andyb Posted June 17, 2019 Report Share Posted June 17, 2019 In the almost 4 years I've owned my CTLSi, I've probably had 8 flat tires. The most recent one was from a Desser tube and tire that was replaced during my annual 2 years ago. While I realize that they're very sensitive to being installed and inflated properly, in this case for sure it was properly inflated, and it was installed by a very experienced/capable CT A&P. And, of course, it was fine for 2 years. Often times, like this one, it just got flat while in my hangar. Any throughts? Different tubes maybe? Thanks! Andy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al Downs Posted June 17, 2019 Report Share Posted June 17, 2019 If nothing was found that punctured it. I was either low pressure ;and cold weather or maybe a poor tube. I used to get them all the time until I started making the students check tire pressure all the time. Especially in the winter. Haven't had one in a couple of years now Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FlyingMonkey Posted June 17, 2019 Report Share Posted June 17, 2019 Pinched tubes between the wheel halves, probably. I had it happen once. When you put the tubes in, inflate them a bit so they hold a good shape, and be very careful when you put the two wheel halves together to keep the tube away from the seam all the way around. Also, use the Desser "Leakguard" tubes, they are much thicker and less prone to leaks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EB3 Posted June 19, 2019 Report Share Posted June 19, 2019 Went to the hangar this morning to drop off some things and found one of my main tires flat - again. That's my 3rd flat on the mains in the 11 months I've owned my CTLS. Both were due to punctures, probably mesquite thorns. So, I get to fix another @#%&ing flat! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Madhatter Posted June 19, 2019 Report Share Posted June 19, 2019 My experience with Desser. I have had tubes from desser for type certified aircraft go flat. The problem was that the tubes were larger than normal and would get a fold inside the tire and would fail in a few months. These tubes were made in Mexico and were supposed to be certified. I only use high quality tubes now . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Warmi Posted June 19, 2019 Report Share Posted June 19, 2019 Tubes grow with use - were these new tubes that were getting pinched ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al Downs Posted June 19, 2019 Report Share Posted June 19, 2019 I know this sounds simple and almost impossible to believe but it is very difficult to put tubes in if they are Matco wheels. It take an extreme amount of care. There is no room for error. Use some clamps and make absolutely sure by using a flashlight to look in and verify the wheel is not pinching the tube. Sometimes you can pinch a tube and it will last for a while before deciding to go flat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Madhatter Posted June 19, 2019 Report Share Posted June 19, 2019 The tubes I had were new, bought by a friend for his plane. Desser replaced them but I did not use them. There were no identifying marks on them other than "Made in Mexico". I only use Goodyear or equivalent quality. I have never folded or pinched a tube in over 45 yrs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ben2k9 Posted June 19, 2019 Report Share Posted June 19, 2019 I just switched to the heavy duty tubes and Matco wheels. So far, so good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Philip Welsch Posted June 19, 2019 Report Share Posted June 19, 2019 I had similar problem here in New Mexico. Eight ply 400-6 tires, Desser "heavy duty tubes" and the Matco fishline method of tube installation solved it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WmInce Posted June 19, 2019 Report Share Posted June 19, 2019 I love Matco wheels and brakes. That withstanding, it is almost an art form to replace tubes in the wheels, without getting them pinched between the wheel halves. Especially with the tundra wheels. Tires and tubes are heavier and tougher to maneuver. That’s why I use 4 large “C” clamps (Home Depot Aviation Supply) and plenty of talcum powder. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al Downs Posted June 19, 2019 Report Share Posted June 19, 2019 Haven't heard of the Matco fish line. Can you explain? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Philip Welsch Posted June 20, 2019 Report Share Posted June 20, 2019 It's in the Matco instruction manual. You run fishline between tube and inside of wheel with tube partially inflated and wheel halves not tight. You can get all the way around to the valve in both directions. Tighten wheel bolts some and do it again. Do this until wheel halves are too tight to allow fishline movement. Torque wheel bolts and fully inflate tube. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al Downs Posted June 21, 2019 Report Share Posted June 21, 2019 I talked to Matco today and the person I Spoke to said he wasn't aware of an instruction book with the fish line method. They recommend using clamps to do the repair so you can see the center on all sides to be sure you don't pinch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Philip Welsch Posted June 21, 2019 Report Share Posted June 21, 2019 Matco Mfg WHLW162L Technical Service Guide REV A 05/08/08, Mounting the Tire and Tube page 12, lines 7 - 11 below the NOTE box. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al Downs Posted June 21, 2019 Report Share Posted June 21, 2019 thanks I will take a look Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.