View Full Version : Tire repaired - now an odor
We had a slow leak in a tubeless tire and after using the canned solution to plug the small nail hole the tire is OK but there is a bad odor of the stuff we put in the tire.
Have washed the tire several times and am wondering if it is pushing the solution out. Any suggestions? Thanks.
Stan671
10-20-2006, 12:19 PM
What canned stuff did you use?
We used "FixaFlat by Penzoil.
Thanks for replying.
Stan671
10-20-2006, 04:47 PM
Fix-A-Flat was recalled and taken off the market in 1999 because of a danger of the tires exploding if exposed to heat or sparks. Supposedly, the product was reworked and re-released.
http://www.theautochannel.com/news/press/date/19990218/press003968.html
I was not able to find out much technical information on the web about this product. Also, I don't recall hearing here that anyone else has used this on a Segway tire. Segway recommends against using tire sealers/inflaters such as this.
My recommendation is to replace that bad tire with a new one. Either purchase a new tire and wheel from Segway (expensive) or advertise here for someone selling a used wheel/tire combination or just a tire.
citivolus
10-20-2006, 06:44 PM
One of the biggest problems with tire sealers is they often prevent the use using a patch later because the material often leaches into the rubber and prevents adhesion. With a segway, I would imagine this is potentially worse due to the fact that there is an additional possibility of reaction with the rim material and special tire compound. It isn't likely it will react given the amount of different materials in modern tires but there is a small possibility.
More likely, the odor is caused by the propellent gas seeping out through the rubber, the same way a rubber balloon deflates over time. It would then just be a matter of accelerating that process. Unfortunately, that means letting the air out of the tire and reflating it several times (at least 3 or until the air coming out doesn't stink quite so much. The bad news is that you will probably have to remove the valve core since it will likely plug up, it is leak sealant after all. There will probably be a fair amount of the sealing liquid inside so be careful not to spill it on the rug.
KSagal
10-20-2006, 07:09 PM
I hope this doesn't sound rude, but did you happen to be eating beans when doing the tire repairs?
Just looking for all possibilities...
amturnip
10-20-2006, 07:44 PM
"Slime for tubeless tires" doesn't smell.
wwhopper
10-20-2006, 09:01 PM
I hope this doesn't sound rude, but did you happen to be eating beans when doing the tire repairs? Just looking for all possibilities...
That the Segway does not give off noxious odors, and is a fume free machine!
Now the glider may be jet powered, but as they say he who smelt it, delt it!
Sorry for being rude ;-)
Brooster
10-21-2006, 02:24 AM
I thought I'd seen it all here on SegChat, but I do think this is a new one!
<chuckles>
Still trying to get the odor out of the tire. No luck yet.
Gail
KSagal
10-24-2006, 01:59 PM
Until now, I had thought I had done most things that could reasonably and a few things that could be done unreasonably on a seg... But I had never had thought to sniff the tires...
If we go on the presumtion that at least one of the ingredients in the tire sealer is giving off an odor that you find unpleasant, and that it is oozing thru the rubber of the tire, why not deal with that?
If you have decided not to flush out that stuff, (Remove the valve, put some water/clenser in the tire, rinse, repeat as needed) or have tried this and it did not work because the smell is now inbedded in the rubber of the tire, why not use that to your advantage?
Perhaps you could find some consentrated scent that you do like, like a liquid car airfreshener, and cut it open and pour it into your tires? When the tires absorb this new, more agreeable scent, you will again be gliding in that perpetual garden of wild flowers, or maybe along the sea with "old spice" cologne.
What is that scent that has all the girls going crazy on the tv adds? Maybe you could use Liz Taylors smell to have all the hunky guys following behind you on your seg...
I am poking a little fun, but this is a truely new issue. I have been on this forum for a while, and I must say, it is nice to have a new issue to consider.
All kidding aside, I wish you luck with this one.
william collins
10-24-2006, 02:26 PM
Just a thought but mayby the the tire sealer is not compatable with the plastic wheel and is etching (wrong word) the plastic..Something like mixing Clorox and ammomia and releaseing a gas
I have extra wheels and tires if interested
sombody
10-24-2006, 06:24 PM
If your mixing bleach and ammonia together make sure your kids know how to dial -911
rick
william collins
10-24-2006, 08:06 PM
Sombody missed the whole point ...No ones mixing anything ..just an examble ..Like Gas on foam...WHEW
GyroGo
10-24-2006, 08:31 PM
Perhaps you could find some consentrated scent that you do like, like a liquid car airfreshener, and cut it open and pour it into your tires? When the tires absorb this new, more agreeable scent, you will again be gliding in that perpetual garden of wild flowers, or maybe along the sea with "old spice" cologne.
I smell a whole new business opportunity in scented tire fresheners. :D
We have removed the air from the tire and reinflated it again several times. Now rubbing coffee grounds on the tire hoping to get rid of the smell of the stuff from the canned tire repair. Hoping for good results.
cruiter
10-25-2006, 09:01 AM
I've been watching this post and weighing the cost of a new tire over can of fix-flat, long term nuisance, and mental image of folks near my Seg wrinkling their noses and I made a command decision. If a patch (not liquid) won't fix it, time for a new tire and be on with my life and gliding.We have removed the air from the tire and reinflated it again several times. Now rubbing coffee grounds on the tire hoping to get rid of the smell of the stuff from the canned tire repair. Hoping for good results.
KSagal
10-25-2006, 03:16 PM
I've been watching this post and weighing the cost of a new tire over can of fix-flat, long term nuisance, and mental image of folks near my Seg wrinkling their noses and I made a command decision. If a patch (not liquid) won't fix it, time for a new tire and be on with my life and gliding.
Before you set your plan in concrete, research back. There have been a large number of threads that commented about various tire sealing products, including green slime...
I know of many seggers who use a tire sealing product but this is the first complaint I have heard...
Personally, I have never had the need for this product, and found that for one reason or another, I was well able to avoid the whole issue. Of course, I am also rather handy, change tires all the time, have used several off branded tires, and have a compressor. I did the same with my bicycles over the years, so you need to compare the results that different people get with their various perspectives as well.
Typically, segway sells tires mounted on wheels, and they can get expensive if you buy a whole wheel and tire for a simple flat or small puncture.
If you do, I would like to be the first to offer a fair price for your old flat tire/wheel combo... LOL
sombody
10-25-2006, 07:02 PM
Karls idea about adding some thing that smells better would probably work. - Maybe something like Simple Green- Also its interesting that many tractor tires are filled with water- not air-
rick
sorry to Bill for not uderstanding his post
citivolus
10-25-2006, 09:35 PM
Ten years ago I ran a garage and repaired tires along with the usual automotive maladies of every type. At the time, my greatest fears were the "fixes flat" can sprays and walking up on a car with an overcharged battery with a lit cigarette. I don't smoke now, but those would still be my greatest fears if I was still doing that today. The only true way to be rid of the whole mess is to replace the whole set and learn from experience. Given the cost, that isn't as easily done as said.
Remove the tire and identify if it is the tire, rim or both causing the odor and replace as appropriate. Don't forget that the stem can also be part of the cause. In the end, please report back to a "sticky" list (error codes & meanings?) so other members can avoid the particular product.
Best wishes,
Pam, Sal... etc.
Is there a list for issues like this?
I called the tech at the company that manufactures the Pennzoil fix a flat and he suggested that we use Odorless Mineral Spirits and wash the tire with it thoroughly - let it dry and do it again. He said that it is a very difficult thing to get rid of but does go away after time. This stuff has to be used outside because it is very flamable. They have had problems when a can would burst in the trunk of a car because of extreme heat and that it was almost impossible to get the odor out of the trunk of the car.
So that is the current operation.
Gail
KSagal
10-26-2006, 08:34 PM
Perhaps you can take advantage of the fact that Halloween is upon us, and wear a clove of garlic around your neck when you glide. If asked, just say you are prepared for all the little vampires...
Maybe you could even glide with a few cloves on strings trailing behind your seg... Clearly with that behind you, very few people will stop to sniff your tires...
Actually, it was my husband's segway with the tire problem. He has ordered a new one from Segway and will keep the present one as a spare. We have been told that in time the odor will go away.
End of Saga - Thanks to all for their suggestions - except for the garlic one!!
Gail
vBulletin® v3.7.1, Copyright ©2000-2008, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.