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Hi guys, I'll cut to the chase: my front tyre (valve?) developed a slow leak.

It's about 5 psi / week, so it is impossible to locate, very annoying nevertheless.

This should help you understand the gravity of the situation: the bike handles so well after a top-up that I'm actually looking forward to my visits to petrol stations now!

Is there anything that I can do to stop it apart from tearing everything apart? I'm sure there is some kind of gunk (sorry for a technical term) that you spray into the tyre that seals all the small punctures, perhaps that would do the trick? And not bugger everything inside? Anyone used something that they can recommend or warn me about? Any advice appreciated.

I tried to do a search both on the RS and google and came up with close to nil.

@Mods: I am aware that this is not Falco specific thread but could you please allow it to linger here for a few days and then move it to Workshop, please?

I use Puncture Seal (http://www.punctureseal.co.uk) it stays liquid in the tyre, you'll never know its in there. You take out the valve core with the tool provided and pour it in. Enough in there for two tyres. Its pretty good stuff, seals all around the tyre wall too. And doesn't muck up your valve. I once road over a broken bottle with this in my tyre. All i was left with was a pink line in the tyre where it had instantly sealed. Top stuff

Thanks, Tommy! I feel strangely attracted to THIS product, though!

Has the core inside the valve just come loose and need tightening?

First check whether the valve is leaking (washing up liquid solution spread across the valve will soon show whether you have a leak. If so the valve core may just be seating badly, may be damaged and needs replacing or may just need to be screwed in a bit tighter.
(I'm assuming tyre valves are still made in the way they used to be - not had a problem with one for ages so not checked)

Thanks D-R, I checked the valve using a less sophisticated method - saliva...

yuck


);

sabestian wrote:Thanks D-R, I checked the valve using a less sophisticated method - saliva...

Ah yes .... i guess you're in a profession that has access to almost limitless supplies of that substance ......

I hate tyer gunk myself and would not use it but each to his own.
For some reason aprilia wheels have a common problem of leaking air between the wheel rim and valve body requiring them to be refitted, mine have had to be changed a number of times over the years!
Would be worth checking this out put some Plasticine or similer around the base of the valve to form a well and fill with water it will soon show if the problem is there.