Slow leak RZ valve stem

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75RD350rider
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Slow leak RZ valve stem

#1 Post by 75RD350rider » Sat Jul 30, 2016 12:42 pm

I have recently noted a four pound pressure loss on my front tire in a 24 hour period. Initially I saw a small leak at the valve core and replaced it. Still losing air with no holes in the tire. I have a box of new valve stems for automobiles and the tool to install them but they are the type you pull through the hole in the wheel, not the type installed currently with a nut that you tighten down to create a seal. Will the automotive type work or am I gonna end up going to the bike shop?
I love the smell of Blue Marble in the morning!
Tim Steele in Front Royal, VA

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Smoker
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Re: Slow leak RZ valve stem

#2 Post by Smoker » Sat Jul 30, 2016 2:19 pm

Pretty sure the answer is yes. Hard to tell without seeing the valves.

You can't use the modern type of motorcycle stem with the securing nut on the INSIDE. There is no recessed hole, and the rim is too thick.

The later RZ wheels have a recessed hole for modern valve stems. It's possible to machine a recess in your wheels for modern valve stems, but I know that's not your question.

75RD350rider
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Re: Slow leak RZ valve stem

#3 Post by 75RD350rider » Sat Jul 30, 2016 4:51 pm

Thanks for the information..it is an 84 US version...

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I love the smell of Blue Marble in the morning!
Tim Steele in Front Royal, VA

75RD350rider
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Re: Slow leak RZ valve stem

#4 Post by 75RD350rider » Sat Jul 30, 2016 4:58 pm

The ones I have on hand are for a car or truck wheel that you pull through the hole.
I love the smell of Blue Marble in the morning!
Tim Steele in Front Royal, VA

RuZty
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Re: Slow leak RZ valve stem

#5 Post by RuZty » Sat Jul 30, 2016 9:14 pm

Yes, I have used that type recently when I was unable to get the threaded ones in time. No problems.

75RD350rider
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Re: Slow leak RZ valve stem

#6 Post by 75RD350rider » Sat Jul 30, 2016 9:31 pm

Cool thanks!!!
I love the smell of Blue Marble in the morning!
Tim Steele in Front Royal, VA

bitzz
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Re: Slow leak RZ valve stem

#7 Post by bitzz » Sun Jul 31, 2016 2:25 pm

If you have tubeless tires a car shrader valve will work.
Doesn't you bike run tubed tires? The shrader valve will be attached to the tube.

If you have tubeless tires you don't have to remove the tire, just break the bead on one side. Easily done at home.

yamasukiman
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Re: Slow leak RZ valve stem

#8 Post by yamasukiman » Mon Aug 01, 2016 1:34 am

I thought the early style rz wheels needed an inner tube?
I know the later models are tubeless.

waltmil
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Re: Slow leak RZ valve stem

#9 Post by waltmil » Mon Aug 01, 2016 9:38 am

My US '84 actually has Tubeless on the wheel. My '76 RD400 used tubes in its cast wheels.
Red/White US '84, Spec II pipes, Y-boot w/K&N, Fox Shock, Mikuni carbs?

Bare
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Re: Slow leak RZ valve stem

#10 Post by Bare » Thu Aug 04, 2016 11:27 pm

If the goofy bolt on Valve stem Leaks?
Fit a tube... and sidestep the entire valve stem problem.

waltmil
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Re: Slow leak RZ valve stem

#11 Post by waltmil » Fri Aug 05, 2016 6:44 am

I am putting a new set of Continental Classic Attack radials on my '83 Vision and it has the same valve stem. Thought of this thread and looked at it. The rubber gasket is nice and pliable, no cracks. Not bad for 33 years so I cleaned it up and put it back.
Red/White US '84, Spec II pipes, Y-boot w/K&N, Fox Shock, Mikuni carbs?

75RD350rider
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Re: Slow leak RZ valve stem

#12 Post by 75RD350rider » Sun Aug 21, 2016 10:35 pm

Image20mb image hosting

Off to the bike shop 1st thing in the morning....
I love the smell of Blue Marble in the morning!
Tim Steele in Front Royal, VA

75RD350rider
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Re: Slow leak RZ valve stem

#13 Post by 75RD350rider » Tue Aug 23, 2016 5:05 pm

All back together. No leaks and the local dealers service department did a fine job replacing the valve stem amd rebalancing the wheel.
I love the smell of Blue Marble in the morning!
Tim Steele in Front Royal, VA

75RD350rider
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Re: Slow leak RZ valve stem

#14 Post by 75RD350rider » Thu Aug 25, 2016 1:56 am

Checked it today and a good thing I did. Gauge read 10 PSI. Called dealer and the redo (with a tube) is free. Just gotta pull the wheel back off.
I love the smell of Blue Marble in the morning!
Tim Steele in Front Royal, VA

hondaror
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Re: Slow leak RZ valve stem

#15 Post by hondaror » Sun Nov 20, 2016 9:58 pm

Are you sure it was the valve leaking and not the rim?. Many rims develop holes over time, porous aluminum with internal oxidization. You might want to dunk that whole rim, with no tube installed.
Rory
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1985 RZ350
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