[Healeys] Innertube Question

[Guy R Day]

This $0.02 from Fred is worth a lot more than the usual $0.02.
My only addition is to make sure any sticky  left after removing the 
stickers on the inside of the tyre is cleaned off as well as using powder to 
lubricate the tube and everything else to assist in its placement when 
inflating.

Well said Fred.

Guy R Day

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Fred Crowley" <fredcrowley at teamhealeytexas.com>
To: <healeys at autox.team.net>
Sent: Thursday, January 07, 2010 11:36 PM
Subject: Re: [Healeys] Innertube Question


> No argument about replacing inner tubes. However, on my vintage racing 
> Healey
> 3000, I have always re-used the inner tubes. I use Michelin inner tubes 
> that I
> order on line. However there a few things that  help prolong the life. 
> First,
> most tires these days come with small stickers partially embedded in the
> rubber on the inside of the tire (inspected by #9). These must be removed. 
> I
> have found out first-hand, that as the tire and tube warm up, the tube 
> will
> abrade against the sticker(s) and eventually the tube will fail. Secondly, 
> I
> drill out my rims so that I can insert a plastic valve stem sleeve in the 
> rim.
> This protects the tube's valve stem. Thirdly, make sure there is 
> absolutely no
> debris inside the tire prior to mounting. Knock on wood, I haven't had any
> flats in over a decade as a result of an inner tube failure, even racing 
> here
> in 100 degree+ Texas weather. Also, an obvious point point, make sure with
> tube mounting (new or used), that the mounted tube is inflated/deflated a 
> at
> least 3 cycles to ensure that there are no folds or wrinkles in the tube. 
> Most
> tube sizes made for our wheels cover a variety of tire sizes, so you need 
> to
> take care.
>
> In my area, I've been going to a Discount Tire for close to 20 years to 
> get my
> tubes & tires mounted. The place I use has a couple of techs that have 
> been
> trained by Dayton including mounting on wire wheels. As with most Healey
> things I don't do myself, I watch the work pretty closely. D.T. seems to 
> have
> no trouble with balancing as long as they use a tapered fitting on the 
> front
> and the back of the rim. Watch the tech closely to make sure he gets the 
> rim
> centered properly. No vibrations on my racecar up through 130mph.
>
> My $0.02 and worth every penny.
>
> Cheers,
> Fred
> Team Healey Texas
> www.teamhealeytexas.com
> _______________________________________________