Presta and sludge

[dracaena]

I bought a very nice Shimano wheelset, but it only takes Presta valves.

 

 

 

After a previous buckling incident, I was very hesitant in getting the holes drilled bigger.

 

 

 

When I got home, I realised that the new tubes have no sludge in them, so off to the shops for some Stans. R200 later(they only had the large bottle)

 

 

 

Got home and realised I cannot add sludge to a Presta tube!

 

 

 

Off to the shops again to get some Dr Sludge pre-sludged tubes.

 

 

 

Got home, and the inner core was a bit stiff. I was not too fussed, since I assumed it's just the dried sludge that caused it. I pushed it in and out a bit.

 

 

 

Tried to pump it up and the "Joy" continued. The air kept on escaping once it got to a certain level.

 

 

 

I quickly unhooked the pump with the presta adaptor and try and close it before too much air escapes. I repeated this exercise quite a few times...

 

 

 

BUT even when closing the valve the air still escapes.

 

Basically on "close" air still escape. So it is not closing properly.

 

 

 

I tried this with both tubes. Same thing.

 

 

 

So, my tech questions are:

 

Are these tubes just buggered?

 

Is there a any way to get sludge in the normal presta tubes that DOES close?

 

Any other advice?

 

And please remember that I just forked out R400 plus on this little exercise.

 

And please don't tell me to go tubeless. :-)

 

 

 

Thanks!

[dirtrider]

Presta , that the big valve ?

[dracaena]

No, not the normal car-like one. It's the little bastard...

[dirtrider]

oooh u got a problem . You must get the tubes with removable valve (very common).

[dirtrider]

OOhh and did I mention that you should go tubeless ?

[dracaena]

Let me get this straight: The sum total of the advice so far is, drill a hole to fit Schrader valves OR go tubeless.

 

 

 

Thanks for nothing.

[bikemonster]

Hubber in worthless free advice shocker.

 

 

 

Ok then, you gracious MTBer, you, try this...

 

 

 

Buy regular non-slugde choobs and use a syringe to pierce the choobs and put the sludge inside them. Yes, you'll have holes in your choobs, but the sludge will (should) seal up the holes.

[Eldron]

Let me get this straight: The sum total of the advice so far is' date=' drill a hole to fit Schrader valves OR go tubeless.

Thanks for nothing. [/quote']

Don't ask questions - just go tubeless - the advantages outweight the money and effort you've just spent.

 

Lower pressures = better grip (and lower rolling resistance according to new theories - note theories - we haven't seen numbers yet).

Lighter

Better self sealing than slime tubes

No pinch flats

 

Just do it!

[dracaena]

Now this is a shocker! Actual useful advice! Thanks bikemonster!

 

I will try that and come crying when it does not work.

 

 

 

(And for those that need to, please look up facetious)

 

 

 

 

[dirtrider]

Ja sure drill a bigger hole . It will not only make your rim a few grams lighter but you will also have a set of not so nice Shimano rims . I am keen to see the syring thing working . You be lucky to get 10mil into a toob before the sludge blocks the needle .

[dracaena]

Thanks, it's off to my local friendly drug dealer for a syringe tomorrow.

 

Will keep you posted.

[bikemonster]

Now this is a shocker! Actual useful advice! Thanks bikemonster!

 

I will try that and come crying when it does not work.

 

 

 

(And for those that need to' date=' please look up facetious)

 

 

 

[/quote']

 

 

 

Not sure which of your statements is the facetious one. I've not tried the technique myself, but I read it in a cycling magazine once, so it must be true.

[Gansbay]

Also reluctant to drill out my rims so...

 

screw out brass end as far as it will go by hand

then use a long nosed pliar to remove it off the seal stem

catch the seal stem INSIDE the tube and hold it carefully

squirt sludge into the now open valve

push the stem back in and clean threaded bit

carefully reattach the brass end and screw it in

again the first bit will acquire long nosed pliars

there should be enough resistance to prevent the brass end from screwing completely off if you ever have to reinflate the tube

 

wala!

[dracaena]

The facetious comment was not meant for you.

 

Thanks for your advice :-0

[dracaena]

Gansbay, what you are suggesting is a bit above my manual abilities....

[Gansbay]

It's easier than what you think - if you happen to loose the little stem just let the valve hang at the bottom (keep the valve closed with your finger so sludge doesn't come back out) locate the stem and stick the thin bit back in.  It has happened once to me!

Worth a try I think

 

BTW if you are going to use a syringe get a biggish one (say 20ml) and don't use a needle, make a small puncture and stretch the tube over the syringe nozzle - no blockage then.  I friend uses this technique but I find it too fiddly