hours because those just get a tube.
It doesn't hurt anything despite what people may say and it does not rust out your rims or anything like that. It's not flammable and it's not messy at all.
You could pop the tire off and wipe everything off with literally two tissues or one decent size napkin so that's a moot argument by people.

 

[schreib69]

Guys,

I'm still here been reading all of the comments. One thing I learned on here is do not use sealant, EVER. I appreciate that advice because I almost did, even bought a can.

The valve stem is good, used soap on it. The tires and mower are in great shape, the mower is garage kept no rust etc. At this point I'm going to borrow a baby pool, from my son, see if submerging the tire will show a leak. If not I guess I'll just buy a new tire, I hate doing it but what the hell.

I do appreciate all of the comments.

Michael

Michael,
read the post below by biggertv-- use a few oz of ATF! cheap, simple to try-- not much downside.

 

[kbowley]

Can't believe this thread has this many ways to simply fix a leaking tire. If you have the correct tools (bead breaker and tire spoons), just pick up a tube from any local power equipment dealer or order a brand-name tube from the big A or the WM and install it, and you're done; it is quite simple. If you do not have the correct tools or have never done it, simply bring it to a dealer and have them put a tube in it. Most dealers and shops only charge fifteen dollars plus a tube, and the problem is resolved. DO NOT use fix-a-flat, Slime, or other similar flat fixers; it will not last and makes a heck of a mess to clean it up and put a tube in it, which is the correct way to fix it.

 

[mcvoss]

I really appreciate all the replies everyone. So I picked up a little kids pool filled it up w/ water and soap and found the leak.

Son of a gun, it was in the sidewall on the inner side of tire. Not sure how that happened unless a stick got caught underneath the mower.

I'm not going the tube route. Everyone wanted to replace the tire and I'm not going to do the tube myself. Spent to may years replacing tubes in mine and my kids dirt bike tires lol.

I found a place that will replace w/ the same tire (20x10x8) for $85 OTD. It took a lot of calling as everyone else wanted $125 +.

If it happens again soon, I'll rethink the tube.

Again, I really appreciate all of the comments, I learned a lot from this thread.

Michael

 

[kbowley]

I really appreciate all the replies everyone. So I picked up a little kids pool filled it up w/ water and soap and found the leak.

Son of a gun, it was in the sidewall on the inner side of tire. Not sure how that happened unless a stick got caught underneath the mower.

I'm not going the tube route. Everyone wanted to replace the tire and I'm not going to do the tube myself. Spent to may years replacing tubes in mine and my kids dirt bike tires lol.

I found a place that will replace w/ the same tire (20x10x8) for $85 OTD. It took a lot of calling as everyone else wanted $125 +.

If it happens again soon, I'll rethink the tube.

Again, I really appreciate all of the comments, I learned a lot from this thread.

Michael

Probably dry rot caused the leak. Glad you got it straightened out, and the price is very fair. A Carlisle turf saver in your size is roughly seventy dollars, and they can be a real PITA to get the bead seated.

 

[sls123]

Hey Everyone,

I am embarrased to ask this. I have a slow Leak in a Rear JD D130 Tire. It takes 2 days to go completly flat. I've taken it off the mower. I can't see anything in it and I have gone over it multple times w/ soapy water and I still can't find the Leak. I also soaped up the valve stem and bead but nothing. Tire is in great shape. If I find the leak y thought was to use a plug.

Any other ideas? All the lawn shops around here won't repair will only replace the tire. I thought about filling the bathtub up w/ water and checking it that way, pretty sure the wife wouldn't like it but I'm losing ideas.

My last resort, which I don't want to do is add slime. Any thoughts or ideas would be appreciated.

Thanks,

MIchael

Have the tire shop put a tube in the tire. I have tubes in all mine

 

[stevestd]

Hey Everyone,

I am embarrased to ask this. I have a slow Leak in a Rear JD D130 Tire. It takes 2 days to go completly flat. I've taken it off the mower. I can't see anything in it and I have gone over it multple times w/ soapy water and I still can't find the Leak. I also soaped up the valve stem and bead but nothing. Tire is in great shape. If I find the leak y thought was to use a plug.

Any other ideas? All the lawn shops around here won't repair will only replace the tire. I thought about filling the bathtub up w/ water and checking it that way, pretty sure the wife wouldn't like it but I'm losing ideas.

My last resort, which I don't want to do is add slime. Any thoughts or ideas would be appreciated.

Thanks,

MIchael

Posted this response some time ago.

Had similar problems with a tyre deflating unexpectedly on a number of occasions a few years back. Took it to my local tyre dealer who checked for leaks etc with no problems found. He said that older tyres can develop microleaks (these were 8-10 years old). Bought two new good quality tyres (no tube, same rims using 13-15 psi) with no problems since!

 

[Tiger Small Engine]

I really appreciate all the replies everyone. So I picked up a little kids pool filled it up w/ water and soap and found the leak.

Son of a gun, it was in the sidewall on the inner side of tire. Not sure how that happened unless a stick got caught underneath the mower.

I'm not going the tube route. Everyone wanted to replace the tire and I'm not going to do the tube myself. Spent to may years replacing tubes in mine and my kids dirt bike tires lol.

I found a place that will replace w/ the same tire (20x10x8) for $85 OTD. It took a lot of calling as everyone else wanted $125 +.

If it happens again soon, I'll rethink the tube.

Again, I really appreciate all of the comments, I learned a lot from this thread.

Michael

Almost 80 posts, and several phone calls to save $40 bucks, glad it is resolved. On the positive side, it gave people a chance to exchange ideas and methods.