Mysterious Air Leaks
Posted: Sun Apr 26, 2009 9:08 am
My 1988 Astro has full wheel covers. It is red and I found a set of new 1978 Buick wheel covers that are red and made of real stainless steel. In an attempt to dress up the appearance further I purchased a set of 4 Camel chrome valve extensions (pn 38-315-4) to replace the ordinary black plastic extensions. After a number of mysterious flat tires and slow leaks with no apparent cause I found the culprit. I had just installed a new tire on a plain steel wheel that had been sanded and primed to prevent rim leaks. The tire was flat the next day. I re-inflated it and put it the dunk tank. The chrome extension was leaking on both ends. I tried the other 3 and found they leaked on the top if you use a plastic valve cover. The one that leaked on both ends would stop occasionally but if you tap it the leak would start again. They are made with threads on the top which would lead you to believe you can use screw on a cap. Not True! Beware of Camel chrome extensions! I trashed them all.
